Socrates

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Pereyra: 'Juve criticism excessive' Oct 26, 2014 Roberto Pereyra starts in Juventus-Palermo and insists Champions League criticism was “excessive.” “It will certainly be a difficult game and we must try to win,” Pereyra told Sky Sport Italia. He steps into the team for Stephan Lichtsteiner, while Paul Pogba is also rested. “We are coming off a Champions League defeat and need the victory today. It’s true we lost to Olympiacos on Wednesday and we have to turn the situation around. “The criticism was excessive after the Olympiacos game, but then again it’s normal because people expect Juve to win every time.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Juventus v Palermo statistics Oct 26, 2014 JUVENTUS 1ST Juventus have won 100%, drawn 0% and lost 0% of their last 20 home games. In their last 20 home games against teams positioned in the bottom half of the table, Juventus have won 16, drawn 1 and lost 1 of these matches. In their last 20 home games against teams positioned below them in the table, Juventus have won 20, drawn 0 and lost 0 of these matches. JUVENTUS HOME Juventus have scored 1 goal or less in 5 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 5, draw 0 and lose 0 of these matches. Juventus have conceded 1 goal or less in 17 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 17, draw 0 and lose 0 of these matches. In their last 20 home matches, Juventus have scored 2.5 goals per game and conceded 0.5 goals per game on average. * In their last 20 home games, 20 of the 49 goals scored by Juventus have come from forwards, 20 from midfielders and 8 from defenders. In their last 20 home games, 3 of the 9 goals conceded by Juventus have come from forwards, 2 from midfielders and 2 from defenders. In their last 20 home games, 59% of the 49 goals scored by Juventus have come in open play, whilst 39% have come from set-pieces. * Juventus have conceded in 30% of their last 20 home games. Juventus have scored in 100% of their last 20 home games. Juventus have conceded in 6 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 6, draw 0 and lose 0 of these matches. * Juventus last kept a clean sheet at home 2 games ago. The last 20 Juventus home matches have produced an average of 2.90 goals per game. Juventus have scored 1 goal or less in 25% of their last 20 home games. * Juventus have scored first in 95% of their last 20 home games. In their last 20 home games, Juventus have scored the first goal 19 times and conceded the first goal 1 time. Juventus have conceded the first goal in 5% of their last 20 home games. PALERMO 16TH Palermo have won 5%, drawn 40% and lost 55% of their last 20 away games. In their last 20 away games against teams positioned in the top half of the table, Palermo have won 0, drawn 6 and lost 11 of these matches. In their last 20 away games against teams positioned above them in the table, Palermo have won 1, drawn 8 and lost 11 of these matches. PALERMO AWAY Palermo have scored 1 goal or less in 18 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 0, draw 7 and lose 11 of these matches. Palermo have conceded 1 goal or less in 12 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 1, draw 7 and lose 4 of these matches. In their last 20 away matches, Palermo have scored 0.7 goals per game and conceded 1.6 goals per game on average. * In their last 20 away games, 0 of the 9 goals scored by Palermo have come from forwards, 8 from midfielders and 1 from defenders. In their last 20 away games, 18 of the 30 goals conceded by Palermo have come from forwards, 7 from midfielders and 3 from defenders. In their last 20 away games, 93% of the 14 goals scored by Palermo have come in open play, whilst 7% have come from set-pieces. * Palermo have conceded in 90% of their last 20 away games. Palermo have scored in 50% of their last 20 away games. Palermo have conceded in 18 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 1, draw 6 and lose 11 of these matches. * Palermo last kept a clean sheet away from home 9 games ago. The last 20 Palermo away matches have produced an average of 2.30 goals per game. Palermo have scored 1 goal or less in 90% of their last 20 away games. * Palermo have scored first in 35% of their last 20 away games. In their last 20 away games, Palermo have scored the first goal 6 times and conceded the first goal 12 times. Palermo have conceded the first goal in 55% of their last 20 away games. KICKOFF PREDICTIONS JUVENTUS TO WIN 78% DRAW 15% PALERMO TO WIN 7% http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah tipped to start ahead of Evra in Juventus' Serie A clash Oct 26, 2014 Juventus manager Max Allegri is expected to keep faith in Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and start him ahead of Patrice Evra as they face Palermo in the Serie A on Sunday afternoon. Asamoah had the nod to start ahead of the former Manchester United star during Juventus’ Uefa Champions League loss against Greek side Olympiakos. Out wide Max also has limited choices due to injury. Both the previously mentioned Romulo and now Patrice Evra are not fit. Evra recently came down with a muscle issue that will be further examined on Monday, so he will miss the Palermo match. That means we will see Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah starting, the same pair who started versus Olympiakos. Predicted Lineup 3-5-2 : Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Morata, Tevez http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Zamparini warns Juventus Oct 26, 2014 President Maurizio Zamparini warns Palermo “have a great record against Juventus” and puts a price-tag on Paulo Dybala. It kicks off in Turin at 15.00 CET. “We have a great record against Juventus in Turin and I won’t forget Mchedlidze’s goal,” smiled the patron in Tuttosport. From 2009 to 2011, the Sicilians won three consecutive visits to the Juve camp. “However, I am also aware of the difficulties around this game. Juventus will be furious at recent poor results and want to take it out on us.” Zamparini is famous for chopping and changing his Coaches, but has surprisingly