Socrates

JUVENTUS - PARMA - Sunday, November 9th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Parma To Wear Green Strips Against Juventus For Charity Nov 6, 2014 Parma will wear green strips for their next match against Juventus as part of a local charity initiative. The one off tops will be auctioned following the game in order to raise funds for families whose homes were damaged by the floods which hit the Emilia-Romagna region in mid-October. “The proceeds will go to a charity to help those who were involved in the flooding from the Baganza River which affected the southern part of the city,” said club sporting director Pietro Leonardi. Floods hit several cities in Northern Italy last month and claimed the lives of three people. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS 3 - 2 Andrea Pirlo (21') Botía (24') D. Ndinga (61') Roberto Jiménez (65'-own goal) Paul Pogba (66') Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Martin Atkinson (England) Juventus show fluidity in attack, chaos at the back in win vs. Olympiakos Nov 4, 2014 The fans aged, manager Massimiliano Allegri looked on the verge of collapsing and club president Andrea Agnelli was barely capable of containing his nerves. Juventus defeated Olympiakos 3-2 but they made sure they did it the hard way, putting all those in attendance through a roller-coaster of emotions. Allegri finally did what so many have demanded, especially this particular blogger -- he played all four of his best players in midfield and created a side that was capable of attacking with more fluidly. Deploying a 4-3-1-2 formation, Juventus were dynamic, intense and ferocious when attacking, creating an abundance of opportunities to pile on the pressure. After so many games of dull and predictable build-up play, the Bianconeri were finally living up to their expectations, taking risks in a game that demanded victory. As Gianluigi Buffon noted perfectly in his post-match comments: "You can risk the one-on-one with defenders, but with players like ours I think we need to take more risks and accept those situations." Indeed. The problem on Tuesday night was Juve's inefficiency. Brilliant chances were being fashioned only for them to be sent out wide or into the sky. The finishing was simply not up to par. Despite the pressure, Olympiakos looked comfortable largely because they were only really requested to defend a small area. The Old Lady attacked mainly through the middle and failed to provide quality play on the wings that stretched their opponents. Quickly realising Juve's inefficiencies, Michel's men remained disciplined, closing down the space and seemingly happy to absorb the pressure, counterattacking when the opportunity arose. Juve had to rely on a free kick to score their first on the night. With Andrea Pirlo standing over the ball, he scored a majestic goal on his 100th appearance in the Champions League, right into the top corner. He delivered for the Old Lady of Italy when she needed it the most; sadly, her happiness was short-lived. In fact, it lasted all of three minutes. The beauty of Olympiakos' style is that they can play with or without the ball, and while they may not always create many chances on goal, their efficiency must be admired -- they can score from long-distance shots and are incredibly effective at set pieces. The latter method was exactly how they overcame their hosts, scoring their equaliser when Alberto Botia headed in a goal from a corner. His goal rendered the home crowd mute. Just as Juve finally improved their attacking play, showing courage and fluidity while pushing more bodies forward and increasing the tempo, their defending deteriorated, making the types of errors not befitting of an Italian side. Incapable of dealing with crosses and looking fragile every time the Greek side demonstrated their pace, it didn't take long before Olympiakos scored a second. Fortunately Allegri, an apparent master of substitutions, influenced the game yet again. He'd brought on Fernando Llorente on the 57th minute, taking off Alvaro Morata, who'd spent most of his night proving just how unselfish he is when the right decision was, on certain occasions, to take the shots himself. With his gigantic frame and ability to intimidate a centre-back or two, Llorente made an almost immediate impact. Knowing how to shield the ball and excellent at making the right decisions, he forced the second goal even if it was technically an own goal. A reference point with more confidence in the final third, he exploited his own strengths to make a difference. Only a minute after the home side celebrated their equaliser, Paul Pogba slotted in the third to give his side a slender lead. Juve had to demonstrate maturity to keep things tight at the back. It was a nervy ending, and fans will have felt anxious watching the Italians try to close out the final few minutes. Not only did the prospect of a third Olympiakos goal terrify them, but their own side needed another goal. With Carlos Tevez fouled in the box, the Bianconeri had a chance to finish off the match and gain a significant head-to-head advantage should both sides finish level on points. Sadly, Arturo Vidal failed to convert on a night when he played as a trequartista and performed rather well, with the exception of an individual mistake or two. Juventus absolutely must try to win the rest of their games to ensure they escape their group, and considering how difficult they made life for themselves against Olympiakos, it won't be easy. But with the team fluent in a new formation and physically capable of fighting until the last minute, fans shouldn't give up on them just yet. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS 3 - 2 Andrea Pirlo (21') Botía (24') D. Ndinga (61') Roberto Jiménez (65'-own goal) Paul Pogba (66') Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Martin Atkinson (England) Allegri: With 30 Minutes To Go Juve Were Out Of The Champions League Nov 4, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was happy with his side’s vital 3-2 win over Olympiacos in the Champions League and he feels his players deserved the win. The coach also felt that his side adapted well to a new tactical system that allowed them to create more going forwards. “The victory tonight was a good one, the boys deserved it,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “We missed a lot of chances in attack but the important thing was to win.” The coach was then asked for his views about the different set-up he adopted against the Greek side with Juve playing with four at the back instead of the usual three: “We already tried it at the start of the season but then to avoid disturbing the group from what they know well we went back to a three-man defence and made modifications to the system,” the tactician stated. “Today the boys did very well and I’m happy about what we did. “The side created something important tonight, 30 minutes from the end we were going out but now we are back on course also to finish even in the top spot.” Allegri was then quizzed about his side’s physical capabilities and how they transfer into European competition. “On a physical level opponents are far more ready but the technical level is also very high,” he said. “This evening the squad gave encouraging signals from this point of view.” The coach was also asked about whether star striker Carlos Tevez links up better with Fernando Llorente rather than Alvaro Morata. “They have different characteristics [Morata and Llorente],” he continued. “Morata attacks with more depth. “This evening Fernando [Llorente] came on and did well as a reference point in attack but Carlos can play well with both of them.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS 3 - 2 Andrea Pirlo (21') Botía (24') D. Ndinga (61') Roberto Jiménez (65'-own goal) Paul Pogba (66') Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Martin Atkinson (England) Juve comeback sinks Olympiacos Nov 4, 2014 Paul Pogba turned it around as Juventus beat Olympiacos 3-2, but Arturo Vidal had a last-gasp penalty saved. Elsewhere in the group, Atletico Madrid won 2-0 away to Malmo and go clear at the top on nine points, Juventus and Olympiacos now have six. This was a must-win game for the Bianconeri, who changed to a four-man defence with Arturo Vidal in a more advanced role in the diamond midfield. Kwadwo Asamoah and Vidal shook off injuries to start, while Angelo Ogbonna was only fit for the bench, but Martin Caceres, Andrea Barzagli and Patrice Evra were sidelined. Jorge Benitez missed out for the visitors, but Olympiacos were confident after beating Juve 1-0 in Athens to go joint top of the group. Andrea Pirlo marked his 100th Champions League appearance, only the second Italian to achieve this milestone after Paolo Maldini. Roberto fingertipped Claudio Marchisio’s strike out from under the bar. Paul Pogba was brought down just outside the box and it was the perfect position for Pirlo to curl his trademark free kick into the near top corner. The midfielder also netted a similar strike against Empoli at the weekend, putting injury problems behind him. However, it lasted only three minutes. Gigi Buffon fumbled a cross in the heavy rain and from that corner Alberto Botia got in front of Giorgio Chiellini for a splendid header. Leonardo Bonucci nodded over and Alvaro Morata prodded wide as Roberto came tearing out. Vidal went down under pressure from Eric Abidal, but seemed more eager to look for a foul than take the chance. Nobody could get the final touch to an Asamoah ball across the face of goal, then Pogba drilled wide. After the restart Vidal wasted a huge opportunity. Tevez surged forward and passed to the Chilean, who tried to pass back rather than go for goal one-on-one with Roberto and it was intercepted. Olympiacos weathered the pressure and took the lead in Turin against the run of play. A free kick was only flicked on and Delvin N’Dinga was allowed to nod in from six yards. Fernando Llorente came off the bench and was decisive, as his header took a deflection, hit the upright and bounced in off helpless goalkeeper Roberto. That got Juve’s tails up and Pogba turned the game around completely just 46 seconds later by drilling in from the edge of the box. It was the Frenchman’s first Champions League goal, scored on his 100th appearance for the Old Lady. Claudio Marchisio went off with a groin injury, while Elabdellaoui had a huge chance when he dribbled past Asamoah to flash his shot across Buffon, inches past the far post. Another goal would be important to give Juve a superior head-to-head record with Olympiacos, but Llorente’s header was charged down and Tevez turned the follow-up off target from close range. Roberto’s one-handed save denied Roberto Pereyra and Llorente fired over, but deep into stoppages Milivojevic brought down Tevez for a penalty. However, Vidal stepped up and rounded off a poor individual performance by seeing Roberto fingertip the penalty on to the crossbar. That could’ve been a very valuable goal indeed in terms of the group dynamics. Juventus 3-2 Olympiacos Scorers: Pirlo 21 (J), Botia 24 (O), N’Dinga 61 (O), Roberto og 65 (J), Pogba 66 (J) Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Asamoah (Pereyra 82); Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio (Padoin 70); Morata (Llorente 57), Tevez Olympiacos: Roberto; Elabdellaoui, Botia, Abidal, Masuaku; Maniatis (Diamantakos 82), N’Dinga (Kasami 77), Milivojevic; Afellay, Dominguez (Fuster 71); Mitroglou Ref: Atkinson (ENG) Saved penalty: Vidal 94 (J) http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS 3 - 2 Andrea Pirlo (21') Botía (24') D. Ndinga (61') Roberto Jiménez (65'-own goal) Paul Pogba (66') Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Martin Atkinson (England) Juventus 3-2 Olympiakos: Pogba saves hosts' blushes The Bianconeri surrendered a one goal lead to go one behind against the Greek side, but an own goal and a strike from the French midfielder saw them rescue the points. Nov 4, 2014 Juventus came from behind to beat Olympiakos 3-2 and breathe life into their Champions League campaign. The defending Serie A champions were knocked out of the competition in the group stages last term and a repeat looked on the cards just after the hour-mark on Tuesday. Juve - who had already lost two of three Group A matches - trailed 2-1 when Delvin N'Dinga headed Giannis Maniatis' cross in to silence the home fans. Alberto Botia had earlier levelled for the Greek giants, cancelling out Andrea Pirlo's free-kick in his 100th appearance in Europe's premier club competition. But Juve produced a spirited comeback as Roberto's unfortunate 65th-minute own goal was followed by Paul Pogba's winner a minute later. Arturo Vidal's then failed to score a penalty but Juve took home the points, pulling them level with Olympiakos and three points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid - who won 2-0 at Malmo. Juve were brighter in the opening stages, but were limited to efforts from distance - Claudio Marchisio with the best opportunity as his fizzing strike was smartly palmed over by Roberto. It was a strike from outside the box that gave the hosts the lead, though, as Pirlo netted his second free-kick in four days. The 35-year-old - who opened the scoring from a set-piece for Juve in their 2-0 win at Empoli on Saturday - curled into the top-left corner from 25 yards in trademark fashion in the 21st minute. But Olympiakos quickly drew level after Gianluigi Buffon turned an Ibrahim Afellay cross behind for a corner instead of catching it - something he could have done comfortably. Buffon's unorthodox piece of goalkeeping cost Juve as Botia beat Giorgio Chiellini and saw his glancing header hit the net from Alejandro Dominguez's corner. Juve could have gone ahead again from another Pirlo free-kick, but Leonardo Bonucci headed over, and while the visitors remained a threat on the counter-attack, the chances kept coming for Allegri's men. Alvaro Morata first poked wide of the onrushing Roberto before Marchisio somehow missed the target from close range after Kwadwo Asamoah's excellent cross from the left. Juve turned the screw after the break but Vidal's attempted square for a free Carlos Tevez was blocked, while the Chilean also nodded wide. Olympiakos then took the lead in the 61st minute as a Dominguez free-kick was hooked back into the box by captain Maniatis, with N'Dinga reacting quickest to direct it into the top-right corner. The goal could have floored Juve, but they showed impressive resolve and drew level when Botia's inadvertent flick-on hit Llorente, and the ball ricocheted off the post and in via the unwitting Roberto's back. Pogba then crowned his 100th Juventus appearance with his first Champions League goal as his attempted back-heel hit Botia and came back to him, the Frenchman lashing home from the edge of the penalty area. Llorente - who made a significant contribution off the bench - had a header blocked before Tevez turned wide, while the Spaniard also fired over in the closing stages. Vidal had the chance to add gloss to the scoreline in the 95th minute, after Tevez was brought down in the area, but saw his penalty superbly kept out by Roberto. Three goals proved enough for Juve, though, as they claimed an important victory. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) ‘Pressure more on Juventus’ Nov 3, 2014 David Fuster believes that Juventus will face the greater pressure tomorrow, but that Olympiacos will again look to cause an upset. The Greeks have piled on the pressure on tomorrow’s hosts, having defeat them 1-0 in the last round of the Champions League group stages. Preparing for the return match in Turin tomorrow night, Olympiacos’ Fuster has outlined the mentality his team will have. “I don’t know if it is compulsory for us to win tomorrow,” began the Spanish striker to reporters today. “It is important to get a result. We are here for the three points, but they also want to win, whilst they are also facing the greater pressure. “We must try to get the best result. We prepare for every game as intensely as any other and tomorrow we will have the chances to play and to win and we will try to get the best possible result.” Fuster has previously scored against notable opposition including Metalist, Arsenal, Rubin Kazan and Borussia Dortmund. “It’s true that I have not scored of late, but if the Coach gives me an opportunity to play then I will definitely give the best for myself and for the team. “We will try to find this goal to give us the victory, perhaps taking away with us the most important result for our team. I, together, my teammates.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) ‘Olympiacos want to repeat win’ Nov 3, 2014 Michel says Olympiacos are taking inspiration from their win over Juventus in visiting Turin tomorrow evening in the Champions League. Ahead of fourth round of group stage action, it was put to the Greeks’ Coach that this game is an opportunity for him to personally avenge the last time he was in the Italian city, as a Real Madrid player when they went 2-0 down to the Bianconeri. “No, this has nothing to do with that, it is the same place but with a different name,” Michel began in response to reporters. “I also prefer never to speak about the past, you always remind me. I particularly remember the negative things. Now I am here with another job and another objective.” That is following up the last round’s 1-0 win over Max Allegri’s side, which was in part inspired by goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez’s saves. “But the whole team played very well throughout the game. If we think back to that game then I believe that for the whole match we played very well, against a tough and strong opponent. “This gives us the desire to repeat the result tomorrow, and we will always try to give more than we did in the first leg. “We do not think about the consecutive wins for Juventus at home [23], we cannot think about that. We do not believe the numbers. I return to the question asked to [David] Fuster, certainly it is a vital game for Juventus, for us it is not so. “We want to do our best, we hope for the best possible result and we will push for the best possible result. “Our domestic form isn’t there? It’s a fact, we are doing very well in the Champions League, but we are not in our usual position in the League. “I always tell the players that the most important thing is not the enemy but the shirt that we wear. Independent of the results.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) ‘Juventus need nerves of steel’ Nov 3, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri says his Juventus side will need nerves of steel if they are to beat Olympiacos and reignite their Champions League campaign. The Bianconeri lost in Greece on their last Champions League outing, putting Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid in the driving seat as far as qualification is concerned. Conventional wisdom would dictate that the Greek Champions may be happy with a draw in Turin tomorrow night, but Juve’s Coach expects a similar performance to the one in Athens. “I expect them to do more-or-less what they did in Athens,” Allegri told his pre-match Press conference. “It’s us who will have to play differently, we have to be better on a technical level because in Athens we had many poor passages of play, particularly in the first half, and we’re at home so we have to play with greater intensity. “Having said that, we have 95 minutes to win the game, so we shouldn’t get anxious or hurried. “It will take a lot of patience, and we will need to have nerves of steel and use all the time that we have available to bring home the result which matters to us.” Having lost 1-0 in the away fixture, the Old Lady would need a 2-0 victory or better tomorrow night to gain a head-to-head advantage over the Greek side, which could prove crucial should the two finish level on points. Allegri is adamant however, that the first priority is simply to win. “It’s important that we win first of all, then maybe try to win by two goals as it would be important if it comes down to head-to-head. “But for now let’s just see if we can win, then we’ll think about winning by two goals because it’s by no means simple.” The Bianconeri were heavily criticised in the wake of the Olympiacos defeat for failing to impose themselves on the game in the first half, an issue which has been increasingly discussed about the Scudetto winners all season. “In regard to us playing better in the second half I think that’s true,” Allegri conceded. “But it’s proof that we have a good team, because it’s a team which grows into games in the second half. “As I’ve often said, I’d like to win every game in the first half, but sometimes this doesn’t happen, and having a team which plays right up until the 95th minute, and always increases the pace in the second half is very important, particularly because other teams tend to drop off a bit in the second half.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Michel targets Juventus scalp Nov 3, 2014 Olympiacos manager Michel has said that he is confident his side can beat Juventus in their Champions League Group A match on Tuesday evening. The Greek champions claimed a 1-0 victory when the two sides met in Athens last month and Michel has insisted that they can repeat that result in Turin. "If we think back to that game then I believe that for the whole match we played very well, against a tough and strong opponent," he told reporters. "This gives us the desire to repeat the result tomorrow, and we will always try to give more than we did in the first leg. "We do not think about the consecutive wins for Juventus at home [23], we cannot think about that. We do not believe the numbers. I return to the question asked to [David] Fuster, certainly it is a vital game for Juventus, for us it is not so. "We want to do our best, we hope for the best possible result and we will push for the best possible result." Olympiacos are currently top of Group A with six points. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Marchisio: Approach always right Nov 3, 2014 Claudio Marchisio believes Juventus always have the ‘right approach and motivation’ for Champions League games, as he looks ahead to Olympiacos. The midfielder, who also previewed the game in front of the media earlier today, has confidence in his side’s mindset ahead of tomorrow’s must-win match against the Greeks. “The approach and the motivation behind these games is always right,” Marchisio has commented this evening to Sky Sport 24. “We certainly do not want to repeat the first half that was played in Athens, on the part of the players. “But, tomorrow we play at home and have the fans that are always close to us, and who always give us a hand. And as Andrea Pirlo said, this is basically a final for us. “How do we approach this sort of game? Being aware of our strength. In having this knowledge we can be calm and play like we always have. “And then the result with one or two goals in our favour would be convenient [for the head-to-head], but the important thing is to take the three points and then think about the next game.” Juve head into this European match having regained their three-point lead in Serie A. “Is that a boost? Well there are certainly other ways to arrive. Knowing that we are again three points clear of Roma allows us to relax heading into this game. “But our team is so mature in respect that we are only focused on the Champions League.