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Lichtsteiner: Important For Juventus To Start Well Sep 17, 2014 Juventus wide-man Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted that the 2-0 victory against Malmo in the Champions League on Tuesday night was crucial for the Old Lady. A brace from Carlos Tevez helped seal the deal in coach Massimiliano Allegri’s first European win as the Bianconeri boss. “It was very important to start well,” he said in a brief interview with Mediaset. “In the two previous years we were not able to start with a victory in the Champions League. “Milan? It’s going to be a great game because they are very fit and it will be a real challenge.” The Switzerland international then shared his thoughts regarding last season’s runners-up Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Olympiacos. “Olympiacos’ victory changes nothing. We continue match by match even though we know that it’s going to be tough. It’s still early days, but we have to prepare well before the next game.” Juventus will travel to the San Siro to take on the Serie A leaders on September 20.

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli Vidal And Barzagli To Be Back In Juventus Squad For AC Milan Match Sep 17, 2014 Arturo Vidal and Andrea Barzagli have reportedly recovered from their respective injuries and are expected to be in Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus squad for the club’s upcoming match with AC Milan. The 27-year-old midfielder has been out of the Bianconeri line up since picking up an issue with his thigh while training with Chile during the recent international break, while the Italian defender has been out of action since the start of the 2014-15 Serie A season due to a calf problem. According to Sky Sport Italia, Barzagli will definitely be making his return to the Juventus back line for their away meeting with the Rossoneri on September 20, with Vidal’s comeback looking likely as well after a series of successful physical tests. The Old Lady will still be missing one key player, however, as Andrea Pirlo is continuing his recovery from a hip injury, though he is expected to be back in the team within the next week. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli Poli: Milan still improving Sep 17, 2014 Andrea Poli has enthused at Milan’s start and lists their determination to continue to improve, and to take a result against Juventus in Week 3. The Rossoneri host the Bianconeri this coming Saturday evening with the teams sharing top spot in Serie A after taking maximum points from the opening two rounds. In preparing to welcome former Milan Coach Max Allegri back to San Siro too, Poli has reflected that the challenge against the Old Lady remains as big as it was in previous seasons. “Allegri has not changed a lot the ways in which Juventus played under Conte,” the 24-year-old has told reporters at an event this week. “I never like to make predictions. Every game is a game by itself. They are a great team and the match could be decided by a single episode. “The concentration will be at its highest and we will have our fans behind us, who will provide us with a great charge. “We must draw strength from the fans’ enthusiasm, knowing that we have done some good thing but that we have to improve, already ahead of the game with Juventus, where we hope to do well. “It will be a meeting at the summit between two teams that have played two great games so far. “They are very strong, whilst for three years they have won the League title and are the team to beat. We are preparing in the best way to try to beat them.” Milan head into the Week 3 fixture with maximum points after wins over Lazio and Parma. “We had hoped to secure six points. We have played two good games, but we continue to be a work in progress with the new Coach, new players and new playing scheme. “We have ample room for improvement and I hope that we can continue to grow game to game.” The midfielder was asked about similarities or not between Inzaghi and former Juventus and current Italy boss Antonio Conte. “In 10 days with the national team, I understood why Juve won three League titles with Conte on the bench. “There is great attention to detail on both the part of Conte and Inzaghi, and they have a great desire to transmit their style of play on to their teams. “I hope that Inzaghi can follow in the footsteps of Conte. We are trying to put on to the field his ideas. Inzaghi looks a lot at the detail. “We have been working together for two-and-a-half months and I think that we can still grow and play games better and better. We can only do so by improving the errors.” Such errors were prevalent in defence on Sunday, when despite scoring five at Parma, the side conceded four. “It is said that when a team concedes a goal that it is the fault of the defence, but the whole team makes that error. We need to improve our consistency