stood by Beppe Iachini – even though he already fired director of sport Ceravolo. “Ceravolo paid for him, as I consider him more of an observer than a director. I trust Iachini can start an important era with us. I talk to him every day and give my advice. I’d like to see Vazquez behind two strikers. “I couldn’t be a Coach, but I’ve been working in football for 30 years and do understand something about it. “I think the best Presidents on a tactical level are me, Cellino, Lotito, Pozzo and Spinelli. Agnelli is a businessman and I don’t think he deals with these issues. “I worked with Beppe Marotta at Venezia. We are tied by fraternal friendship, but I found him a little bit more arrogant recently. That’s the fault of working within a powerhouse like Juve.” Zamparini praised his current crop of Palermo players and made a prediction for the future. “Belotti is my Tevez, while Dybala reminds me of Montella. I will only see Dybala for more than the €42m I pocketed for Pastore. I was very fond of Pastore and it was a shame to sell him. He was close to Juventus before PSG and I heard that he could’ve come back to Italy with the Bianconeri when the Parisian Coach obtusely refused to play him.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Serie A - 8^ Giornata Andata - 26-10-2014 (ore 15:00) JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Domenica, 26 Ottobre 2014 - Ore 15:00 Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Gianpaolo Calvarese Confronti ufficiali 55 - 50 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 32 - 29 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 12 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Palermo 11 - 10 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 111 - 99 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) Goals Palermo 55 - 50 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Palermo a Torino Serie A Confronti ufficiali 25 Vittorie Juventus 18 (L'ultima il 05.05.2013, 1-0) Pareggi 3 (L'ultimo il 25.09.2004, 1-1) Vittorie Palermo 4 (L'ultima il 23.09.2010, 1-3) Goals Juventus 68 Goals Palermo 31 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Roma a Torino 7 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 6 Boniperti Giampiero 6 Buffon Gianluigi 6 Hansen John Angelo Valdemar 6 Muccinelli Ermes 5 Manente Sergio 5 Praest Carl Aage Andersen 5 Viola Giovanni 4 Bertuccelli Alberto 4 Borel II Felice Placido 5 goals Borel II Felice Placido 4 Boniperti Giampiero 4 Muccinelli Ermes 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Haller Helmut 3 Hansen John 3 Martino Reinaldo Fioramonte 3 Ricagni Eduardo 3 Vivolo Pasquale 2 Cesarini Renato Ultimi confronti diretti 05.10.2008 - Serie A - Juventus-Palermo 1-2 21.02.2009 - Serie A - Palermo-Juventus 0-2 04.10.2009 - Serie A - Palermo-Juventus 2-0 28.02.2010 - Serie A - Juventus-Palermo 0-2 23.09.2010 - Serie A - Juventus-Palermo 1-3 02.02.2011 - Serie A - Palermo-Juventus 2-1 20.11.2011 - Serie A - Juventus-Palermo 3-0 07.04.2012 - Serie A - Palermo-Juventus 0-2 09.12.2012 - Serie A - Palermo-Juventus 0-1 05.05.2013 - Serie A - Juventus-Palermo 1-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Palermo 5 - Goals Juventus 12 - Goals Palermo 11 http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjfsvlN4A_Q http://www.tuttosport.com/foto/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2014/10/22-83122_0/Foto+Champions+Olympiacos-Juve%2C+le+istantanee+pi%C3%B9+belle

‘Pogba’s salary rise appropriate’ Oct 25, 2014 Beppe Marotta has commented on ongoing contract negotiations with Juventus players and describes Paul Pogba’s salary increase as ‘appropriate’. The director general today confirmed that the France international has extended his contract with Juve until June 2019, with it expected to increase his salary from €1.5m to as much as €4.5m. “We deem the salary increase for Pogba appropriate to his value,” Marotta has told today’s shareholders’ meeting. “I remind you that in the Bayern battleship which beat Roma, there are many players who earn more than €10m.” During his segment, Marotta also gave an insight into Juve’s recent transfer activity, the possibility of their young loanees making the breakthrough and the decision to offer outcast Jorge Martinez a new deal. “Contractual situations vary in age, and human and technical values. All six players - Chiellini, Buffon, Giovinco, Storari, Lichtsteiner and Pepe - have great human values, but the conditional factor is the sporting one. We have started negotiations with all of them. “We have no less than 64 players out on loan. Barring some seniors like De Ceglie and Martinez, all the other loan reports are of great interest to us. “This is the list of our 10 most interesting youngsters of 1993 or 1994 who are ours outright - Berardi, Boakye, Gabbiadini, Leali, Magnusson, Rosetti, Rugani, Sorensen, Spinazzola and Sturaro. “The market in January? Today, it’s difficult to give any answers. We'll see how the Champions League goes and whether there will be any opportunities. “Usually there are not many opportunities to add quality to the team. Martinez? We renewed his contract in order to reduce his salary by 50 per cent. We hope that this is the last year he is on our books. “The negotiations of the market? I’m proud to say that we’ve achieved the [market] goals we put in place. “Zaza and Berardi? Both players are under our watch, and our relationship with Sassuolo is great, if we wanted to bring them to our club. “We loaned Sturaro to Genoa despite some disagreements with them, but we have to be forward-thinking from a sporting perspective, and we know that Sturaro’s natural habitat for growth is Genoa. “Evra? We paid a very low price for him, considering that he is used to winning. When we sign players like Pereyra, for example, it takes time for them to understand what it means to fight.” Marotta then reiterated his stance that Antonio Conte’s exit before the start of the season was not motivated by a lack of funds available to him. “There was no difficult resolution with Conte, but it wasn’t because of money. It was consensual and friendly,” the ex-Sampdoria director added.