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Allegri: Juventus Must Remain Calm And Beat Olympiacos Nov 3, 2014 Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has urged his players to remain calm for their Champions League match at home against Olympiacos on Tuesday. The Bianconeri will be looking to secure a victory in Turin after suffering a 1-0 defeat to the Thrylos in Greece on October 22 and the tactician is confident that his team will be able to take advantage of playing at home in order to keep their hopes of advancing past the group stage alive. Allegri spoke during his pre-match press conference on Monday about what he expects to see from Juventus and the challenge Olympiacos may present, while also insisting that there is no reason why Juve shouldn’t be able to remain in the Champions League this season despite a rocky start to their European campaign. “We have to remain calm and we must not be too overwhelmed by too much weight from the outside,” said the 47-year-old. “Tomorrow is an important test to be addressed as a great team, we will need to tackle the challenge with great concentration and play well. “We can definitely play in the next round. Everything happens in football but we must win. “I don’t have to change anything about the formation. We’ll see how Angelo Ogbonna and Kwadwo Asamoah how are doing and work from there. If anything, we can also use Simone Padoin, he’s a reliable player and I’m not worried. “I expect the match to be similar to the previous one in Athens. We’ll have to play under the same technical plan, but with more intensity since we’ll be at home. We have to use all of the time available. “To tell you who I’ll choose to play tomorrow would be impossible. I’ll base my decisions on how everyone is doing in training. “Alvaro Morata had done well at Empoli and Fernando Llorente is fine, but this is still a choice I won’t make until tomorrow morning. “The fact the we can do well in the second half after a bad first half is proof that we’re a good team. Of course I’d rather have us improve and do well throughout the whole match, but it’s still important because most teams usually fall in the second half unlike us. “I don’t think our group is that tough. Unfortunately, in the previous meetings with Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, the team did not deserve to lose. “This makes the choices even more difficult. When you have an important squad it’s complicated to leave anyone out, but I have to play the game so I have to choose. “I have no doubt that we will have a great audience tomorrow because it’s been special so far. Tomorrow it’s important, for the type of match it will be, that we remain united with the fans. “In footballing terms it will be a very tough match so there must be a beautiful atmosphere with great enthusiasm, attention and tension. I want positivity because we are able to win this game.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Juve include Asamoah & Ogbonna Nov 3, 2014 Juventus name a 21-man squad to face Olympiacos in tomorrow’s must-win Champions League affair, including Kwadwo Asamoah and Angelo Ogbonna. The Bianconeri are looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats in Europe at home to the Greeks in midweek, and have received a boost with the inclusion of Asamoah and Ogbonna. The duo were significant doubts for the game having picked up knocks in the weekend win at Empoli, but have seemingly done enough to prove their fitness in training this afternoon. Martin Caceres does not make the cut, whilst Juve are also still without the likes of Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra and Luca Marrone, leaving the back-line again looking stretched. Juventus squad to face Olympiacos: 1 Buffon, 2 Romulo, 3 Chiellini, 5 Ogbonna, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Morata, 10 Tevez, 11 Coman, 12 Giovinco, 14 Llorente, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 26 Lichtsteiner, 30 Storari, 34 Rubinho, 37 Pereyra, 38 Mattiello http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Allegri: Win or bust for Juventus against Olympiakos The Bianconeri sit third in Group A, three points behind both the Greeks and Atletico Madrid, meaning they are in dire need of a victory in Turin. Nov 3, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has called for calm ahead of Juventus' Champions League clash with Olympiakos - but conceded that nothing less than victory will suffice for the Italian champions. A 1-0 loss in Piraeus last time out has left the Bianconeri third in Group A, three points adrift of both their Greek opponents and second-placed Atletico Madrid. Consequently, while defeat at home to Olympiakos would not mathematically end Juve's hopes of reaching the knockout stage, the Turin outfit desperately need a win. There have been calls in the press for the Scudetto holders to go for the jugular right from the first whistle but Allegri is pleading patience. "We need to remain calm and not get carried away by what everyone is writing," the Juve coach told reporters on Monday. "Tuesday evening will be an important test and we must play well and with great intensity. "We need to win. We're playing for nearly everything [in terms of the group]. We have only three points and we must remedy this situation. "But we must play a different game on a technical level to the one we played in Athens. No anxiety. No rush. "We must exploit all of the time at our disposal to get the result we want." Allegri admitted, though, that he does not yet know what formation he will play because of doubts over the fitness of Kwadwo Asamoah and Angelo Ogbonna. The former AC Milan boss must also decide whether Alvaro Morata - who scored in the 2-0 win over Serie A rivals Empoli at the weekend - should continue up front in place of the out-of-form Fernando Llorente. "We'll see how Asamoah and Ogbanna are," Allegri explained. "I'll decide the formation based on their recoveries. "Simone Padoin can play on the left side anyway. He's reliable from a technical and tactical perspective. "As for Morata and Llorente, I'll decide tomorrow [Tuesday] morning. "For me, it's impossible to tell you who will play now. The guys still have to train." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Padoin could face Olympiacos Nov 3, 2014 Simone Padoin could be thrust into the Juventus side to face Olympiacos tomorrow night, should Kwadwo Asamoah fail a fitness test. Both the Ghanaian and central defender Angelo Ogbonna are struggling with injuries after Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Empoli. It adds further woe to an already threadbare Juventus defence, with Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone, Martin Caceres and Patrice Evra also sidelined. Former Atalanta man Padoin has made only 21 starts in his four seasons in Turin, but Allegri insists he would have no concerns about throwing the 30-year-old in at the Champions League deep end. “There’s absolutely no need to ‘invent’ anything,” Allegri told journalists in his Press conference ahead of the Olympiacos game. “Let’s see how Asamoah and Ogbonna both are, I’ll pick the team based on how well these two recover. “In the event that we’re without both, Padoin can easily play left-wing-back. “He did well when he came on at Empoli, he’s reliable on a technical level, and especially on a tactical level, so as far as that goes I’m not at all worried. “Having said that, it would be important to get them [Asamoah and Ogbonna] back so that I have a number of extra players to choose from.” Young striker Alvaro Morata played from the start in the win over Empoli, impressing with his performance and scoring the second goal. However, Allegri refused to be drawn on whether the former Real Madrid man would be preferred to compatriot Fernando Llorente tomorrow. “It’s virtually impossible to tell you now who’ll play tomorrow, because we’ve still got another training session. “I’ll see if Ogbonna and Asamoah will be available and based on that I’ll make my choices accordingly. “Morata did well at Empoli, he scored a goal, but Llorente is pretty good and getting better so I’ll save that choice for tomorrow morning.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Allegri: Fans crucial for Juventus Nov 3, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has issued a rallying cry to Juventus fans ahead of the all-important Champions League game with Olympiacos tomorrow night. After suffering two defeats in their previous two Champions League fixtures, the Bianconeri cannot afford another slip-up and their Coach has called on the Juve support to power his team to victory. “The fans so far have been exceptional,” Allegri said in his pre-match Press conference today. “It’s only right that tomorrow will be a special game, especially because of the importance of the game. “Tomorrow we will have to suffer, to be in the game all together, us primarily, and the fans with us. “Tomorrow we need a contribution from everyone, because there will be times when we’re in difficultly, because we’re definitely talking about a game of great tension. “So tomorrow from the first whistle to the last, I think there has to be a great atmosphere of tension, attention and most of all enthusiasm on our part and on the part of the fans. “We have to be very positive right up until the end, because we are capable of winning this game tomorrow night.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Allegri: We have to win Nov 3, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has called on Juventus to beat Olympiacos tomorrow night in their do-or-die Champions League clash: “We have to win.” The Bianconeri have lost their two previous Champions League ties losing to tomorrow’s opponents in Greece as well as being defeated in Spain by Atletico Madrid. The former Milan Coach took charge of a number of Champions League ties while on the San Siro bench, and has dismissed the suggestion that Juventus are historically inferior to the Diavolo on the European stage. “Firstly, if we’re going to improve it’s important not to get carried away by this notion from outside that Juventus struggle in Europe,” Allegri declared in his pre-match Press conference. “Juventus have played many finals [four since the advent of the Champions League], they just haven’t won many of the ones they’ve played [one from those four, in 1996]. “Tomorrow is a major test against a team that plays good football, a team that beat Atletico Madrid and Juventus in their last two home games so we have to approach this game with a great deal of focus, and play well with a lot of intensity. “It’s 95 minutes where we’re almost certainly playing for qualification. After that it’s football, and anything can happen, but tomorrow I think we have to win.