to avoid conceding goals.” Even so, every goal that went in the right end was met with very enthusiastic celebrations. “It is testament to the team spirit that exists between us. This was seen in the celebrations but also in the difficult moments in Parma when we were under pressure. “The 45 points in deficit to Juventus last season were many, but now there is a different spirit. “Unfortunately last year was very bad, but now there is a desire for revenge because we are wearing an important jersey.” Jeremy Menez is speculated as set to keep Fernando Torres on the bench this coming weekend. “He is doing very well, he has great technical qualities. He has assimilated into the group in the best way and we hope that he continues like this and makes a difference as he did on Sunday.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli Honda, Menez, SES for Juve Sep 17, 2014 A trident of Keisuke Honda, Jeremy Menez and Stephan El Shaarawy is speculated to start for Milan at the weekend against Juventus. The Rossoneri will host the three-time-consecutive League champions on Saturday evening and are expected to be able to welcome El Shaarawy back to the starting line-up, following his return this week to training after an ankle injury. Fernando Torres also worked with the rest of the group for part of yesterday’s session, but is only expected to take a place on the bench in Week 3, with El Shaarway set to be matched in attack with Honda on the opposite flank and Menez in the same ‘false nine’ position adopted with success against Parma last weekend. Christian Abbiati is set to deputise for the injured Diego Lopez in goal, whilst Adil Rami and Cristian Zapata will start in the heart of a defence that is without the injured Alex and suspended Daniele Bonera. In coming up against former Diavolo Coach Max Allegri, Pippo Inzaghi is expected by both Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport to keep faith in the same full-back and midfield selection used in Week 2 at the Ennio Tardini. Milan probable XI to face Juventus: Abbiati; Abate, Rami, Zapata, De Sciglio; Poli, De Jong, Muntari; Honda, Menez, El Shaarawy http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli Torres and El Shaarawy train Sep 17, 2014 Fernando Torres and Stephan El Shaarawy were back in training today, so could be fit for Milan’s showdown with Juventus. Both forwards missed Sunday night’s epic 5-4 victory in Parma due to ankle injuries. Torres and El Shaarawy were both in this afternoon’s training session, suggesting they should be ready to face Juve on Saturday at San Siro. It will be a top of the table clash, as Milan, Juve and Roma are the only teams still on a 100 per cent record after three rounds. Diego Lopez is out of action for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain, while Alex remains in doubt with a bruised right thigh muscle. Riccardo Saponara went under the knife today on his left knee and posted photographs of the wrapped-up limb on Twitter. Daniele Bonera will miss Juventus, as he is suspended following a red card. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli ‘Added stimulus against Juve’ Sep 17, 2014 Cristian Zapata is encouraged by Milan’s start to the season and says it provides extra motivation in facing Juventus next weekend. The Rossoneri will head into Week 3’s clash with the Bianconeri level on maximum points after the first two rounds of action, thanks to a nine-goal thriller in Parma on Sunday night. “It was a tough match in every sense,” defender Zapata has considered to Milan Channel today, in quotes then run on the club’s official website. “There were injuries, sending offs but those who came on were important in helping the team in a difficult moment. “We’re happy because we’ve collected another big victory. I think that you can see the desire and unity that this group has out on the pitch. “There’s a team, regardless of the mistakes, with a desire to win and to stay together and to fight for every ball.” The Colombia international turned his attention to next weekend’s meeting with the Old Lady. “I believe that important games such as this prepare for itself because we face an opponent like Juventus.” “Against Juventus there’s a desire to take to the pitch and do everything well and win this match because we’re first in the table with them and this is an extra source of motivation. “Let’s hope all our fans come to the stadium so that we can beat Juventus. The season begins now and we must stay on this path. Juve will definitely be a tough match and we’ll try and give our all to win it.