Socrates

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

JUVENTUS - PALERMO - Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese Juventus vs. Palermo: Key Issues That Will Shape Serie A Game Oct 24, 2014 Having lost to Olympiacos on Wednesday evening, Juventus return to domestic action against Palermo this weekend. Having won the Serie B title last term, the Sicilian side have struggled thus far in 2014-15, registering just one win in their first seven matches. That victory came last week against Cesena, themselves freshly promoted to the top flight, and the points lifted the Rosanero to 15th place. Beppe Iachini’s side are likely to be battling to avoid relegation all year. They last beat the Turin giants back in February 2011. However, there may be no better time to face the Old Lady, struggling as she has in recent weeks with just one win in her last four outings. That came in the controversial match against title rivals Roma, with a loss to Atletico Madrid and a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo compounding the misery of the reigning champions. Massimiliano Allegri will know there is huge pressure on him to return Juventus to winning ways, and he will hope to see improvements from a number of key performers. Over the following pages is a look at the issues likely to decide this Serie A encounter, with the Bianconeri hoping to maintain their lead atop the Serie A standings. Tactical Conundrum for Juventus Perhaps the greatest question facing Allegri right now is whether to stick with the 3-5-2, which has brought Juventus such incredible success, or twist in favour of a new formation. In the last quarter of Wednesday’s loss in Greece, the coach opted for a 4-2-3-1 framework, and he was rewarded with a much-improved performance. While that may be a difficult decision to make, the fact the Bianconeri continue to struggle in Europe may sway Allegri to make a change. In doing so, he would hope to prepare the side before their next Champions League outing with Olympiacos at the Juventus Stadium in early November. The one obstacle to making that switch may well be the injuries affecting the defence, with a number of players still absent. In September, Allegri told reporters that he could not deploy a back four without Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, per Football Italia. Therefore, he may simply be waiting for the return of the former—or the excellent Martin Caceres—before he makes the change. The Desperate Search for Goals Even more pressing than the choice of formation is the worrying lack of goals from Juve’s attacking options. With Fernando Llorente, Sebastian Giovinco and Kingsley Coman all yet to score, Allegri opted for Alvaro Morata alongside Carlos Tevez on Wednesday. The former Real Madrid starlet is the only striker other than the Argentine to find the back of the net this term, with his lone strike coming in the win over Atalanta. The young Spaniard looked sharp in midweek, so the coach may decide to try the same pairing, hoping to see their efforts rewarded on the scoresheet. The attacking struggles of the Bianconeri front line were discussed in detail here. Juventus will hope the Palermo defence proves less resolute. The Rosanero have allowed 15 goals thus far, with only Sassuolo having conceded more this term, which should provide hope for the Juve front men. The Midfield Battle for Form and Fitness Another area beginning to concern Juventus is in midfield, with the big names of the Bianconeri failing to recapture their previous excellent form. With Arturo Vidal struggling for fitness, his team-mates have also been unable to provide the spark they so often inject into the team’s style of play. Andrea Pirlo was uncharacteristically poor against Olympiacos, with Gianluca Vialli singling out the Italian shortly after the final whistle on Sky Sport Italia. “Pirlo is also not in condition,” he said (h/t Forza Italian Football). “He has negatively impacted the previous two matches in which he has played in.” Having watched on as Pirlo struggled in possession—a display discussed in detail here—it is hard to argue with that assessment. Juventus will hope their quartet can rediscover their best and help the side return to winning ways. 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: No Kasami regrets Oct 24, 2014 Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini insists he has no regrets about selling Pajtim Kasami - despite his Champions League winner against Juventus. The Swiss midfielder played for the Rosanero in the 2010-11 season, making 14 appearances for the club without scoring a goal. Kasami moved to Olympiacos from Fulham this summer, and scored the Greeks’ only goal as they beat Juventus 1-0 on Wednesday. “I don’t regret it [selling Kasami] at all,” Zamparini has told Livesicilia Sport, though. “Against Juventus he scored, but he also got another one spectacularly wrong. “He’s not a player who could make a difference for Palermo. There’s a reason why he left the English League to play in the more modest Greek League.” Zamparini’s Palermo travel to face Juventus on Sunday, but the Palermo patron is adamant his players should not fear facing a wounded Bianconeri. “On Sunday I expect to see a Palermo side concentrated on the game at hand, ready to give everything without being worried that Juventus will want revenge for their defeat in the Champions League. “The game will be far from simple, and the odds are not on our side but we have a duty to try and make an impression.” 