Suarez: 'I was wrong on Chiellini' Oct 25, 2014 Luis Suarez had to “accept what you’ve done is wrong and apologise” after biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. The Uruguayan striker avoided the referee’s gaze during the incident in the 1-0 win over Italy, but was caught on camera and handed a four-month ban, which has now expired. “I felt disappointed in myself, for my wife, my children, and particularly for all the Uruguayan people, and when something like that happens, the most important thing is to accept what you’ve done wrong and to apologise,” Suarez told The Guardian. “When you feel you’ve done something wrong, you should apologise for it.” This was not the initial attitude coming from the Uruguay camp or even the Government, who staunchly defended Suarez and he even claimed that he had ‘fallen’ on to Chiellini’s shoulder accidentally. The fact this was the third time in his career that Suarez had been caught biting an opponent during a match made FIFA come down hard with a huge ban. Now Suarez has taken the time to reflect on why he made the same bizarre mistake three times. “Everyone has different ways of defending themselves. In my case, the pressure and tension came out in that way. There are other players who react by breaking someone’s leg, or smashing someone’s nose across their face. “What happened with Chiellini is seen as worse. I understand why biting is seen so badly. It is like an impulse, like a reaction. Almost as if you realise straight away… “I think all the bad things I have been through are in the past. I believe I am on the right path now, dealing with the people who can help me, the right kind of people.”

Marotta: No release-clause for Pogba The Juventus CEO insists the Old Lady plan to keep the Frenchman through the five years of his new deal and revealed the club have begun talks on new deals for six others. Oct 25, 2014 Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta says there is no release clause written into Paul Pogba’s new contract and that the club intend to keep him for the full five years of his new deal. The France international put pen to paper on a new contract this week, reportedly tripling his salary in Turin. The 21-year-old former Manchester United midfielder was linked with a move away from the club this past summer but Marotta issued a hands-off warning to any potential suitors. "There have been no release clauses inserted, because the intention is to keep him for a long time,” Marotta told the club’s shareholders’ assembly. “We deem the wage increase appropriate to Pogba’s value. The deal includes a fixed base salary and a number of bonuses tied to personal and team goals.” Marotta also revealed the club have begun discussions over potential new deals with those whose contracts are set to expire at the end of the current season. "Contractual situations vary in age, and personal and technical values," he said. "All six players, Giorgio Chiellini, Gianluigi Buffon, Sebastian Giovinco, Marco Storari, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Pepe, have great human values, but main factor is a sporting one. We have started negotiations with all of them."

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Iachini: Palermo Must Not Let Juventus Take Control Of The Game Oct 25, 2014 Palermo boss Giuseppe Iachini is adamant that his team must not let Juventus take control of the game in the meeting between the two sides on Sunday. The Rosanero will be facing off with the Serie A leaders in Turin and the 50-year-old expects the hosts to have a great advantage at home despite their disappointing results in their past two games against Sassuolo and Olympiacos, though he admits that his squad have been improving in their defence as of late and feels they could have their way in the match with some luck. Iachini spoke during his pre-match press conference on Saturday about what Palermo will need to do in order to have a positive game with Juventus and commented on which players he may use, while also praising Juve for their strong qualities on the pitch. “Juve are Juve, they’ve had two good games against Olympiacos and Sassuolo where they held most of the possession,” said the tactician. “They created so many chances and had attacking opportunities, but were unable to fully deliver in the end. In the second half against Sassuolo, Andrea Consigli made seven or eight important saves that were decisive for the result. “Juventus have dominated this league for three and a half years. Their fans in their home stadium will be a 12th man, it will have an impact on their structure. “There will be a lot of personality and organisation being displayed in Turin, it will be the perfect game. “We must not play a passive game, we will have to go and play our game as we would against anyone else, head on. We must create opportunities and not stand there and let Juventus impose their game on us. “Juve inch forward, they have great physicality, technique and tenacity. “Stephan Lichtsteiner is their most dangerous man, he attacks and has incredible strength. He’s an important player, he isn’t talked about as much but is an important man and the most dangerous on that team. “Carlos Tevez is also a formidable player, he’s extraordinary. Juve have so many other players like this, we will have to move well defensively in order to close down every space. “Where will I use Zouhair Feddal? I’ll see before the game. He has the qualities to play either centrally or externally. At Siena he played on the outside, so he can be useful. “In the past few games we have shown improvements in defence, you must have personality and we have to play our game, plus we need a little luck at this time, as there hasn’t been much for us. “In defence we must be fully focused and