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli ‘Milan can be ready for Juve’ Sep 17, 2014 Demetrio Albertini backs Milan to be ready for Juventus, but asserts any outcome from Week 3 won’t be decisive in the Scudetto race. The Rossoneri will play host to the Old Lady next Saturday in what will be, after two rounds of action, a top-of-the-table clash. For one former Milan man to have played in this fixture, whilst there is a different context heading into next weekend’s version, the Diavolo won’t be overwhelmed. “Saturday’s match against Juventus is important because it can provide an awareness of the team’s ability and credibility in the players’ abilities,” Albertini has considered to Milan Channel. “Milan is still a work in progress, but they have a club and a Coach who knows how to prepare for important games such as this one against Juventus. “It will be an important match, but not decisive, since we are only at the third week of the championship.” Playing in Albertini’s position at Milan today is Nigel de Jong, who has started the season in notable form. “De Jong is a cornerstone of this team. He plays very simple, whilst he needs to play in the middle with technical players alongside him to bring out his best. “Sunday he scored a great goal, I am pleased that Milan can count on an experienced player like him.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli Vidal back for Milan, Pirlo… Sep 17, 2014 Juventus are reportedly optimistic at having Arturo Vidal ready to face Milan this weekend, but Andrea Pirlo is more of a doubt. The midfielders have been recovering from respective injuries in recent days - Pirlo since pre-season with a hip complaint and Vidal since the international break with a thigh issue. Max Allegri used yesterday’s Press conference to confirm tests on both were carried out on Monday, with optimism more so on the Chilean’s chances of recovery in time for Week 3’s clash with Milan. Tuttosport today reiterate that this is the mindset of doctors at the Bianconeri, with Pirlo likely to require another seven days to recover, with his comeback more likely next midweek for Week 4. Tuttosport also explain that Andrea Barzagli’s absence from Juve’s squad tonight is so as to have him ready to face the Rossoneri on Saturday. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

MILAN - JUVENTUS - Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli From Malmo to Milan After dispatching with Malmo and facing Milan on the horizon, Luca Persico believes Max Allegri is ready for his first real test at Juventus. Sep 17, 2014 Following the disappointment of last season’s Champions League campaign, starting with a win against Allsvenskan holders Malmo was a necessity for Juventus yesterday evening. Having laboured against Danish sides Copenhagen and Nordsjælland in recent years, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for being overly anxious when faced with another Scandinavian opponent. In the first half, that uncertainty was all too evident. Juventus played with too much caution and were rushed in possession. Eager to strike early, they were trying to force openings, rather than work them, and were limited to crossing and misguided long range shooting. Indeed, had it not been for an excellent Gianluigi Buffon save, they may have even trailed at the interval. With the potential for another frustrating Champions League night brewing, Juventus emerged after the break with renewed vigour. Massimiliano Allegri, as he noted in his post-match interview, pushed the back-line higher and forced Malmo back. By playing with greater patience and freedom, his side grasped control of the contest and gave the kind of performance that is expected of Juventus in Europe. With Malmo pressed deep into their own half, a goal seemed inevitable and duly arrived on 59 minutes through a wonderful link-up between Kwadwo Asamoah and Carlos Tevez. The latter, who is thriving in the free role afforded to him by Allegri, emerged for arguably the first time in Europe as the protagonist the Old Lady signed last June. His first season in Italy was impressive, scoring 19 goals in Serie A, but his run of five years without a Champions League goal that stretched back to his time in Manchester meant he wasn't quite the complete package for Juventus last term. Tevez, however, thoroughly dismissed that notion last night, with his second goal - a wonderful free-kick - capping off a 2-0 victory that could have been more emphatic and included a first clean sheet in the Champions League in eight matches. Olympiacos’ surprise win over Atletico Madrid perhaps complicates the group, but for Juventus three points and the growing influence of Tevez offers assurance for the games to come. Allegri may not have been the most popular choice, but his decision to retain the 3-5-2 shape has made the transition from Antonio Conte’s reign almost seamless, while his desire to give Tevez the opportunity to dictate has made Juventus less structured. That tweak showed it’s value most prominently last night, but was also evident in the wins over Chievo and Udinese and will likely be key when he faces his former employees Milan on Saturday. The Rossoneri, like Juventus, have started the season