Socrates

How Allegri Can Restore Juventus’ Form In Four Steps Nov 1, 2014 Two losses and a draw in the last three games in all competitions is a genuine crisis for a team as big as Juvenuts. The side has been nothing short of invincible in the past three seasons, however they now face a situation which they did not face previously. It is now up to Massimiliano Allegri to take control of things. But what should he do? 1. Keep players motivated Antonio Conte might not be the best tactician, but he surely knows how motivate the players. The current Italian national team coach kept his players motivated to win three consecutive Serie A titles. This should be Allegri’s first priority; he has to bear in mind that most of the players under his possession have dominated Serie A for the past three seasons, and his goal should be to restore the hunger in the side. 2. Psychological Preparation Legendary Inter coach Helenio Herrera used to hang a sign in the players’ dressing room which read ‘Class + Preparation + Athleticism + Intelligence= Scudetto’. Psychology preparation is an imperative, especially after experiencing a defeat or an important win. What we’ve seen from Allegri’s men thus far is a ‘slippery slope’ procedure. The loss to Olympiakos was followed by a draw to Sassuolo, and finally a defeat to Genoa on Wednesday. One of Conte’s main strengths was being able to overcome a defeat. For example, following the surprising defeat at the hands of Galatasary which subsequently knocked the Bianconeri out of the UEFA Champions League, Juve managed to comprehensively defeat Sassuolo 4-0 only four days later. 3. Choose his setup One of the main things which can make a difference to a coach is to choose his line-up, his setup. Once the coach loses control of his team selection, then effectively the side will not be able to fulfill his wishes. This dilemma faces Allegri, especially with star midfielder Andrea Pirlo. It comes as to no secret that both had a difficult relationship at Milan, and if Allegri is playing Pirlo just avoid any scathing attacks, then he can effectively lose control of the dressing room. In short, Allegri should play who he wants to play, and not succumb to any pressure from fans or the media. 4. Believe in himself When Allegri was appointed as Juve coach following Antonio Conte’s sudden departure in the summer, much skepticism followed. After all, former Cagliari coach did experience a disastrous 2013/2014 with the Rossoneri before being relieved of his duties in January. Prior to the motivation and preparation of the players, Max Allegri must believe in himself first and foremost. The Juventus boss must show his mettle on such an occasion. Carlo Ancelotti is undoubtedly one of the most successful coaches in the past decade, but was sacked by the Bianconeri at half-time of the final game of the 2000/01 season. If Allegri doesn’t put the past behind him and believe in himself, then no one will.

Serie A - 10^ Giornata Andata - 1-11-2014 (ore 18:00) EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Sabato, 1 Novembre 2014 - ore 18:00 Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli Arbitro: Paolo Valeri Confronti ufficiali 18 - 16 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 12 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 3 - 3 (Serie A) Vittorie Empoli 3 - 2 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 40 - 34 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) Goals Empoli 14 - 9 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Empoli - Juventus Serie A a Empoli Confronti ufficiali 8 Vittorie Juventus 4 (L'ultima l'11.09.2005, 0-4) Pareggi 2 (L'ultimo il 19.03.2008, 0-0) Vittorie Empoli 2 (L'ultima il 03.04.1999, 1-0) Goals Juventus 11 Goals Empoli 5 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro l'Empoli a Empoli 4 presenze Camoranesi Mauro German 4 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Nedved Pavel 4 Tacchinardi Alessio 3 Buffon Gianluigi 3 Conte Antonio 3 Iuliano Mark 3 Pessotto Gianluca 3 Trezeguet David 2 Amoruso Nicola 5 goals Trezeguet David 2 Del Piero Alessandro 1 Brio Sergio 1 Camoranesi Mauro German 1 Pecchia Fabio 1 Vieira Patrick Ultimi confronti diretti 21.09.2002 - Serie A - Empoli-Juventus 0-2 08.02.2003 - Serie A - Juventus-Empoli 1-0 31.08.2003 - Serie A - Juventus-Empoli 5-1 25.01.2004 - Serie A - Empoli-Juventus 3-3 11.09.2005 - Serie A - Empoli-Juventus 0-4 22.01.2006 - Serie A - Juventus-Empoli 2-1 31.10.2007 - Serie A - Juventus-Empoli 3-0 06.12.2007 - Coppa Italia - Empoli-Juventus 2-1 15.01.2008 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Empoli 5-3 19.03.2008 - Serie A - Empoli-Juventus 0-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Empoli 1 - Goals Juventus 26 - Goals Empoli 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFqxJY6BLFA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjms6WOhDWI http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4rzca_empoli-vs-juventus-0-0-sintesi_sport http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri MATCH PREVIEW Oct 31, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri is feeling the heat for the first time as Juventus Coach, as the Scudetto holders prepare to take to the field against Empoli on Saturday. The 3-2 victory over Roma in Week 6 was supposed to be a signal of intent from the Bianconeri, but they have failed to build on the result, with a shock draw at Sassuolo being followed by a defeat to Olympiacos in the Champions League. A hard-fought win against Palermo proved to be only minor respite, as Juve lost 1-0 to Genoa on Wednesday – their first League defeat in over seven months – stirring suggestions that Allegri is slowly losing the Turin giants’ dressing room. Patrice Evra and Andrea Barzagli face another month on the sidelines, while Simone Pepe’s return remains shrouded in doubt, but there is better news for Martin Caceres, who is line to complete his recovery from a thigh injury next week. Empoli, meanwhile, are suffering from similar misfortunes, albeit in context of a relegation battle, as the Tuscan outfit’s football may be easy on the eye, yet their results have been anything but. Much like their forthcoming opponents, Empoli’s 1-1 draw with Genoa a fortnight ago should have been the catalyst to their rise up the table. However, heavy defeats to fellow strugglers Cagliari and Sassuolo have prevented this from happening. The new boys continue to hover precariously above the relegation zone, but they can take some solace from having the best goal difference ratio out of the bottom five clubs, while they hold a point advantage over Cesena. Luigi Sepe is still not ready to displace Davide Bassi between the sticks, but Vincent Laurini and Simone Verdi - key cogs from last season’s push for promotion - have been deemed fit enough to start against the champions. Keep an eye on: Alvaro Morata (Juventus) – The 22-year-old seems to be improving with each fleeting cameo for the Bianconeri, but he is set to make his first Serie A start this weekend, against the League’s second-leakiest defence. The profligate form of Fernando Llorente has paved Morata’s path into the fold, despite Carlos Tevez also going three matches without a goal, and he must grab this rare opportunity or find himself on the fringes once more. Form guide: Empoli (D W D L L) Juventus (W W D W L) Last season: Not played Stat fact: Empoli are unbeaten in their last two home meetings with Juventus. Empoli (probable): Bassi; Mario Rui, Rugani, Tonelli, Laurini; Croce, Valdifiori, Vecino; Verdi; Maccarone, Tavano Suspended: None Juventus (probable): Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Asamoah, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal, Lichtsteiner; Morata, Tevez Suspended: None http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Sarri: Empoli will have courage Oct 31, 2014 Maurizio Sarri has asserted that Empoli will face Juventus with ‘great courage’ on Saturday evening and play on the ‘slight chance of a result’. The Tuscan outfit have been praised for their attacking approach since returning to Serie A, but a run of two consecutive defeats