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Marchisio: Juventus only lack results Nov 3, 2014 Claudio Marchisio has defended Juventus’ record in Europe, insisting the Old Lady only need to improve in getting the result their play deserves. Juve face a crucial match with OIympiacos at Juventus Stadium tomorrow night, having lost their last two Champions League ties to Atletico Madrid and the Greeks. Their versatile midfielder believes the Scudetto winners have what it takes to progress. “It all depends on tomorrow’s game,” Marchisio told a Press conference ahead of the game. “It’s the first crucial game of our season and we face an opponent who will not be easy to beat. “They beat us in their stadium, as they did Atletico Madrid, but tomorrow we are at Juventus Stadium, we know that having our fans behind us will give us a big boost and we have to continue as we have been. “We have the second best defence in Europe, and when you consider the few players we have available in defence, they are playing every game they are doing a great job. “The plaudits shouldn’t go only to the defence though, as the whole team has worked well. “Look at games like the one in Madrid, where unlike you in the Italian Press, who immediately sought to knock us down as a team which struggles in Europe, the Spanish Press gave Juventus a lot of compliments for the game we played. “It’s been a while since they’ve seen an Italian team in Spain be competitive for 90 minutes, even in the games against Real Madrid [last season], we caused them a lot of problems but didn’t get the result. “Maybe that’s what we need to improve. As the Coach [Allegri] said [after the Genoa defeat] there are some games where, if you can’t win, you have to get at least a draw. “In the Champions League in particular that can make a real difference in getting to the next round.” The Italy international also spoke about the reasons for the Bianconeri’s perceived struggles on the continent. “It’s not just different for Juve, but for all the Italian teams. For Italian football. “We’ve seen in recent years that the biggest difference for the big teams in Italy is that in Europe you face opponents who are much more prepared to take teams on, use the ball and play football. “In Italy, nine-times-out-of-10 we face teams that change their style of play against the big teams and camp out in their own half and try to defend with 10 men behind the ball. “This was indubitably the biggest difference, but in recent years… the first year we got out of the group and achieved a very important goal. “Last year it’s true we went out in the group stage, but the team continued in the Europa League and to play in a semi-final was very important. There has been a growing process. “Now we come into this challenge [with Olympiacos] ready for what is the first crucial game of the season.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

Pogba salary could reach €6.5m Nov 3, 2014 Paul Pogba could become the highest paid player in Serie A if he stays with Juventus for the next three years, it has been reported. The France international recently signed a new contract with the Bianconeri which runs until 2019, with his salary seen as rising to €4.5m per year from €1.5m. However, La Stampa - owned by the Agnelli family which also controls Juventus - reports that in addition to the aforementioned increase, Pogba’s salary will rise for every year he remains in Turin. The newspaper states that should Pogba stay for the next three seasons and reach a certain number of appearances, the former Manchester United midfielder will see his wage rise to €6.5m. As things stand, that figure would see the 21-year-old match Daniele De Rossi as the highest paid player in Serie A.

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Juventus-Olympiakos Preview: It's a final, says Pirlo The midfielder talked up the importance of his side getting three points from the clash, as they find themselves three points off the top of Group A. Nov 3, 2014 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo feels Tuesday's Champions League clash with Olympiakos is "like a final" for the Italian giants. The three-time defending Serie A champions are in need of a positive result, or they could face an improbable task to qualify from Group A. Away defeats at Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos have left them with three points from as many matches, and another slip-up could prove costly for a side who failed reach the knockout stages last term. Both Atletico and Olympiakos are three points ahead of Juve, who bounced back from a four-match winless run on the road in all competitions with a 2-0 league success at Empoli on Saturday. Pirlo opened the scoring on that occasion, with coach Massimilano Allegri hoping his first goal of the campaign will be "a psychological breakthrough" for the 35-year-old this season. And the veteran is under no illusions as to the importance of Tuesday's match, telling Juventus' official website: "[saturday's win] was an important sign, mainly for ourselves. "That enables us to prepare as best we can for Tuesday's game. "It's like a final and we must put in a great performance because only one result will do." Allegri had described Juve's recent away form as a "disaster" prior to the Empoli trip, so the three points are sure to have come as a welcome relief for the new coach. He will also take heart from Alvaro Morata's goal, with the Spaniard impressing in recent cameos. Juve - three points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A - meet an Olympiakos side who were frustrated in a goalless draw at Asteras Tripolis on Saturday. The defending Greek Super League champions risked falling further behind leaders PAOK with the stalemate, which came despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men in the first half. Olympiakos boss Michel rested Ibrahim Afellay, Leandro Salino and Delvin N'Dinga for the draw, while Botia missed out due to a viral infection. Fans of the club will not have happy memories of their last visit to Turin as Juve romped to a 7-0 win. David Trezeguet scored twice for the hosts in the group stage match in December 2003. Olympiakos' home form in the Champions League in recent years has been outstanding, with victories over Arsenal, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid particularly notable. And of course they beat Juve 1-0 at the venue last month - Pajtim Kasami's winner sure to give them further confidence. LAST FIVE MATCHES Juventus W L W L D 2014/11/01 - Empoli 0 - 2 Juventus 2014/10/29 - Genoa 1 - 0 Juventus 