impressively, though while the latter have been ruthlessly professional - they are yet to concede a goal - Filippo Inzaghi’s side are seemingly embracing a Zemanlandia approach. With eight goals scored and five conceded in two matches, Super Pippo’s mandate is clear. His desire to attack and use elements of world champions Germany’s approach has created an exciting and unpredictable side. For both he and Allegri, their respective differing styles will receive a first true examination. A solid and well drilled Juventus would be expected to overcome Milan’s exuberant approach, but whether it plays out like that will define Allegri’s start. The 47-year-old will be eager to prove his worth at San Siro after a disappointing end to his four year reign with the Diavolo, and with Tevez at his influential best, plus the likely return of Arturo Vidal, he will be confident of halting Inzaghi’s early season momentum. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Tevez Needed To Start Scoring Again States Asamoah Sep 17, 2014 Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah says he is happy for his teammate Carlos Tevez, after the striker netted a match-winning brace against Malmo in their Champions League clash. The Ghanaian international was accommodated in central midfield against the Swedish champions, and set up Tevez’s first goal was a beautiful flick. “The assist for Tevez? I can also be useful in an attacking sense, in the second half we did well,” Asamoah told Sky Sport Italia. “I’m happy with myself, but especially for Carlitos, he needed to get back to scoring in the Champions League.” The two goals were the Argentinian international’s first in five years in the European competition.

Argentina open Tevez door Sep 17, 2014 Argentina Coach Gerardo Martino has opened the door for Juventus striker Carlos Tevez. “I see him as a Number 9.” Tevez was frozen out of international duty by previous boss Alejandro Sabella, who did not even call him up for friendlies. “I have already said that the door is open for everyone,” new tactician Martino told La Nacion. “If I had to say where he’d fit into my tactics, I see Tevez only as a Number 9, so he is an alternative to Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero. “I would not take four Number 9s to a World Cup, so I don’t think Sabella’s decision to leave Tevez out was illogical.” Apache has been scoring regularly at Juventus and ended his Champions League drought with a brace against Malmo last night. Those were his first goals in the tournament since April 2009. However, Tevez has been playing in a deeper role at Juve, leaving the centre-forward position to Fernando Llorente.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Olsen: 'Malmo still pleased' Sep 17, 2014 Malmo goalkeeper Robin Olsen still felt “pleased with the match as a whole” despite a 2-0 defeat to Juventus. This was the Swedish club’s first foray into the Champions League group phase. “It was a lot of fun,” the shot-stopper told UEFA.com. “A fine experience, but we could have held the score down to just 1–0. I still think we can be pleased with the match as a whole. “It will feel better the next days.” Malmo are bottom of the group, as Atletico Madrid lost 3-2 to Olympiacos.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Atletico loss doesn't change anything for Juventus, insists Lichtsteiner The Switzerland defender insists the Bianconeri still have some tough games coming up and cannot be considered clear favourites to win the group. Sep 17, 2014 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has insisted that Atletico Madrid's Champions League defeat at the hands of Olympiakos on Tuesday does not change anything for the Serie A champions. The Turin side got their European campaign off to a solid start by beating Malmo 2-0 at Juventus stadium, but Group A rivals and last season's finalists Atletico Madrid stumbled to a surprising 3-2 defeat at Olympiakos. Nevertheless, Switzerland international Lichtsteiner has dismissed any notion that Atletico's defeat put Juve in pole position for top spot, highlighting their upcoming visits to Piraeus as well as the Vicente Calderon. "Olympiakos' victory doesn't change anything on paper for us," the right-back told reporters. "There are tough games ahead for the team, especially the ones in Spain and Greece where the atmosphere will be red-hot. "Let's play the matches and then we'll see." Carlos Tevez's double secured the win for Juve, with the Argentine now having found the net three times in as many appearances this season.