has left them hovering dangerously above the relegation places. In spite of this, their Coach is refusing to change his philosophy and has urged his players to ‘take risks’ against the champions. “We expect a tough game, but at the same time, we’re obliged to earn points,” Sarri told his pre-match Press conference. “We must go on to the pitch with great courage, even if it means taking risks, trying to trouble them. “We face a team who also come from a defeat and will want to react. Also, having looked at the statistics, Juventus haven’t lost two consecutive games for a long time [not in Serie A since March 2011]. “In their last match, Juventus created a lot and risked almost nothing at the other end, only losing to one chance at the end. “Allegri? He has great ability to manage a group and has shown that this year after tiptoeing into a new environment and making small but constant improvements over time. “How to beat them? If there was a magic formula, everyone would use it. We will play against a strong team, and for our part we will try not to collapse. “If it happens, it means that your opponents are so good that they force you to change [your approach].” Sarri then explained how the Empoli players would not need any motivation for the visit of the Bianconeri and denied claims that his side were lacking the mental and physical toughness needed to compete in the top flight. “Tomorrow, I don’t think there’ll be any need to fire the boys up - playing in a packed stadium and against great players,” he added. “Therefore, I do not think that [Juventus] can be faced with any particular motivations, but rather we don’t want to be beaten. There is a small possibility of a result and we have to play on that. “This team has three years’ worth of history, so I don’t think there’s a mental problem - the defeat against Cagliari was followed by another, and it’s a wound that must be healed, perhaps even with a little bit of luck. “Speaking of us, I say that the team are doing well, but during the match, we may be paying for our [lack of] fitness. “In the last match, unlike the one before, I didn’t see a passive team or one that collapsed. Rather, we reacted to the difficulties [of falling behind], though perhaps in a confusing way. “I consider the first 55 minutes of Sassuolo as us playing at a high level, and it gives us great hope for the future - I can’t help but think that if we hurt them for a few minutes, it would’ve changed everything.” On the topic of individuals, Sarri noted: “Laurini is still not in great condition and isn’t feeling too great. We will see tomorrow if he can play, knowing that he doesn’t have 90 minutes in his legs. “Zielinski has great quality, but he still needs to learn to integrate better into our team.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Empoli V Juventus – Preview: Struggling Azzurri Present Bianconeri Opportunity Oct 31, 2014 Italian champions Juventus travel to Empoli on Saturday evening, hoping to put the midweek Serie A defeat to Genoa in the back of their minds. The two teams have faced each other 14 times, with the Bianconeri winning nine and three of the last fixtures, while the Azzurri have won two and there have been three draws between the two sides. The last time these teams played it ended in a goalless draw was back in 2008, but in there previous meeting there was a goalfest as the Old Lady emerged 5-3 victors in a Coppa Italia tie. Of the 14 fixtures in total, there has been 45 goals as Juventus have netted 32 and conceded just 13. The home side go into the game sitting in 17th place with only one win to their name, when they beat fellow promoted side Palermo 3-0 at the Stadio Castellani, and have since gone three games without a win, losing to Sassuolo and Cagliari, which followed a 1-1 draw with Genoa. Reigning champions Juventus are top of the Serie A table but lost their first game of the season on Wednesday night away to Genoa as Luca Antonini netted in the last minute of the match. For the weekend’s match the newly promoted side will be without Luigi Sepe and Tiberio Guarente whilst Vincent Laurini is doubtful for the fixture. The Azzurri will be expected to play a 4-4-2 formation with top goalscorer Manuel Pucciarelli leading the line with veteran striker Massimo Maccarone. The away side are thought to be playing their consistent 3-1-4-2 formation with Andrea Pirlo coming into the side to play the deep-lying midfielder after not featuring in the 1-0 defeat to Genoa. The Bianconeri are without Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres and Andrea Barzagli who are injured. Simone Pepe and Luca Marrone are doubtful for the champions. Top goalscorer Carlos Tevez will be up front with either Alvaro Morata or Fernando Llorente, but it is more likely to be the latter after the Spaniard scored in the weekend win over Palermo. Expected Starting XIs Empoli: Bassi; Tonelli, Hisaj, Rugani, Rui; Valdifiori, Vecino, Croce, Zielinski; Maccarone, Pucciarelli. Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Garcia: Everyone will drop points Oct 31, 2014 Rudi Garcia has warned that everyone will drop points between now and the end of the season, as his Roma eye a first Scudetto since 2001. Much has been made of Juventus’ recent struggles on the road, with the Bianconeri drawing with Sassuolo and losing to Genoa, results which allowed the Giallorossi to draw back level on points at the top of the table. Their former Lille Coach, however, refuses to read to much into the Old Lady’s struggles, and would not be drawn to comment on Juventus counterpart Massimiliano Allegri. “You have the phone numbers of your colleagues in Turin, call up and ask them,” Garcia told journalists today when asked about Juve ahead of his side’s visit to Napoli. “I don’t think about that, I work with my team. “I just do my best to work in the best way possible. I have a professional relationship [with Allegri] and nothing else. All the other stuff isn’t my problem. “We’re a quarter of the way through the campaign, and we’ve seen the strength of the competition but there are still a lot of games to go. “The table tells you what the situation is now, but it doesn’t say that anyone has already won. “It will be a different competition than last year, we just have to try to ensure that the top two aren’t different. “The other teams are strong, and I think everyone will drop points.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Juve lose Marrone for 20 days Oct 31, 2014 Juventus have named a 21-man squad for the Week 10 trip to Empoli, but lose Luca Marrone to a thigh injury. The Week 10 match in Tuscany kicks off at 17.00 GMT on Saturday, click here for a match preview. Former Sassuolo midfielder Marrone won’t travel with the party, as the club have confirmed he has picked up an injury. The 24-year-old sustained a first-degree tear to his left thigh during training on Thursday and will subsequently miss the next 20 days. He joins long-term absentees Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra and Simone Pepe on the treatment table. Juventus squad to face Empoli: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Juventus set sights on beating Empoli after suffering Genoa setback Oct 31, 2014 Serie A champions Juventus are determined to bounce back against Empoli after suffering their first league defeat in seven months. A 1-0 loss to Genoa in midweek was the first time the Bianconeri had been beaten since going down 2-0 at Napoli on March 30. The result enabled Roma to move level on points with them at the top of the table -- but captain Gianluigi Buffon, making his 500th appearance, and defender Angelo Ogbonna insisted it was only a blip. "It doesn't matter that it was my 500th game. Any defeat is painful," Buffon said in a question-and-answer session on Twitter. Juve lost only twice in Serie A last season, and in an interview with the club's TV channel, Ogbonna said: "We tripped up against Genoa -- but we've got the Empoli game to bounce back straight away. "It's only the ninth round of matches, and last year we were five points behind Roma at this stage. Of course expectations are always high, but we are serene and know we've got to be focused on our ultimate objective. "We're strong psychologically and nothing will undermine us." The Empoli clash marks the start of a key week for Juve, being followed by a home game against Olympiakos in the Champions League before Parma's visit to the Juventus Stadium. "We should aim to reach the quarterfinals in the Champions League," Buffon wrote on Twitter. "In Italy, we need to reclaim our title." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Juventus vs. Empoli Preview: Round 10 — Getting back on the horse Oct 31, 2014 It was almost the same time of October just a year ago. Juventus had just been blitzed by Fiorentina in Florence, seeing a 2-0 lead seemingly vanish in a blink of the eye. We thought Juve were on their way to a simple win, instead, it turned out the final score was a 4-2 loss and a good amount of humiliation in the process. Juventus used that day in October of last year as a reality check. It was a game where Juve's struggles came full circle, the misfortunes of weeks past compounded into one absolute dismantling that took about 30 minutes to complete. The Juventus squad and their manager, Antonio Conte, knew what had to be done — they needed to reboot and refocus after what went down against Fiorentina. They did that. They ripped off win after win after win. They didn't just pass up Roma atop the Serie A table, they zoomed right by them like Conte was driving a Bugatti with the top down, his foot firmly on the gas pedal and the music blaring some old-school rock with plenty of thump. It was the perfect way to respond to a massive punch right in the gut. They realized things needed to change, and did it with the only way they know how — beating the competition and proving once again they are champions. And not just beating them, but beating them with precision and focus, effectiveness and drive. Regardless of what Juve did or didn't do in the Champions League last season, you can't say they didn't handle business domestically in just about every game following the debacle against Fiorentina. This is the challenge that now faces Max Allegri and this season's version of Juventus. They weren't throttled like what happened 12 months ago, but Juventus' last-minute 1-0 loss to Genoa can be looked at the same way the defeat in Florence was — the culmination of what has been a not-so-good last couple of weeks. Allegri's Juve has never truly hit its stride this season, and the past two weeks since the latest international break only proves that point further. They've gone from beating Roma in wild fashion to stumbling against Olympiacos and Genoa in a seven-day period. This Juventus team is in a funk. There's no denying that. The seriousness of it will likely vary from person to person. But trying to convince ourselves otherwise would mask the true problems this team has. It's not just the manager, it's not just the formation, it's not just very good players not playing up to their potential. It's pretty much everything above, and then probably a little more than that. Empoli will not be the biggest challenge Juventus face this season. Nope, not even close. But for one day on the first of November, Empoli is the most important game of the season. That's where things start — or restart — once again. They got their misstep out of the way. Now it's time to get back to business. The rebirth of this season starts tomorrow night in Tuscany. Or at least it should. That's the only thing to do. GOOD NEWS Check back with me in about 24 hours, then I'll let you know. BAD NEWS Do I need to remind any of you what happened the last time Juventus stepped onto a field? Yeah, I won't go there. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Daniele Rugani vs. Juventus' forwards. Much in the same vein as Domenico Berardi and Simone Zaza are leading the way for young Italian forwards, Daniele Rugani is one of the brightest defensive prospects there is in Italy these days. His performances so far this season earned him a call-cup to the Italian national team during the past international break — only to drop back down to the Azzurrini do to an injury. Either way, there's no doubting that Rugani has a big-time future written all over him, especially since he's more than holding his own in his first Serie A season at the tender age of 20. Let's just throw this out there: How much would Rugani's stock rise if he holds his own against a striker like Carlos Tévez and/or Álvaro Morata? Exactly. 2. Squad rotation, will we actually see it? How optimistic are some Italian media outlets about Allegri actually resting some of his big players? Well, let's see what the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is thinking come Friday morning's updated predicted starting lineup. Not exactly the kind of squad rotation a manager might go through with against a team like Empoli, huh? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that Juventus need points against Empoli tomorrow night, therefore causing Allegri to roll with pretty much everybody who started against Genoa over the weekend. And let's not forget, Allegri did say in the build up to the Genoa match that there would be some kind of squad rotation. Turns out, it wasn't much at all, so there's that to really hang our hat on. You'd have to think that shaking things up is what's needed after a loss like what happened against Genoa. Not just to get some other guys playing time, but just to try and find a spark within a squad that clearly needs one. 3. This has to be where Álvaro Morata starts a Serie A game ... right? If anything, we've come to find out that Mad Max is quite loyal to Fernando Llorente. The problem with doing so is that one of Juventus' most out of form players is on the field more often than the striker who should be there instead. Morata has proven to be productive almost every time he has stepped onto the field this season. If it's for 10 minutes or 40, the young Spaniard has shown that he has — at least in small segments of time each appearance — what it takes to be successful at Juventus. His lone start was a bright spot in an otherwise glum trip to Greece last week. A lot of us thought that would mean he'd get another start, but it never materialized. Hopefully that chance comes against Empoli. You can't say Morata hasn't at least earned the chance to show what he can do on a consistent basis from the opening whistle. That's for damn sure. 4. Will the real Arturo Vidal please stand up? We've talked a lot about the severe dip in form from Fernando Llorente, but not so much with Arturo Vidal. Juventus' star midfielder has had his moments this season, but he's been anything but consistent. Consider him consistently inconsistent ever since he's returned from World Cup duty this summer. Is it injury related? Who the hell knows, really. But it's certainly true that amongst the struggling players wearing bianconero this season, Vidal's form is amongst the most puzzling to figure out. One thing is for certain: If Juventus wants to snap out of this funk, they're going to need Vidal to do the same. And in quick order, too. Come a few days — and weeks from now — there's a couple of incredibly important Champions League games on the schedule. Having Vidal be vintage Vidal would be a pretty nice sight. 5. The bottom line. Juventus has no business losing to a team destined for a relegation battle like Empoli. That's not being cocky, that's just the simple truth. The same goes for just about every other team in the bottom half of the table that Juventus is vastly superior to. That's just how it works. Juventus didn't get to where they did under Conte by taking it easy against the provincial Serie A clubs or by furthering the damage done domestically following that Fiorentina loss last season. If the loss to Genoa was the kind of reality check Juventus needed, then it will turn out to be a positive in the long run even though it doesn't seem like it right now. How Juve responds on the field against Empoli will be the most important thing. If they play the way they're capable of, then we'll know a last-second gut punch at the Marassi. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Ogbonna, Marrone Bonucci, Chiellini; Pereyra, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tévez, Morata OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 5 P.M. IN ITALY; HIGH NOON ON THE EAST COAST; 9 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Juventus' critics blowing club's slump in Serie A, UCL out of proportion Oct 31, 2014 Juventus have only picked up seven points from the past five games -- "What a disaster," in the eyes of some, but such criticism is hyperbolic. They have still played better than most of the sides they have faced. The first thing most have said about Massimiliano Allegri's Juve is that they're less intense and the hunger has gone. Intensity can be a beautiful thing and it can lead to trophies, as shown by the likes of Juve, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, to name a few. However, it can also lead to fatigue, exhaustion and a downturn in fortunes, again as shown by the same three clubs. There's only so long and so many ways one can motivate a side and force them to cover exceptional distances without wilting. Something had to change, and the reason Allegri was picked was not down to his motivational skills (far from it; in that regard he may be one of the poorest), but he's a tactician who prefers to concentrate on his players' technique and the strategy for the game. He's the perfect follow-up man to take over from Antonio Conte, who bled his team dry and used every last droplet of energy to win his trophies. The team started phenomenally well under Allegri's tutelage, picking up six clean sheets and winning their early games both in Serie A and Europe. More than that, they were exciting to watch: energetic, intelligent and daring against Chievo Verona and Udinese. Now we are witnessing a side that is slowing down, and there are reasons for it. For one thing, Andrea Pirlo is not his influential self. Whether this is a simple issue regarding his recovery or a psychological one due to the coach in charge remains to be seen. He needs a tough midfielder to stay close to him so that opponents cannot expose his weak defensive skills. Last season and again this year, we have watched opponents run and score the moment the playmaker concedes possession of the ball. Arturo Vidal is another who is not at his optimum level. He is slowly improving and making the right runs forward to contribute to the team's attacking play but still has to work on his timing when it comes to making his challenges. Juve have also been dubbed predictable. That may indeed be true, but they were also rather predictable under Conte. A side with a clear identity can be easy to figure out and then neutralise, so that's why it's important to speed up the movements and construct a team comfortable with various strategies and formations. Take Real Madrid, for example. Under Jose Mourinho and perhaps for much of the season last year, they were a team that counterattacked to perfection. Giving them the ball for long spells meant they could not inflict their counterattacking pace, so they struggled. Carlo Ancelotti worked on making them a side comfortable with and without the ball, and against Barcelona in the 3-1 El Clasico win last week, they showed they can win whatever the strategy. Juventus' tactics have worked for a number of years now. Their defence is strong and their attack is capable but with greater competition in the domestic league and tougher opponents in Europe, it's time to take risks and create a more balanced side that can overcome those who are better. The main problem at the moment, you could argue, regards the attack. With Claudio Marchisio playing the Pirlo role, Kwadwo Asamoah prioritising his defensive duties and Vidal not back to his usual high levels, Carlos Tevez is working overtime to score. Stephan Lichtsteiner is hardly the most accurate going forward, while Paul Pogba is still developing and cannot be depended on entirely. Fernando Llorente is unable to affect the game, and while his form has to be questioned, the tactics are not helping. There's a reason Juventus look better in the second half when Allegri takes a gamble and throws more bodies forward. He needs to accurately judge when and where to shake things up to create a side that can win whomever they face. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Empoli v Juventus: Preview Oct 31, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his players to forget their midweek agony at Genoa and focus on beating Empoli on Saturday. A stoppage-time goal from Genoa's Luca Antonini inflicted a first league loss of the campaign on Juventus and allowed Roma to join them on 22 points at the top of Serie A. With fellow title hopefuls Roma and Napoli facing each other in Naples on Saturday, Allegri is urging his team to bring home a win from Tuscany. ``We didn't deserve to lose at Genoa,'' Allegri said. ``But we move forward and concentrate on Saturday's match. ``I expect a difficult game because Empoli are a team that play good football. But our aim as always is to win and we know we cannot fail. ``We must return to winning ways.'' Victory at Empoli would be a boost in confidence for Juventus, who host Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday. Juventus have won one and lost two of their opening three Group A games in Europe's elite club competition so far. The Bianconeri are third in their pool and will aim to beat the Greek side to revive their hopes of progressing to the knock-out stages. ``Tomorrow's game at Empoli will be an important preparation in view of Tuesday's match,'' Allegri said. ``We have a big game next week but our focus right now is on Empoli.'' Allegri is set to rest leading goalscorer Carlos Tevez, in view of Tuesday's match, and field instead Sebastian Giovinco alongside Alvaro Morata in attack. The hosts are without injured defenders Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres and Andrea Barzagli. Empoli go into the encounter at the Carlo Castellani stadium having endured a difficult week. Maurizio Sarri's side lost 4-0 at home to Cagliari before falling 3-1 at Sassuolo on Tuesday. Empoli have won just one of their opening nine league games and are 17th in the standings, one place and one point clear of the relegation zone. ``We need to continue to work hard and eventually results will come our way,'' head coach Sarri said. ``We will try to give a good performance against Juve, knowing that we face the strongest team in the competition.'' http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Empoli vs. Juventus: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game Oct 31, 2014 Having limped through the month and endured a string of bad results, Juventus will be glad to see the end of October. It began with a loss to Atletico Madrid, which was followed by further defeats to Olympiacos and Genoa, with a draw against Sassuolo along the way. Victories over Roma and Palermo failed to mask their ailing form, dissected in detail in the monthly report card column found here. The attack and the midfield have been especially poor, with each match seeing the Bianconeri look stale and devoid of ideas when in possession of the ball. An injury-ravaged defence has done well to cope with the absences of both Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres, but Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal still look short of fitness. November begins with two important matches, offering Massimiliano Allegri and his players a chance at instant redemption. While Greek champions Olympiacos visit Turin on Tuesday, La Madama must first take care of business away to Empoli. The newly promoted Tuscans have struggled on their return to Serie A, sitting just a point above the relegation zone as a result of winning just one of the first nine matches. Over the following pages is a look at the decisions and the issues which will shape the encounter, with the Bianconeri hoping to recapture their dominant early-season form. Alvaro Morata: His Time Is Surely Now Allegri has continued to select Fernando Llorente as the regular