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: Juve Look To Return To Winning Ways Oct 24, 2014 Juventus will look to overcome their recent drop in form this Sunday afternoon as they play host to Palermo in the eighth round of Serie A at Juventus Stadium. The Bianconeri will be keen to bounce back from their surprise Champions League defeat against Olympiacos and the fact they dropped their first league points of the season in their previous match against lowly Sassuolo. Meanwhile, the Rosanero will be in high spirits after they secured their first win of the season against Cesena following two successive heavy defeats against Empoli and Napoli. History will be on the side of Juventus as the last four league fixtures between these two have all ended in wins for the Turin side and Palermo failed to score in each of those games. The last time the two sides faced off was back in May 2013 when an Arturo Vidal penalty was enough to see the Bianconeri earn the win. Juventus, under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri had started the Serie A season in fine form, winning their first six games before stuttering to a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo. They have also managed to emerge victorious in every game they have played at Juventus stadium this season, including the Champions League. The Rosanero, under the guidance of Giuseppe Iachini have struggled playing away from the Stadio Renza Barbera and have just one point from their opening three away games in their remarkable 3-3 draw with Napoli. Iachini has no fresh injuries to players to be concerned about and has a full strength squad at his disposal for Sunday’s game and is likely to name a similar line-up to the one that faced Cesena last time out. The Bianconeri, on the back of their trip to Greece will be wary of the fitness of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal but will be without the suspended Simone Padoin following his late dismissal against Sassuolo. They will also be missing the likes of Martin Caceres, Andrea Barzagli through injury whereas they are hopeful on the situations of Romulo, Luca Marrone and Simone Pepe. Allegri is likely to keep faith with Alvaro Morata, who is line to make his first league start for the club, to partner Carlos Tevez in attack ahead of the goalless Fernando Llorente. Expected Starting XIs Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Morata Palermo: Sorrentino; Munoz, Gonzalez, Andelkovic; Pisano, Bolzoni, Rigoni, Barreto, Feddal; Vazquez, Dybala http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Agnelli: Italy lagging behind Oct 24, 2014 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has declared that Italian football is lagging behind its continental rivals. The club today announced a record turnover of over €300m, but Agnelli believes Italian clubs are failing to compete with those in England, Spain and Germany. “Is everything ok then?” Agnelli pondered after pinpointing the Premier League as an example to follow to club shareholders. “No. All you have to do is look at the situation in Italian football with a minimum of detachment and without partisanship to recognise a progressive decline. “Someone in the establishment tried to argue that, since Italy as a whole has lost ground in every other sector, then the growth of our industry [football] - albeit lower than other countries - should reassure us. “This is not the case, because the growth is linked exclusively to the evolution of the television market. “Less than 20 years ago, England, Spain and Germany looked to Italy as an example. Today we have been overtaken in every respect - revenue, sustainability of businesses, sporting results, filling stadiums and UEFA ranking. “Today we’re struggling to defend fourth [in the UEFA coefficient] from Portugal.” The Bianconeri President hailed the club’s return to the top 10 clubs in Europe in terms of turnover, but warned Italian clubs are limited structurally. “The level of turnover that we’re presenting today confirms Juventus as one of the top 10 clubs in the world, and our UEFA ranking has improved. “However, our competitors - Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Barcelona - have significantly outdistanced us. “No Italian club has been able to grow at their pace, a clear sign of the structural limitations that plague our football.” Agnelli called on other Serie A clubs to follow the example being set by Juventus, as he sees Italian football falling further and further behind. “Only 10 years ago, matchdays in Serie A and the Bundesliga generated the same revenue, slightly less than those in La Liga and a third of the revenues in the Premier League. “We were already a tortoise - today we are a shrimp. “The Bundesliga and La Liga now generate twice the revenues of our football stadiums, which this year fell below €200m - of which one fifth, 20 per cent was generated by Juventus Stadium. “The latter remains the only example of a cutting-edge facility [in Italy], but it only represents 1/20th of the total product. It’s not enough. “Football is about the fans, but the fans and families have abandoned Italian stadiums. Some people blame increased television availability, which is a strange argument, because without TV money Italian football would have died a slow death. “It still will, if clubs don’t take up a double challenge. “Domestically, we need to get fans back into popular stadiums. Juventus, thanks to Juventus Stadium has reached a point where we’re at 95 per cent capacity - it’s news when a game doesn’tsell out. The rest of Serie A is constantly below 50 per cent, and falling. “And then there’s abroad. Italian football has disappeared from the television screens of the big Western markets without getting into new markets. “Juventus are trying to recover lost ground. Tours and social media give us new capabilities and new markets that will allow us to grow revenues. “But Juventus will only grow fractionally if the collective product that is Serie A doesn’t do the same. “Many years ago a book by Simon Kuper called ‘Football Against The Enemy’ was released. “The author wrote: ‘When the English football fan seeks a better life, he goes to Italy, where he’ll find the world’s best players, games broadcast in full on television and lots of sports papers. The weather is also good’. “This was Serie A for the English 20 years ago. “I’m not saying this out of nostalgia. I’m saying this with the ambition that Serie A goes back to being thepoint of reference.”