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Chiellini: 'Aggressive' Malmo made life hard for Juventus The Italy international was delighted with his side's victory but acknowledged that the Italian champions were made to work for the full three points. Sep 17, 2014 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that Malmo caused the Serie A giants plenty of problems in their 2-0 Champions League win on Tuesday. A Carlos Tevez double helped the Italian champions to a vital home win in their Group A opener, but Chiellini has acknowledged it was by no means a stroll in the park for Juventus. "It was not an easy game. After last season's experience we know there are no games are easy in this competition. It was important to start with a win," Chiellini told uefa.com . "It was difficult to find space against Malmo's defence, they were aggressive and well organised. "They tired in the second half and we managed to score through Tevez and create more opportunities, especially with Lichtsteiner on the right. "We are all happy for Carlos's goals after his long wait." Juventus resume Serie A action away against AC Milan on Saturday.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Tevez vital for Juventus, says Allegri The 47-year-old has called on his side to improve their organisation after the Argentine salvaged maximum points against Malmo. Sep 17, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri was delighted with the efforts of Carlos Tevez as the Argentine inspired Juventus to a 2-0 Champions League win over Malmo on Tuesday. The forward netted twice at the Juventus Stadium to help his side to the full three points - his first goals in Europe's top tournament since 2009 - and Allegri was quick to highlight his importance to the team following his fine display. "Tevez is an important player, important to the whole team. Fortunately he plays for Juventus. But aside from Tevez, we played well in the second half," Allegri said at a press conference. Allegri went on to admit that the Serie A champions still have room for improvement, though. "We were a bit disorganised in the first half and we need to improve on this. Champions League games can be more physical so you've also got to have the patience to wait for your chance without conceding. We were a bit hasty at times, but that can happen in your first Champions League game of the season. "This team has got what it takes. I still think we've got to improve a lot, though. We need to improve the way we retain possession."

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Tevez: Juventus have learnt our lesson The striker is convinced the Bianconeri will not tumble out of the Champions League at the first hurdle for the second season running. Sep 17, 2014 Carlos Tevez has insisted that Juventus have learnt their Champions League lesson after easing past Malmo with a 2-0 win on Tuesday. The Bianconeri struggled in Europe last season but with new coach Massimiliano Allegri having replaced Antonio Conte in the hotseat, they started their campaign on the continent in comfortable fashion thanks to a double from the former Manchester City forward. The Argentine, who had not scored in the Champions League since 2008-09, dismissed suggestions he had become weighed down by his European drought, preferring instead to focus on the goals of the team as a whole. "My lack of Champions League goals wasn't a problem really," he told Sky Sport. "The most important thing for me is the victory. "It will be a difficult group, we learned the lesson of last year. I'll try to improve my level of goalscoring during the season. "I am getting into deeper positions, but that is also a problem as I cannot reach the goal. I need to improve on that." Juventus' two-goal win in Turin sent them top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Olympiakos, who pulled off a surprise by beating last season's finalists Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. “We knew it would be a difficult group. Some journalists like to think it’s easy, but we know from last year that nothing is easy," Tevez added, referring to Juve's group stage exit behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray in 2013-14.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Vialli: Juventus Need To Improve Sep 17, 2014 Former Juventus forward Gianluca Vialli has commented on the Bianconeri’s opening day victory in the Champions League. In Massimiliano Allegri’s first European fixture at the helm of the Old Lady the Turin side beat Swedish champions Malmö 2-0. “It was an enjoyable game which Juventus deservedly won,” The pundit told Sky Sport Italia. “Even though the opponent was modest, in the Champions League there are never easy victories.” However, the retired Italian international then went on to advise his old side against taking too much satisfaction from the result. “They need to improve because up until ten minutes from the end the game was still in the balance and could have ended in a tie. “Atletico Madrid losing is not good news as Olympiacos now have three points in the group.” Vialli captained the Juventus side which beat Ajax to win the 1996 Champions League Final.