partner for Carlos Tevez in attack, believing the duo can rekindle their excellent work together. However, despite the Basque striker playing well, he has clearly struggled in front of goal this term. With his only goal of the campaign coming in last week’s win over Palermo, Llorente still lacks the clinical edge, a problem discussed at length here. In stark contrast to his missing sharpness, fellow Spaniard Alvaro Morata has looked superb in his limited playing time thus far. Whether starting matches or coming off the bench, the Real Madrid product has added the spark which has otherwise been missing in attack for the Bianconeri. He, too, has netted just once, but stats site WhoScored shows he has played just 102 minutes in 2014-15, far below Llorente’s total of 624 minutes. Tevez will also need resting at some point, and there may well be a case for doing so against Empoli, but Morata deserves to start, irrespective of Allegri’s other attacking choices. Juventus Must Improve in Attack in General The inclusion of Morata should help, but Juventus need to use the Empoli match to rediscover their attacking potential, an attribute they appear to have lost recently. After netting 11 times in September’s five matches, the Bianconeri failed to score in three of their six October fixtures. Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos and Genoa all held the Turin side goalless, and lining up against Empoli’s porous defence should offer hope that the barren run is set to end. Only Parma (21) and Palermo (17) have conceded more goals than the Tuscan minnows (16) this term, and Allegri will surely urge his side to punish them further. Formation to Change Before It Is Too Late Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Juve’s recent struggles is the ineffectiveness of the 3-5-2 formation against teams happy to sit back and defend. All three losses—and the Sassuolo draw—came against such sides, and the Bianconeri seemed unable to find a way to break through. By adding an extra attacker, Allegri could see his side enjoy greater success, and the latter stages of the victory over Palermo showed just what that could mean. The coach swapped to a 4-2-3-1 shape, and immediately, the team displayed far more attacking intent and appeared to have far more attacking potential. Such a framework—perhaps even a 4-3-3—would allow some playing time for the underused Sebastian Giovinco, while also allowing some rotation in defence. With Patrice Evra joining Romulo on the injury list, a switch to a back four would allow a chance to rest Kwadwo Asamoah or Stephan Lichtsteiner. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Allegri hints at Tevez rest Oct 31, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has appeared to confirm that Carlos Tevez will be rested when Juventus take on Empoli on Saturday. The Bianconeri travel to Tuscany with a huge Champions League tie with Olympiacos looming on Tuesday, and there has been speculation that Tevez would be afforded the opportunity to rest. “It’s possible that tomorrow Tevez won’t feature from the start,” Allegri conceded in his Press-conference ahead of the Empoli game. “But I have Giovinco who is fine, I have Coman who is very good and I have Llorente who’s fine. Maybe I’ll play a partnership of Llorente and Morata. “Will Morata play? I think he has a good chance to play tomorrow. “In my opinion players with their quality [Morata and Llorente] and their characteristics can play together. “I’m not saying they’ll play together tomorrow, but it’s a possibility, even as the match progresses.” Allegri also criticised his players for ruining captain Gianluigi Buffon’s 500th Juventus game with defeat at Genoa. “Another thing I was very angry with that his teammates - and they’re very sorry - wanted to give Buffon a good victory in his 500th game. “Buffon will play tomorrow, as for everyone else, we have training today so I’ll assess everyone at the end of the session and decide who will play tomorrow.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri ‘Juventus have been a disaster, but…’ Oct 31, 2014 Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri has admitted that his side’s away form has been ‘disastrous’ of late. The Bianconeri went down 1-0 at Genoa on Wednesday night, following a draw away to Sassuolo and defeats on the road to Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos in the Champions League. Their tactician and former Milan Coach has admitted that results have not been good enough, but shrugged off talk of a crisis. “The last two away games have not been good,” Allegri conceded in his Press conference ahead of the trip to Empoli. “In fact, in terms of results, they’ve been a disaster, because we got a point at Sassuolo and lost to Genoa. “Crisis? At Juventus when you lose one game there’s talk of a crisis, particularly from outside. “I don’t think it’s time to talk about a crisis, rather we should talk about the two or three games where the team has created a lot, converted little and on the two or three occasions where we gave our opponents a chance we’ve conceded a goal. “That’s not an excuse, it’s a statement of fact. “Tomorrow we have to do more to try and - above all - score, because we can’t make mistakes in front of goal as well. “And we have to be especially careful not to allow our opponents even a few chances.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Allegri hits back at critics Oct 31, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has hit back at criticism that his Juventus side is less hungry than under Antonio Conte. Former Juve player Alessandro Birindelli has been among those to have criticised the current Coach’s men by suggesting that they have not shown the same desire to win as they did under Conte. Allegri, however, was in no mood to answer questions about his team’s motivation. “I’m not going to respond [to the criticism],” the Juventus Coach told his Press conference ahead of a visit to Empoli. “It’s all talk, which then becomes pub talk. I respect writers and their opinions, but it doesn’t mean I have to agree. “Until at least tomorrow evening we’re leading the Championship. We’re still fighting for the Champions League. We’re still on course for all our goals. “Little by little we’ll see where we end up. I believe this Juventus has come a long way, and we’ll do well to come through this week where we’ve faced two tough away trips. “The week before Roma dropped points in Genoa against Sampdoria, and unfortunately we dropped points in Genoa this week, against Genoa. “However, at the moment we’re top, and I don’t think the numbers are quite as unforgiving as some people would have us believe. We’ve got what, three points less than last year?” A journalist pointed out they have the same as last year. “Oh, ok the same then…” Allegri also denied that the Bianconeri’s draw against Sassuolo and losing a late goal to Genoa were also signs of a lack of character. “It’s not a lack of heart that’s to blame for us not closing games out. I’d say that the other day in Genoa the team gave a great response, enough to win the game. “Unfortunately we managed to lose it 30 seconds from the end. “But the worst game we’ve played this year was [a win] against Palermo at home, where we created less except for at the end of the game. “In other matches we’ve had great chances and given away very little. Perhaps the midfielders are scoring less, but the strikers have scored more. “To win the title, here are the figures - you need to score 60-70 goals and concede as few as possible. “The top teams get 60-65 goals. It’s normal that the less you concede the better your chances are of winning the title. “So far we’re doing ok in terms of numbers. “It’s normal that if you’re Juve and you draw in Sassuolo and lose to Genoa you’ll be criticised. “There may well be some constructive criticism, which I accept and it’s definitely an incentive for me and all the players to do better. “So far the lads have done their duty, and at the same time we still have room to improve because there are various players who aren’t in top condition for reasons we’re all aware of.”