2014/10/26 - Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo 2014/10/22 - Olympiakos 1 - 0 Juventus 2014/10/18 - Sassuolo 1 - 1 Juventus Olympiakos Piraeus D D W W W 2014/11/01 - Asteras Tripolis 0 - 0 Olympiakos 2014/10/29 - Olympiakos 1 - 1 Panionios 2014/10/26 - Olympiakos 1 - 0 Panathinaikos 2014/10/22 - Olympiakos 1 - 0 Juventus 2014/10/18 - Ergotelis 2 - 3 Olympiakos HEAD TO HEAD 2014/10/22 - Olympiakos Piraeus 1 - 0 Juventus 2003/12/10 - Juventus 7 - 0 Olympiakos Piraeus 2003/09/30 - Olympiakos Piraeus 1 - 2 Juventus http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Vidal enjoys Allegri's Juve Nov 2, 2014 Arturo Vidal praised Coach Max Allegri and sets the bar high for Juventus in the Champions League. The Bianconeri went three points clear at the top of the Serie A table after beating Empoli 2-0, as Roma lost by the same result at Napoli. “It is always important to be on top,” the Chile midfielder told Sky Sport Italia. “Roma are strong and if Napoli continue to play like that then they can do great things too.” Coach Allegri complained this week that critics were too harsh on his Juventus. “I get on very well in the Coach’s tactical system, as I have more freedom to roam in attack. I am getting close to 100 per cent fitness,” noted Vidal. On Tuesday Juventus host Olympiacos in a must-win Champions League match. “We are in good condition and this game with Olympiacos is like a Final for us. How far can we go? First of all let’s get out of the group, then quarter or semi-finals would be positive, even if winning the Champions League is a dream for anyone.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Preview: Juventus vs. Olympiacos Nov 2, 2014 Olympiacos have the chance to take another step towards reaching the Champions League knockout stages when they meet Juventus in Turin on Tuesday. The Greek side were tipped by many to struggle in a Group A which included Juve and Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, but they find themselves in second spot at the halfway stage. A Pajtim Kasami winner and an impressive goalkeeping display from Roberto made the difference when Olympiacos managed to claim a shock 1-0 victory over the Old Lady a fortnight ago. However, confidence has taken a hit in recent weeks due to disappointing draws with domestic rivals Panionios and Asteras Tripolis. Juventus continue to dominate in Serie A, and held onto a three-point advantage at the top of the table with a 2-0 victory over Empoli on Saturday evening. However, carrying that form into the Champions League has been a problem for Massimiliano Allegri's side, who have only picked up three points in the competition so far, finding the net just twice in the process. There are no new injury concerns for either side, meaning that Carlos Tevez and Paul Pogba are likely to reclaim their starting spots for Juventus after being used as substitutes on the weekend. Recent form Juventus: W D L W L W Olympiacos: L W W W D D Possible starting lineups Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner; Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Giovinco, Tevez Olympiacos: Roberto; Maniatis, Botia, Elabdellaoui, Abidal; Masuaku, Milivojevic, N'Dinga, Dominguez, Kasami; Mitroglu Sports Mole says: 2-0 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Juventus Duo Facing Race Against Time For Fitness Nov 2, 2014 Juventus are sweating over the fitness of both Angelo Ogbonna and Kwadwo Asamoah ahead of their Champions League tie against Olympiacos this week. Both players started the Bianconeri’s 2-0 win over Empoli on Saturday night but neither man made it to the end with both being substituted before the end of the contest. Ogbonna and Asamoah are each undergoing fitness tests while their teammates are in recovery sessions at Vinovo on Sunday to help the club understand the extent of their injuries. However, Massimiliano Allegri already has a plan in place to deal with the Greeks should neither man manage to make it back in time to feature in Turin. With Andrea Barzagli also currently sidelined, Martin Caceres or Luca Marrone could fill in at the centre of defence while Patrice Evra would be set to feature on the left. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Atkinson for Juve-Olympiacos Nov 2, 2014 Juventus-Olympiacos will be officiated by Martin Atkinson in the Champions League. The English referee has been appointed to Tuesday night’s game at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. This will be a decider for Group A, as Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid are joint top with six points, while Juve and Malmo tral on three. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

JUVENTUS - OLIMPIAKOS - Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England) Morata: 'Now for Olympiacos' Nov 2, 2014 Alvaro Morata is fired up after his goal against Empoli and urged Juventus to bring on Olympiacos. The Bianconeri won 2-0 in Tuscany on Saturday to create a three-point lead at the top of the Serie A table, but now turn their attention towards the Champions League. “I arrived in a new team and needed some time to integrate into the tactics, but I can now say that I’m a part of this squad,” the ex-Real Madrid striker told Sky Sport Italia. “We played a good second half and that is good news, above all for the Champions League, as it means we’re in good physical shape. “The match with Olympiacos is too important for us.” Morata also had a special dedication after scoring against Empoli. “I lost my cousin last week, so this goal was for him.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAidWRMfArQ http://www.tuttosport.com/foto/Calcio/Serie%20A/2014/11/01-83683_0/FOTO+Pirlo-Morata+gol.+La+Juve+piega+l'Empoli http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/amlDNTunqog/Empoli+FC+v+Juventus+FC+Serie/alMTC7LIWdu