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus 2 - Malmö 0: Initial reaction and random observations Sep 16, 2014 And now we can stop talking about Carlos Tévez's Champions League goal drought. It's been five years since Juventus' No. 10 last scored a goal in Europe's biggest club competition. Since then, a whole bunch of words have been thrown onto newspaper sports pages, internet posts and television scripts about just how little Tévez has scored since he found the back of the net against Porto in 2009. It has been a go-to for the British match announcers who watched him in the Premier League every time Juventus played in Europe. "Hey, did ya hear about Tévez's goal drought?" Annoying, so very annoying. Tévez may have put an end to the drought in Europe when he scored last season against Benfica in the Europa League, but there was still the Champions League to deal with. On Tuesday night, Tévez ended that five-year drought with a pair of lovely goals to lead Juventus over Malmö in the Champions League opener. Not only two lovely goals, but two incredibly different goals that helped Juve overcome a frustrating night in front of goal to say the least. Just don't remind him that he hadn't scored in the Champions League for five years. He's had enough of that. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@carlitos3210: "I wasn't concerned about my #UCL drought. I play for a team and with this one I always play as if it were my last game." That guy, I really like that guy. Tévez's Champions League goal drought coming to an end will be the obvious lede, and understandably so. It's not like Juventus' play against Malmö was something to write home about. They struggled in front of goal — and the final third as a whole — outside of Tévez's two appearances on the scoresheet. It wasn't the kind of throttling some thought Juventus might give the minnows of Group A. Instead, it took Max Allegri's squad nearly an hour on the game clock to find the back of the net. But on a night where were pushing their frustration levels to their usual max in the Champions League, it was Tévez who came up big when his team needed it. That'll kill a few narratives. Back to the drawing board, folks. "And now it's the time on Sprockets when we dance!" Random thoughts and observations It took Juventus four games to get to the three-point mark in the Champions League group stage last season. The performance was meh, but three points are three points. Stephan Lichtsteiner just attempted three more cross while I wrote this sentence. With that being said, Lichtsteiner was easily one of Juventus' best players on the night. He touched the ball 109 — ONE HUNDRED AND NINE — times, attempted 12 cross, and was just an overall pain in the ass before he was replaced by Romulo late in the second half. One of the few things he did wrong? Not shooting the ball when he was in on goal. Other than that, the Swiss Express was pretty darn good. Gigi Buffon had to make one save against Malmö. And boy oh boy was it a good one. I wrote down this exact question on my notepad late in the first half: "Is Kwadwo Asamoah trying to do his best Paul Pogba imitation right now?" So many shots from long distance — all of which went flying over the crossbar. That assist on Tévez's opener, though, that was a thing of beauty. A great run into the box to start it, too. Another question I wrote down as the game went on: Should Martín Cáceres be a starter no matter who is available to Allegri for selection? He's in fantastic form right now, there's no doubt about that. He didn't have a tone to do with Malmö seemingly sitting every player they brought to Italy behind the ball, but he was rock solid when called into action. Álvaro Morata played all of about five minutes and had his hand in a goal, drawing the foul that led to Tévez fantastic free kick from just outside the box. It's gonna be pretty interesting to see what he can do when he's at 100 percent match fitness and getting a start or two consecutively. Question for everybody to debate in the comments: Is Atlético Madrid losing 3-2 in Greece a good or a bad thing for Juventus going forward? Three games, three clean sheets in all competitions. I can get used to that. I'm sure Buffon would say the same thing.