Juve announce record turnover Oct 24, 2014 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has announced a record turnover for the Turin club at today’s shareholders’ meeting. The Bianconeri chief has announced that the Serie A champions have recorded a turnover €315.8m in the past year, in addition to winning a third straight Scudetto. “Only once in its history has experienced a period comparable to what we’re achieving now,” Agnelli announced to shareholders today. “In May this year we won our third title in a row, something which we haven’t achieved since the 1930s. “Juventus has been able to achieve this once again, nearly 80 years later, marking milestone in Italian football. “The sporting sector has a solid foundation, consisting of Massimiliano Allegri - a Coach who has already proven his ability to win - alongside Pavel Nedved and Fabio Paratici. “In addition we have a group of players which is ready to face new challenges, and is working to win a fourth consecutive title.” In addition to matters on the field, Agnelli also revealed record turnover for the Bianconeri. “The daily work of the men and women of Juventus - who ideally I’d be able to thank individually here today - led Juventus to a turnover of €280.5m in operating revenues, consisting of matchday revenues and television rights. “When you include the ‘player management’ revenue, that’s a turnover of over €300m for the first time in our history - precisely €315.8m. “Breaking even pre-tax, and a return to operating profit after three years complete the turnaround, one which few believed was possible.”

Agnelli: Premier League our example Oct 24, 2014 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli admits the English Premier League is the model Serie A should look to emulate. Having fallen to fourth in the UEFA coefficient rankings, Agnelli believes the Italian League must look England as an example of how to revive their fortunes. “Juventus are among the top 10 clubs in the world,” Agnelli has told today’s shareholders’ meeting. “However, we’re a long way behind the top clubs in Europe because of the structural limits of Italian football. “Our club has nonetheless recorded a turnover of over €300m. Matchday revenues abroad are double [Juve’s]. “Liverpool have a main sponsor which operates only in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and not in Europe. This demonstrates the pulling power of the Premier League, a project which was started 15 years ago. “New partnerships will allow us to increase revenue, but we must work hand-in-hand with Serie A. “The governance of Italian football showed its limits last summer, making us look old fashioned and with no chance of winning. “Teams are sacrosanct, but must be reinforced by second teams, and immigration laws. “Television money should ensure more fairness and stability. “The Premier League has once again become a reference point.”

Paul Pogba signs contract extension through 2019 Oct 24, 2014 In the span of two years, Paul Pogba has gone from youngster with loads of potential to one of the focal points of Juventus' title-winning squad. And now he's getting a handsome raise because of it. Juventus announced on Friday morning that Pogba, their 21-year-old French midfield dynamo, has agreed to a contract extension through 2019, ending what had been months of "Will he or won't he sign a new deal?" Juve director general Beppe Marotta ensured that a new deal would get done in due time no matter what was going on in the Italian press. Come Friday, we got word that the much-talked about status of Pogba's has been resolved. And with a bunch of good news to boot. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen Marotta: @paulpogba has just renewed his contract with us until 2019. The official, non-Twitter club statement, courtesy of juventus.com: Juventus Football Club is delighted to announce that Paul Pogba has today put pen to paper on a new contract which keeps him with the club until 2019. The agreement was confirmed this morning at the club's shareholders' assembly by CEO Giuseppe Marotta, who said: "Before coming here we signed Paul Pogba's contract extension which binds us until 2019." The raise in annual salary, according to the figures being thrown out there in the last 24 hours or so, seems to be in the neighborhood of €4 million to €4.5 million a season. Gianluca Di Marzio's initial report that stated negotiations had been completed said Pogba will earn €3.5 or €4 million a season. The Corriere Dello Sport's report on Friday that said a deal was done had Pogba's annual salary in the €4.5 million range, which would be one of the highest figures on the current Juventus roster. Either way, Pogba has officially put pen to paper on a new deal and both sides have clearly won. Pogba gets a shiny new contract, and Juventus locks up one of its most sought after assests. And no matter what he's officially making, he's gotten a well-deserved raise that will keep him in Turin for a good long time. Noted goalkeeping great and Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon had this to say about Pogba signing an extension during an interview with Sky Sport Italia on Thursday: "It would be great news for all of us and I hope also for him, because the most beautiful thing is knowing what it means to represent Juventus and be a symbol for such a glorious club. Juventus would also be sending a strong message" (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio) I agree, San Gigi. Like I said before Arturo Vidal signed his new deal, my stance remains the same for Pogba: Go ahead and give him all the money. It will be worth it. You just have to wonder if Pogba's new deal will kick into motion all of the other rumored contract extensions within the Juventus squad. Who knows if it will be Buffon, Martín Cáceres, Giorgio Chiellini, Carlos Tévez, Stephan Lichtsteiner, whoever else you want to throw into the mix. Seeing as that's a good portion of Juve's core, I sure hope there's more contract extension posts coming in the next couple of months. We'll see. But this is about Pogba — and rightfully so.