attentive to every little detail while remaining careful, because one mistake can result in an opportunity for the opponent to score. “I have recommended that the team not play a passive game, as it would be respectful to Juventus. “Eros Pisano will be useful and will be monitored, there is a lot of physical work in his role and we will make sure he will be available to be useful to us. I’m not too worried about physical problems. “We must exploit the spaces from behind, we will need to be unpredictable and find the right times to strike, we should even be good in the dead-ball situations, in particular it’s thinned out. “Ivaylo Chochev? He played from the inside often in Bulgaria. I’ve personally seen what he can do, he’s fit. I’m surprised that he doesn’t have more goals with the Bulgaria Under-21 team. “I don’t think I can play him in front of defence at this time due to his measured pace, as he may be fatigued. However, he’ll earn the role of director on the pitch over time. “In the match itself there can be multiple games, it’s important to work with everyone available in the squad as I have been doing these days. We must always keep an intense pace in order to keep Juve at bay, especially in the second half. “Francesco Della Rocca is improving, today he played with the Primavera, we are getting him into a condition where he can play with us and be useful again. “Against Juve I have not yet decided if I will use Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez or Dybala, Vazquez and Andrea Belotti.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Juventus squad for Palermo Oct 25, 2014 Juventus named their squad to take on Palermo tomorrow afternoon, including Romulo. The Bianconeri are fresh from a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Olympiacos and were held 1-1 by bottom of the table Sassuolo last week. Romulo returns to the squad, but still absent are Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra, Simone Pepe and the suspended Simone Padoin. Juventus squad for Palermo: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Iachini: 'Juve were unlucky' Oct 25, 2014 Palermo boss Beppe Iachini warns recent Juventus setbacks do not reflect performances and “we can’t get anything wrong.” “We know Juve well, as they have basically had the same squad for the last three and a half years, so there are clear ideas on what to do,” said Iachini in his Press conference. “Massimiliano Allegri has brought in ideas that can help improve them further.” The Bianconeri have been stuttering recently, suffering two consecutive Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, while their Serie A perfect record was ended by a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo. “Juventus were unlucky in recent games, as when they didn’t win then the opposition goalkeeper was always Man of the Match. “We must play based on intensity and focus, as we can’t get anything wrong. If we think of going to Turin to play passively, then it’ll be a huge mistake. “We are going there to play football and take the game to Juve.” Palermo did notch up a remarkable three consecutive victories in Turin between 2009 and 2011. Palermo squad for Juventus: Fulignati, Sorrentino, Ujkani; Andelkovic, Daprelà, Emerson, Feddal, Gonzalez, Lazaar, Morganella, Munoz, Pisano, Terzi, Vitiello; Barreto, Bolzoni, Chochev, Maresca, Ngoyi, Quaison, Rigoni, Vazquez; Belotti, Dybala, Makienok, Joao Silva http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Allegri Demands More From Juventus Oct 25, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has insisted that although he has been pleased with his Juventus side’s performances to date, he recognises there is still improvements that could be made. The Bianconeri will face Palermo this Sunday looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, and will be hoping to bounce back from a defeat at Olimpiacos in midweek. “We are first, but we need to improve the goal-scoring side,” admitted the former AC Milan coach in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, “we have suffered in the last four games. “The team creates eight to 10 chances a game,” he went on to claim, ” but we need to improve the implementation phase; we also need to improve our ball management.” He refused to be drawn on his preference of strikers for the match against the Rosanero, but commented on Fernando Llorente’s form. “Until last Saturday Llorente has played well,” he noted. “he need a goal, and when it comes, all will be different.” Although the Rosanero have had a poor start to the season, Allegri will not underestimate Giuseppe Iachini’s side. “Palermo have become a lot more solid,” he stated. “With Paulo Dybala up front, we will have to be careful and to play football; in the match against Sassuolo there were few minutes of actual play.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pogba must improve a lot - Allegri The midfielder signed a new contract at Juventus Stadium this week, but his coach says he needs to make certain tweaks to his game to become world class. Oct 25, 2014 Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says Paul Pogba “must improve a lot” if he is to realise his full potential and become one of the greatest players in the world. The France international, 21, put an end to speculation over his future by signing a new five-year deal until 2019 on Friday. However, Allegri was cautious in his appraisal of the midfielder, claiming his player must make a final addition to his game to propel him into the bracket of the world's best players. "I think the club invested well in this 21-year-old player," he said. "He has to improve a lot, as he is lacking that last step to become extraordinary. He has a great future and can stay here for a long time."