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Allegri not focused on Olympiacos Oct 31, 2014 Juventus are not even thinking about their Champions League clash with Olympiacos insists Max Allegri, as they must concentrate on Empoli. The Old Lady travel to Tuscany tomorrow aiming to arrest a slump which has seen the champions take just one point from their last two away games. Juve then face Olympiacos in Turin on Tuesday in a crucial Champions League tie, but Allegri warns it would be a mistake for his side to only look ahead to that. “Empoli are a team which plays really good football,” Allegri told assembled journalists in his pre-match Press conference. “I think we have to congratulate [Empoli Coach Maurizio] Sarri as he’s doing a great job with a team which came up from Serie B last year. “I think seven of their starting XI came up through the youth teams, so congratulations are due to Sarri and to the club that has done well to bring through young players to play in Serie A. “The game will be very difficult, because winning games is never easy against a vibrant team which plays good, quick football with quality players. “Tomorrow is very important preparation for Tuesday’s Champions League game. “After the game I will look at the players and decide who are able to play on Tuesday, and we’ll prepare for Tuesday’s game knowing that it will decide whether we are in or out of the Champions League, but it’s pointless thinking about it now. “I think the most important game at the moment is the next one, and we have to try to take three points tomorrow against a team which plays good football. “Then tomorrow night, when we leave after the Empoli game, then I’ll start thinking about Tuesday.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juventus to rest Tevez Oct 31, 2014 Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri will rest Carlos Tevez for the Bianconeri’s trip to Empoli, according to reports. The Argentinean has been in top form for the Old Lady this season, with eight goals in 12 games. However, The Apache hasn't found the back of the net since the win over Roma on October 5 and Tuttosport believes that the striker will be rested ahead of a Champions League clash with Olympiacos. The former Manchester United man hasn’t been rested since Cesena visited Juventus Stadium on September 24, and the newspaper believes that Allegri is keen to have Tevez in top condition when the Greeks visit Turin for what is a do-or-die game for the Bianconeri after back-to-back Champions League defeats. The Turin-based sports daily reports that Sebastian Giovinco is the man being lined-up to replace Tevez for Old Lady’s trip to Tuscany this weekend. With the ‘Atomic Ant’ having played only 110 minutes in all competitions this season, the diminutive forward is seen as fresher and will be handed a starting berth as he faces his former side.

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Empoli-Juventus Preview: Bonucci demands mature approach after Genoa defeat The champions are level once more with Roma at the top of Serie A and will be eager to get back to winning ways at the weekend. Oct 31, 2014 Juventus must show greater maturity in order to get back to winning ways against Empoli on Saturday, according to Leonardo Bonucci. The Serie A champions fell to just their second league defeat in a year on Wednesday as Genoa claimed a shock 1-0 win. Luca Antonini's 90th-minute winner dented Massimiliano Allegri's impressive start to life at Juve, with his only other defeats coming in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos. That loss saw Juve's advantage over second-placed Roma disappear, and they travel to Empoli on Saturday level with Rudi Garcia's men after nine games. Juve last faced Empoli in the 2007-2008 campaign, when the two sides met twice in Serie A and enjoyed a Coppa Italia double-header. Empoli triumphed in the home leg of that cup clash and also earned a goalless draw in the league, meaning Juve's last win at the Stadio Carlo Castellani came back in 2005. And Bonucci recognises the need for Juve to get three points under their belts this weekend. "The league isn't won or lost," he said after Wednesday's defeat. "But we should have maintained our one-point lead over Roma. "Let this defeat be a lesson to us. "Now we're back level with them and need to turn tonight into a positive that will help us to show greater maturity." Empoli have won just once in the league this season and have conceded seven goals in their last two outings. On Tuesday they surrendered a lead given to them by Daniele Croce's 18th-minute goal as Sassuolo ran out 3-1 winners. Despite the defeat Maurizio Sarri was pleased with his side's efforts and he expects them to build on that when Allegri's men visit this weekend. He said: "We have played four games in 12 days and there wasn't much time to train, but I am still happy with the attitude of the players. "We know that we have limitations that we sometimes pay for, but I am pleased with the performance." Patrice Evra continues to be sidelined for Juve after picking up a thigh injury earlier in the week. The former Manchester United full-back is expected to be out for a month. Simone Pepe and Martin Caceres have not featured since the victory over Roma earlier this month, while Andrea Barzagli (heel) will miss out. Empoli have concerns over Luigi Sepe (hamstring), Tiberio Guarente (knee) and Vincent Laurini (knock), although the latter was named on the bench in the loss to Sassuolo. OPTA FACTS * These two teams have met 16 times in the top flight: the Bianconeri have won 11 times (D3, L2) and kept 10 clean sheets. * Empoli’s last success against Juventus came in April 1999 (1-0 at home); since then, six wins for Juventus and two draws. * Empoli’s worst two defeats in Serie A came against Juventus (in 2005) and against Cagliari on last match day. * Empoli lost their last two league games and they have won only once in this Serie A so far (3-0 against Palermo). * The Tuscans have kept a clean sheet only once in their last eight Serie A home games. Juventus lost against Genoa in the mid-week round, after a 15-game unbeaten streak in Serie A (14 wins, one draw). * The Bianconeri have hit the woodwork nine times so far, more than any other Serie A side this season. * Levan Mchedlidze scored his only goal in Serie A against Juventus, back in October 2008 for Palermo. LAST FIVE MATCHES Empoli L L D W D 10/28/14 - Sassuolo 3 - 1 Empoli 10/25/14 - Empoli 0 - 4 Cagliari 10/20/14 - Genoa 1 - 1 Empoli 10/5/14 - Empoli 3 - 0 Palermo 9/28/14 - Chievo 1 - 1 Empoli Juventus L W L D W 10/29/14 Genoa 1 - 0 Juventus 10/26/14 Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo 10/22/14 Olympiakos 1 - 0 Juventus 10/18/14 Sassuolo 1 - 1 Juventus 10/5/14 Juventus 3 - 2 Roma HEAD TO HEAD 3/19/08 - Empoli 0 - 0 Juventus 1/15/08 - Juventus 5 - 3 Empoli 12/6/07 - Empoli 2 - 1 Juventus 10/31/07 - Juventus 3 - 0 Empoli 1/22/06 - Juventus 2 - 1 Empoli http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Preview: Empoli vs. Juventus Oct 31, 2014 Juventus's unbeaten run of eight games in Serie A came to an end in midweek, but they have the chance to bounce back with a trip to Empoli. The Old Lady, who remain at the top of the league table on level points with challengers Roma, were dealt a blow by losing 1-0 to Genoa in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The result was only Juve's second league defeat in a year and they head into this Saturday's encounter having last faced Empoli in the 2007-08 campaign. The visitors are favourite to snatch all three points and get themselves back on track, but Empoli could capitalise on Juve's dented spirit following their midweek loss. Empoli boss Maurizio Sarri will host Massimiliano Allegri's side having grabbed just one victory in nine league games so far this season, which has left them 17th in the standings, just one point above the relegation zone. Empoli had a run of draws and hadn't lost a game in five fixtures, but the team head into this weekend's match having suffered a 4-0 defeat to Cagliari and a 3-1 loss at the hands of Sassuolo on Wednesday. Allegri is expected to be without Patrice Evra this weekend as the former Manchester United full-back is likely to be out of action for a month with a thigh injury. For the home side, Luigi Sepe and Tiberio Guarante are doubts with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, while Vincent Laurini is likely to be included in the squad. Recent form Empoli: D D W D L L Juventus: W W W D W L Possible starting lineups Empoli: Bassi; E Hisaj, L Tonelli, Rugani, M Rui; Zielinski, Valdifiori, Croce; M Pucciarelli, Vecino, Maccarone Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez Sports Mole says: 0-2 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS - Saturday, November 1st, 2014 - 6:00 PM Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli Referee: Paolo Valeri Allegri could bench Tevez for Empoli clash The Bianconeri boss has admitted that he is considering dropping his top scorer for the trip to the Carlo Castellani, pointing out that he has a number of alternatives in attack. Oct 31, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says Carlos Tevez could start on the bench in Saturday's Serie A match with Empoli. The 30-year-old striker has been in fine form in Serie A this season, with six goals in eight appearances, and was this week recalled to the Argentina squad for the first time since 2011. However, Allegri says that with so many options to choose from up front, Tevez's place in the starting XI for the trip to the Carlo Castellani is not guaranteed. "I'll look to pick the best team possible in order to win," the 47-year-old told reporters. "Tevez could even start on the bench ... I've got [Kingsley] Coman, [Alvaro] Morata, [sebastian] Giovinco and [Fernando] Llorente in good shape. The former AC Milan boss also hinted that he had already decided upon an all-Spanish attack for the game against Empoli. "There's a good chance Morata will start," he continued. "As far as I'm concerned, Llorente and Morata can play together. It's an option for us." Allegri also talked about his side's recent poor away form, with the reigning Italian champions having followed up a shock 1-1 draw at Sassuolo with a last-gasp 1-0 defeat to Genoa. "The last two away games [in Serie A] have not been good," the Bianconeri boss conceded. "In fact, in terms of results, they've been a disaster, because we got a point at Sassuolo and lost to Genoa. "At Juventus when you lose one game there's talk of a crisis, particularly from outside. "I don't think it's time to talk about a crisis, rather we should talk about the two or three games where the team has created a lot, converted little, and - on the two or three occasions where we gave our opponents a chance - we've conceded a goal. That’s not an excuse, it's a statement of fact. "Tomorrow [saturday] we have to do more to try and - above all - score, because we can't make mistakes in front of goal as well. "And we have to be especially careful not to allow our opponents even a few chances. "We're top of Serie A and still in the running for the Champions League. I think we'll go far this season. "The constructive criticism we received will spur us on to do better." Juventus' defeat at the Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday night allowed Roma to draw level on points with them at the summit of Serie A courtesy of a 2-0 win over Cesena. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

GENOA - JUVENTUS 1 - 0 L. Antonini 90'+ Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Genoa ruin Buffon’s celebration Juventus hoped to celebrate Gianluigi Buffon’s 500th Bianconero appearance with maximum points, but fell to a late Genoa winner. Luca Cetta writes. Oct 30, 2014 For Genoa it was sweet revenge. It was they who had been on the receiving end last season, only to give Juventus a dose of their own medicine on Wednesday. Seven months ago Andrea Pirlo’s wonderful last-gasp free-kick separated the two sides and pushed Juventus ever closer to the Scudetto. This time around the goal wasn’t as flashy, but for Gian Piero Gapserini and his Grifoni it will be just as memorable. Juventus went into the Stadio Luigi Ferraris encounter with reasons to celebrate. Captain Gianluigi Buffon was representing the Turin club for the 500th time – only the fourth player to do so behind Giuseppe Furino, Gaetano Scirea and Alessandro Del Piero. Curiously, it was to be against the club he supported as a child. Paul Pogba was this week the only Serie A player named in the Ballon d’Or shortlist, even if in truth it was more for his performances with France at the World Cup. And finally, Carlos Tevez was rewarded for his fine start to the season by Gerardo Martino, the Argentina boss ending Apache’s three-year exile from the national team. But they walked off the pitch in a daze after Luca Antonini – with a little help from Giorgio Chiellini – bundled the ball over the line in the fourth minute of added time. The loss was Juve’s first in Serie A and ends a 15-match unbeaten streak stretching back to March. With Roma securing a routine win over Cesena it means the gap between the two has vanished. Worryingly for the Bianconeri it concluded a poor October. The month ended with two wins, a draw and three losses in all competitions. Not that Massimiliano Allegri is overly concerned: “I am not worried, despite the statistics. Against Sassuolo we did everything possible and a draw can happen, tonight we did everything and conceded right at the end.” It may have been a different story had Angelo Ogbonna’s looping effort been centimetres to the right. Or if Mattia Perin hadn’t twice denied Alvaro Morata. His opposite number would have been equally proud and frustrated at his saves. Those were Juve’s best chances, all arriving following a lacklustre first half against a Genoa outfit which did not give an inch. The Turin giants changed gears after the interval