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese MATCH PREVIEW Oct 25, 2014 Juventus host Palermo in Turin on Sunday afternoon in Week 8 looking to get back to winning ways. The hosts’ 100 per cent record after six rounds ended as Sassuolo’s gallant display denied the Bianconeri a seventh victory in a row last weekend. The result, coupled with Roma’s 3-0 win over Chievo, means the gap between the two title rivals is down to just one point. Juventus remain strong domestically, despite the Sassuolo setback, but continue to struggle on the continent, after a second defeat in three Champions League games on Wednesday. They will look to put recent negative displays to one side as they entertain Palermo in Serie A. Once again the Bianconeri will look to Carlos Tevez for inspiration. The Argentine has been in imperious form with six goals in seven League games and will be aiming to extend his hot streak on Sunday. Romulo and Andrea Barzagli remain the only absentees for Juventus, although the former may return to the bench. With the second worst defence in the Division, Palermo could be forgiven for approaching this game with a hint of trepidation. Especially given the hosts will be desperate to atone for their first dropped points of the season. Nevertheless the Sicilians will be buoyed by picking up their first win of the season last time out against Cesena. The Rosanero have struggled since returning to Serie A, with six points, which has the club hovering above the relegation zone. However the form of attackers Franco Vazquez, Paulo Dybala and Italian U-21 starlet Andrea Belotti has been particularly encouraging, with the former netting three goals and the latter two having struck twice. Palermo will need all the firepower if they are to penetrate a Bianconeri backline with five clean sheets in seven League outings. The visitors have won three of the last five against Juventus in Turin. However those victories came at Juventus’ old Stadio Olimpico, Turin from 2008-10. Juventus will be keen to pick up maximum points, especially with Scudetto rivals Roma breathing down their neck. This will doubtless be a difficult encounter for Palermo. Keep an eye on: Andrea Belotti (Palermo) – The 20-year-old is carving out quite a name for himself after his exploits at U-21 level. The striker’s goals have been a pivotal part of the Azzurrini’s qualification for the U-21 Euro 2015 Championships. With eight in 12 caps, not to mention a marvellous brace at the San Paolo against Napoli in Serie A this season, his star is on the rise. Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W D) - Palermo (D D L L W) Last season: Not played Stat fact: The last time Juventus failed to win a Serie A game directly after a Champions League fixture was in February 2013, a run spanning 11 matches. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Morata Suspended: Padoin Palermo (probable): Sorrentino; Munoz, Gonzalez, Andelkovic, Pisano; Bolzoni, Rigoni, Barreto; Feddal, Vazquez, Dybala Suspended: None http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Allegri: 'Juve criticism unjustified' Oct 25, 2014 Max Allegri insists defeat to Olympiacos “cannot justify such ferocious criticism” of Juventus as they host Palermo. “On Wednesday we had three players in the starting XI who only started training with the team 40 days late,” said the Coach in his Press conference of that 1-0 Champions League loss. “We are trying to improve certain things, but I was without many players for 15 days due to international duty, which is positive in that it proves I have talented men at my disposal. “I think the team was unjustly criticised. We conceded one goal in Athens on a ball we lost in midfield and attacked them a great deal. We have every chance of qualifying and can mathematically still top the group. “We will analyse the defeat, because we did not play well and didn’t control the game properly. However, the first 45 minutes in Athens cannot justify such ferocious criticism.” Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal looked to be in poor shape during that game, as they are not match fit after long-term injuries. “Andrea needs to find his tempo and move the ball the way he knows how. He is a unique player in that role and the team needs him,” continued Allegri. “The important thing is to win tomorrow. I won’t rotate the squad based on a plan, but rather evaluate each player and make my decisions one game at a time. “Palermo have become more solid as the season went on. They have Paulo Dybala in attack and we can beat them by playing good football.” Not only was that Juve’s second consecutive Champions League defeat, but their Serie A record also ground to a halt with last week’s 1-1 draw at bottom of the table Sassuolo. “In Serie A we’ve won six games and drawn one. It’s nice trying to win all the time, but considering the circumstances few expected us to be top of the table already with Roma such tough antagonists. “Are Juve starting to miss Antonio Conte? That’s been an issue since I first arrived. Conte had three extraordinary years, but he is the past now. He is in history, but we have to look forward. “We are first and have to improve, as we concede too many and score too few considering we have eight or 10 chances per game.” Finally, Paul Pogba signed a contract extension with Juventus until 2019. “I think the club invested well in this 21-year-old player. He has to improve a lot, as he is lacking that last step to become extraordinary. He has a great future and can stay here for a long time.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Juventus v Palermo: Preview Oct 25, 2014 Juventus return to Serie A action on Sunday at home to Palermo buoyed by the decision of star midfielder Paul Pogba to sign a three-year contract extension. The 21-year-old Frenchman is now tied to Juventus until June 2019. Pogba, who was named the young player of the tournament at the World Cup in Brazil in the summer, moved to Turin two years ago on a free transfer from Manchester United. He has formed a solid partnership with Italian veteran Andrea Pirlo, which has contributed to Juve's back-to-back Serie A titles. Juve captain Gianluigi Buffon was delighted with the news. The experienced goalkeeper said: ``Pogba's renewal is an important sign. It's great news for us, for Juve fans and for Paul.'' Pogba started for Juve on Wednesday when they fell 1-0 at Olympiacos in the Champions League, a result that has left the Italians third in Group A behind Atletico Madrid and the Greek outfit. The result stretched a frustrating spell for the Bianconeri, who dropped their first points of the Serie A season in a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo on Saturday. Juve are one point clear of Roma at the top of the Italian standings, with the Eternal City giants playing at Sampdoria on Saturday. Palermo gave themselves a shot of confidence last weekend when they beat Cesena 2-1 for their first league victory since gaining promotion to Italy's top flight earlier this year. ``We truly deserved this win,'' Palermo coach Giuseppe Iacchini said. ``We dominated the game and gave a much better performance than in our previous encounters.'' The Sicilians are 16th in the standings, with six points from seven games. The visitors travel to Turin at full strength with Paraguay midfielder Edgar Barreto recovered from injury. Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri is without the services of injured defenders Martin Caceres and Andrea Barzagli while midfielder Simone Padoin must serve a one-match ban. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Juventus-Palermo Preview: Buffon demands Champions League response The Bianconeri disappointed in Europe yet again and will hope to avoid a European hangover when they resume domestic duties this weekend. Oct 25, 2014 Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon is expecting a response from his side when they host Palermo in Serie A on Sunday. The Bianconeri - three-time defending Italian champions - lost their second Champions League match in a row on Wednesday, going down 1-0 to Olympiakos. The result has put Juve's spot in the competition's last 16 - something they missed out on last year - in jeopardy. Massimiliano Allegri's side have had no such problems in Serie A this season, though, winning six of their seven matches to lead the league by one point. Roma are snapping at their heels but a home clash against a struggling Palermo side presents an ideal chance for Juve to bounce back from their disappointment in Greece. Buffon told the club's official website: "We're hungry to return to our pre-international break form. "It was an important period in which we grew as a team, and I count the defeat against Atletico [Madrid] as part of that. We acquired something extra in terms of character. "Getting back on track requires everyone to be on board and the desire to keep surprising." There was one positive for Juve in Greece, with Spanish forward Alvaro Morata looking the part in his first start for the club. And Buffon was impressed, adding: "He was one of the highlights of the evening. "In a matter of four or five moves, he showed us that he's the type of player who can decide the game in any given second. "He's exactly what we need - an individual blessed with the talent of unpredictability, who can put the cat amongst the pigeons." Morata started alongside Carlos Tevez, with Fernando Llorente on the bench, and Allegri may opt for a similar approach in this contest. The forward, who moved to Juve from Real Madrid in the last transfer window, has already scored one Serie A goal for his new club, as a substitute in a 3-0 win at Atalanta. However, Juve defenders Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres are set to be sidelined with injury again. Allegri's men have won an incredible 22 successive home Serie A games and take on a Palermo side scrapping away in 16th. The club won Serie B last term to return to the top flight and beat Cesena 2-1 last Sunday for their first triumph of the season. LAST FIVE MATCHES JUVENTUS L D W L W 10/22/14 - Olympiakos 1 - 0 Juventus 10/18/14 - Sassuolo 1 - 1 Juventus 10/5/14 - Juventus 3 - 2 Roma 10/1/14 - Atlético Madrid 1 - 0 Juventus 9/27/14 - Atalanta 0 - 3 Juventus PALERMO W L L D D 10/19/14 - Palermo 2 - 1 Cesena 10/5/14 - Empoli 3 - 0 Palermo 9/29/14 - Palermo 0 - 4 Lazio 9/24/14 - Napoli 3 - 3 Palermo 9/21/14 - Palermo 1 - 1 Internazionale HEAD TO HEAD 5/5/13 - Juventus 1 - 0 Palermo 12/9/12 - Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 4/7/12 - Palermo 0 - 2 Juventus 11/20/11 - Juventus 3 - 0 Palermo 2/2/11 - Palermo 2 - 1 Juventus http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Agnelli: Moratti Accepted A Scudetto For Inter That They Did Not Win Oct 25, 2014 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has hit out at former Inter owner Massimo Moratti, stating that the latter’s love for the Nerazzurri pushed him to accept the 2006 Scudetto even though it was not won by the Milan club. The 69-year-old stepped down from his role as honourary president at Inter on Thursday, and Agnelli noted that Moratti’s passion pushed him to accept the title in light of the Calciopoli ruling even though the Nerazzurri finished third that season. “His love for Inter was enormous, so much so that it pushed him to accept a Scudetto that was not won,” he stated at a shareholder’s meeting on Friday. “We are losing a great person of Italian football.” Juventus were stripped of the 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles, with the latter title handed to the Nerazzurri. The Bianconeri continue to count the titles even though they are not recognized by the FIGC, UEFA or FIFA.