and pushed the Rossoblu back, finally creating openings. Morata once again impressed when he came on as a substitute. Gasperini said his side had a ‘duty’ to try and win and while pegged back for much of the second half, it only took one moment to alter the League standings. And one player involved would have taken great satisfaction in the goal. He may not have scored as he hoped pre-game, but Alessandro Matri’s cross for Antonini proved the difference. Buffon scrambled, Chiellini despaired and Juve left with nothing. Allegri was unhappy with the manner in which they conceded, citing a lack of maturity in dealing with the situation. There will be questions asked of Juventus. Having seen improvement in his side on Sunday once they altered shape, Allegri reverted to the usual three-man defence. Solid it can be, there was also a lack of creativity from a Bianconeri team which looked uninspired until the game dragged on. As results don’t go their way, it would be worth turning to a different approach in more than just flashes. There’s no time to dwell on the defeat with an away trip to Empoli forthcoming on Saturday. Pirlo was rested at Marassi and so could return, while Allegri may have one eye on the crucial Champions League encounter against Olympiacos next week. It’s a match which could shape Juve’s season and so the team which takes the Stadio Carlo Castellani pitch may reflect the latter’s importance. But after last night’s shock they’ll be eager to build momentum ahead of that European encounter. And Buffon will be hoping 501 turns out better. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Birindelli: Juventus lack fight Oct 31, 2014 Former Juventus defender Alessandro Birindelli believes Massimiliano Allegri’s side lack the fight that characterised Antonio Conte’s reign. The Bianconeri have managed just one win in their last five games, being caught at the top of the League by Roma after Wednesday’s last-gasp defeat at Genoa. Birindelli spent 11 years in Turin, and the former full-back thinks the Old Lady are simply lacking in intensity after three Scudetti in a row. “I think this team is less dynamic than Conte’s,” Birindelli reflected to tuttojuve.com. “They’re a little more predictable, less attacks down the wing and less quick counter-attacks. When Conte’s team ran onto the field there was a continuous drive to go out and break the defensive lines, greater movement from right to left and full-backs who were wingers as well. “This year I’ve seen a few games where Lichtsteiner or Asamoah or whoever is in their positions hasn’t had the ball. “No-one has been particularly bad, but there’s less aggression, it’s a less hungry team which is lacking in that little bit of nastiness to go and get a result even when things aren’t going well. “In the past few years, rather than losing a game in the 90th minute, they’d win it in the 90th minute. That’s the difference.” Juventus face Empoli on Saturday, before welcoming Olympiacos to Turin for a do-or-die Champions League clash. While Birindelli, who reached two Champions League Finals with the Old Lady, believes Juve have the talent to reach the Last 16, the 39-year-old again called the Bianconeri’s motivation into question. “I think that Juventus have improved in Europe, and now many of the players have European experience and they should take advantage of that. “I think this year they have every chance and everything needed to get out of a group which I don’t think is impossible. “But I repeat, Juve are less hungry than in other years in so many ways, perhaps even because of some of the Coach’s tactical choices.”

GENOA - JUVENTUS 1 - 0 L. Antonini 90'+ Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Ogbonna: 'Juve unshakeable' Oct 30, 2014 Angelo Ogbonna trusts Juventus are “unshakeable” despite seeing their Serie A unbeaten record ended by Genoa. Last night the Bianconeri lost 1-0 at Marassi and that allowed Roma to catch them at the top of the table on 22 points. “We are mentally solid and unshakeable,” Ogbonna told Jtv. “We are only in Week 9, as last season we had 22 points and Roma were five in front of us. “It is only normal that there are big expectations around us, but we are relaxed, knowing we must be concentrated on the finish line. “We slipped up yesterday, but we immediately have a game against Empoli to make up for it. We will find the same difficulties we had at Genoa, because smaller teams clam up against us and it’s difficult to find spaces. “We must therefore be wary of counter-attacks and become more clinical.” The Empoli tie is brought forward to Saturday so that Juventus can prepare for their Champions League clash with Olympiacos in Turin. “We have a good chance of qualifying and must give our all, but the help of the fans will be fundamental and on Tuesday I really hope they can be our 12th Man.” Juve lost 1-0 in Athens and are three points adrift of Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid in their Champions League group. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Bonucci: Juve must be ruthless Oct 30, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci says that Juventus have been taught a hard lesson against Genoa and must be more ruthless. The Bianconeri suffered their first defeat of the season in the League, conceding in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time at Marassi. “Last night’s defeat made us understand that football can be ruthless and cynical, features that we don’t have at Juventus today,” Bonucci posted. “These are the facts and if we want to win we need to add this value too. “I really hope this defeat serves us well as a lesson, me included of course. “It will be a real battle in Empoli and I’d like to play that game today. “I’m hungry, really hungry but we need to be even hungrier…’Till the end Forza Juventus!”

Juventus, Lichtsteiner €1m apart Oct 30, 2014 Stephan Lichtsteiner continues to be linked with a move away from Juventus, with the parties reputedly still €1m apart in contract renewal talks. The Swiss defender’s current contract expires in the summer, and the full-back has been increasingly linked with a move away from Turin, with Arsenal most recently suggested as set to offer the 30-year-old an opportunity in the Premier League. Such a move could be drawing closer with Tuttosport reporting that Juventus’ offer of €2m per season plus bonuses for a three-year contract remains some way short of the former Lazio man’s request. It is believed that Lichtsteiner is unwilling to accept anything less than €3m per annum for the same three-year deal, a figure which the Bianconeri are unwilling to meet. The stall in negotiations is reported to have alerted numerous other clubs to the possible availability of the right-back, with Paris Saint-Germain named alongside Arsenal as interested. As previously reported, Inter may also try to tempt Lichtsteiner to stay in Italy, although his relatively advanced age may be deterrent to President Erick Thohir’s intended approach.