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Evra out of Juventus-Palermo Oct 24, 2014 Patrice Evra has been ruled out of Juventus-Palermo on Sunday afternoon due to a muscular injury. It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time, click here for a match preview. Evra limped off during training today suffering from a muscular problem at the back of his left thigh. The French veteran will undergo further tests on Monday to ascertain the extent of the damage. The Bianconeri are already without Romulo, Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Simone Pepe and the suspended Simone Padoin. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Barreto eyes Juve upset Oct 24, 2014 Edgar Barreto thinks that Palermo have the tools to halt the record Juventus winning streak at home. The Uruguayan midfielder missed out Palermo’s 2-1 win over Cesena through injury, but he is ready to slot back in the starting XI in Turin. “We’ll face a very strong team in a wonderful stadium,” Barreto told Sky Sport Italia. “But despite this, we’ll try to have our say, taking advantage of the spaces they will concede.” Palermo have a surprising recent record in Turin against Juve, winning three consecutive visits from 2009 to 2011, but Barreto is aware that times are changing. In fact, the Bianconeri have won their last 22 games played at home, a Serie A record. “To be honest that was a different Juve side – in this case history says something, but reality suggests otherwise. “We are aware that we’ll be facing a team angry for the defeat in Athens. “But we’ll go there heads down and why not, we’ll try to snatch a draw in Turin.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Asamoah: Juventus Must Find Rhythm Again Oct 24, 2014 Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has admitted that the Old Lady haven’t been in the best form as of late and hopes the Turin giants can turn their luck around against Palermo at home on Sunday. Since returning from the most recent international break the Bianconeri have been unimpressive in both Italy and Europe, as they were only able to manage a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo on October 18 and fell 1-0 to Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the 25-year-old is confident that the reigning Serie A champions can improve as long as they remain competitive and change their attitude. Asamoah spoke to JTV on Friday about the upcoming match with Palermo and what Juve need to do in order to secure better results, while also commenting on why he wears the number 22 on his shirt. “We want to win against Palermo on Sunday in order to stay on top of the standings,” said the Ghanaian international. “We’re aware that we can get past these recent struggles and win, but first we must change our attitude and our aggression. “In the Champions League we’ve been going up against very strong teams. We have to be aware of our strengths and continue to grow from the first minute of every match. “All of our opponents are formidable, but in the Serie A it’s difficult as the teams are compact in their defence. “Anything can happen in the Serie A, but in the end everything depends on us. After the international break we have lost our rhythm a bit, so we must find it again immediately. “My shirt number? My good luck number was 20 but it was already taken when I got here, so I chose 22 instead because I liked it a lot when I was younger.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Preview: Juventus vs. Palermo Oct 24, 2014 Juventus will be hoping to put an end to their recent unconvincing form when they host Palermo on Sunday. Massimiliano Allegri's side did beat Roma before the international break, but a second successive defeat in the Champions League has left the Serie A champions searching for a boost in domestic action. Allegri, whose team still lead Serie A by a point, must decide between Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente for a place in attack. After a frustrating opening two months of the season, Palmero finally recorded their first triumph of the campaign last weekend against Cesena. It appeared as though the Rosanero would go a seventh league game without a win before Giancarlo Gonzalez struck in the final seconds to help his team out of the relegation zone. Barring any late injury issues, coach Giuseppe Iachini is likely to keep the same team for the visit to Turin. Recent form Juventus: WLWDL Palermo: DDLLW Possible starting lineups Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah, Pogba; Tevez, Alvaro Morata Palermo: Sorrentino; Morganella, Andelkovic, Munoz, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Rigoni, Bolzoni, Chochev; Vasquez, Dybala Sports Mole says: 3-0 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Massimiliano Allegri Must Make 2 Key Changes for Juventus to Improve Oct 24, 2014 Juventus' flop against Olympiakos on Wednesday was revolting to the team's fans and emblematic of the team's continuing problems in European competition. It should also mark a turning point in the team's season. Indeed, the game revealed two major points that, if Massimiliano Allegri addresses properly, may be able to turn Juve back into the monster that it has been the last three seasons—and maybe take them to new heights. First, the formation has to change. When Allegri took charge following Antonio Conte's surprise resignation, he toyed with formation changes in preseason training. So far, however, he has remained wedded to the 3-5-2 that Conte used for the vast majority of his tenure in charge. There were pragmatic reasons for keeping things the way they were. With such an abrupt change, it was easier to keep the players in a shape they knew than to try to change things wholesale in the space of one preseason campaign. Injuries—both in preseason and over the course of the season—have also kept several players who would be key to other formations on the sidelines. But the last week has made it clear that the 3-5-2's run might finally be at an end. Both the Olympiakos game and last weekend's draw against Sassuolo saw Juve struggle in the 3-5-2 in the first half. They also saw the team come alive when Allegri changed formations midway through the game. Against the Greeks, in particular, the change was striking. With 13 minutes left, Allegri removed Angelo Ogbonna and replaced him with Roberto Pereyra, creating a 4-2-3-1. Juve had already clawed a foothold after Andrea Pirlo—who is clearly not back to full fitness after his preseason injury—was replaced by Claudio Marchisio, roared. They pushed hard for an equalizer and were twice denied one by fantastic saves from Roberto Gago. It's becoming clear that Allegri doesn't know how to get the most out of the 3-5-2. That's understandable considering he's never used anything resembling the system before in his career. Given that, the logical move is to change formations. Why Allegri hasn't done it yet is puzzling. He may be waiting for some injuries to heal. In September he was quoted by the website of transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio that he couldn't use a four-man defense "until I have the personnel to do it." That might mean he's waiting on the injured Andrea Barzagli, who has shown himself to be more effective in a back four than Leonardo Bonucci. Given that Barzagli might not return until January, he may not have that luxury. It may be considered dangerous to make a wholesale formation change in the middle of the season, but Conte did the same thing during his unbeaten 2011-12 season when he changed from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2. A large segment of the current roster are veterans of that change. Whatever the reason for staying, in the last week his team has simply played better from a formation with a four-man line. Allegri obviously knows how to utilize those systems better. Rather than persist in something he isn't good at, Allegri should shift to his own strength. The other point Allegri needs to address has to do with tactics rather than formation. Specifically, it has to do with possession. As in Juve has too much of it. It may be heresy in this age, when Pep Guardiola's Barcelona teams made possession king, but if you possess the ball and do nothing with it, it's meaningless—and Juve isn't doing much right now. If you go to Juve's fixture list on WhoScored.com and go through the statistics of each game, you can average out Juve's possession stats at 61.47 percent over 10 games between the league and Europe. But Juve hasn't used that possession the way they have in years passed. So much of their movement is wayward, and they aren't putting the ball into positions where their strikers can use them. Simply put, they're getting stale. But the solution to this is simple—let the opponents have more of the ball. Why do this? Because Juve is a team that can be deadly on the counterattack. They rarely get credit for how good they are on the break because they usually enjoy so much possession, but when they get the chance to run with the ball, the opposing goal is usually in danger. The best example of this comes from last January's game against Roma in Turin. Roma's best weapon last season was their devastating counterattack. Conte's way of nullifying that threat was to cede Roma possession and take the counterattack out of Rudi Garcia's arsenal. Juve had a few nervy moments, but the defense held firm. They then thrust forward on the counter. A run like down the wing eventually set up the throw-in that saw Juve score their first goal in the 3-0 rout. It was arguably the best tactical performance of Conte's Juve tenure. Juve needs a shot in the arm. A different approach, one that takes advantage of their excellent defensive record this season and allows them to unleash the quality counterattacks that they are capable of, could be what is needed to push out the lethargy that has crept into their game. Wednesday's game needs to be a wake-up call. If Allegri doesn't make changes, Juve could crash out of the Champions League for a second consecutive year and Roma could zoom past them in the league table. These modest proposals are, in this writer's opinion, the best way to start the alarm clock going.

FOURFOURTWO JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Serie A Preview: Juventus v Palermo Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon is expecting a response from his side when they host Palermo in Serie A on Sunday. Oct 24, 2014 Juve - three-time defending Italian champions - lost their second UEFA Champions League match in a row on Wednesday, going down 1-0 to Olympiacos. The result has put Juve's spot in the competition's last 16 - something they missed out on last year - in jeopardy. Massimiliano Allegri's side have had no such problems in Serie A this season, though, winning six of their seven matches to lead the league by one point. Roma are snapping at their heels but a home clash against a struggling Palermo side presents an ideal chance for Juve to bounce back from their disappointment in Greece. And that is what Buffon is after, telling the club's official website: "We're hungry to return to our pre-international break form. "It was an important period in which we grew as a team, and I count the defeat against Atletico [Madrid] as part of that. "We acquired something extra in terms of character. "Getting back on track requires everyone to be on board and the desire to keep surprising." There was one positive for Juve in Greece, with Spanish forward Alvaro Morata looking the part in his first start for the club. And Buffon was impressed, adding: "He was one of the highlights of the evening. "In a matter of four or five moves, he showed us that he's the type of player who can decide the game in any given second. "He's exactly what we need - an individual blessed with the talent of unpredictability, who can put the cat amongst the pigeons." Morata started alongside Carlos Tevez, with Fernando Llorente on the bench, and Allegri may opt for a similar approach in this contest. The forward, who moved to Juve from Real Madrid in the last transfer window, has already scored one Serie A goal for his new club, as a substitute in a 3-0 win at Atalanta. Juve defenders Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres are set to be sidelined with injury again. Allegri's men have won an incredible 22 successive home Serie A games, and take on a Palermo side scrapping away in 16th. Palermo, who won Serie B last term to return to the top flight, beat Cesena 2-1 last Sunday for their first triumph of the season. Credible draws against Sampdoria, Inter and Napoli have shown that Pierpaolo Bisoli's side are no mugs, but their defence - which has conceded 15 goals in seven games - needs improvement. And that record is sure to have Tevez licking his lips, as the Argentinian has already bagged six league goals this term. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111