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus vs. Malmo: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction Sep 16, 2014 Carlos Tevez broke his five-year Champions League goal drought and added a second for good measure, as Juventus overcame a strong Malmo squad on Tuesday, recording a 2-0 win at the Juventus Arena. Juventus' first half resembled last year's Champions League debacle in many ways, as the hosts failed to break down a resilient Malmo defence. Patrice Evra was lively but ineffective on the left wing, and Kwadwo Asamoah looked rusty in a more central role. Asamoah and Tevez had a handful of small chances early, but the best chance was for the Swedish visitors, as a high cross fell to Magnus Eriksson. Gianluigi Buffon rushed off his line and made an excellent save with his right foot, saving his defenders from embarrassment. Those defenders did an excellent job, however, as both Martin Caceres and Giorgio Chiellini easily handled the Malmo attackers. Stephan Lichtsteiner should have scored just before half-time, as he came one-on-one with Robin Olsen. The Swiss full-back inexplicably tried to pass the ball to Asamoah instead of finish himself, and the ball harmlessly trickled over the back line. The Bianconeri tried to push the pace early in the second half, but chances remained hard to come by. Malmo's in-from striker Markus Rosenberg was forced to leave the pitch in the 53rd minute, and the visitors dug back even further without him. Tevez hadn't scored in the Champions League in five years, but he finally broke that streak on the hour mark. The Argentine fired a hard ball into the box and followed the pass, pouncing on Asamoah's delightful back-heel and finishing neatly in the bottom corner. The Bianconeri now pressed for a second, and Lichtsteiner came close when he nearly connected with a cross from Evra. Paul Pogba tried another shot from distance, but Olsen produced a fine save to push it over the bar. Pogba came close to doubling the lead with 15 minutes left to play, as he just couldn't poke home a sharp cross from Evra. Fernando Llorente really should have scored in the 80th minute, but the Spaniard again found Olsen on his path. It was Tevez who would give the hosts the two-goal cushion with a perfect free-kick from the edge of the box, curling it past Olsen, who appeared to have taken position too far to one side of his wall. The Guardian's Paulo Bandini wasn't surprised: Paolo Bandini @Paolo_Bandini Tevez with his second for Juve. Inevitable 'wait five years for one...' bus analogy! Malmo had pressed for an equaliser up until that point, but Tevez's second took the sting out of the match as both teams were happy to just pass the ball around until the final whistle. Grades Kwadwo Asamoah: B+ The Ghanaian played almost exclusively as a left winger under Antonio Conte, but he's a central midfielder by trade and he showed it on Tuesday. Filling in for Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, Asamoah was active from the opening whistle. He took perhaps one or two shots on goal too many, but his distribution was solid and he kept pushing his team-mates forward. His back-heel for Tevez was a moment of brilliance, and his performance on the night was deserving of more minutes. Giorgio Chiellini: A The big Italian played his first minutes of the season against Malmo, but his performance on the night showed no such thing. Secure, aggressive and dominant, he remains one of the best defenders in all of football. Markus Rosenberg: B It's telling Juventus scored just minutes after Rosenberg left the pitch. The Swedish forward was phenomenal tracking back and pressing the midfielders, and his threat kept the Juventus backs from contributing too much in the attacking third. The 31-year-old has been in sensational form so far, and he will be Malmo's best chance at poaching points in the 2014-15 Champions League. Post-Match Reaction One would imagine Tevez would have been ecstatic with finally breaking his Champions League goal drought, but the striker told Sky Sport Italia (h/t to Football-Italia), he "did not miss it": I truly did not miss it. It is an honour to play with this jersey and we play every game as if it were our last. I am getting into deeper positions, but that is also a problem as I cannot reach the goal. I need to improve on that. We knew it would be a difficult group. Some journalists like to think it’s easy, but we know from last year that nothing is easy. Juventus struggled for most of the night, but Massimiliano's squad came through when it needed to most. Olympiacos' surprise win over Atletico Madrid means the Bianconeri are suddenly in the driver's seat in Group A, and a solid result in the Spanish capital in October would all but guarantee a ticket to the next round of this year's Champions League.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EDyOY0zD2k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW7RLwwP3dE http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/ohaHQ7QB705/Juventus+v+Malmo+FF/ZucC4xUsexc

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Match Analysis Sep 16, 2014 Juventus claimed a 2-0 win over Malmo in their opening Champions League Group A match. Carlos Tevez gave the Italians the lead in the 59th minute when he slotted home after latching onto Kwadwo Asamoah's flick. With a minute left to play the striker made the points safe, as he fired in a powerful free kick. Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded in Turin. Match Statistics: Juventus: Shots 21 On Target 7 Possession 71% Corners 7 Fouls 9 Malmo: Shots 4 On Target 1 Possession 29% Corners 5 Fouls 15 Was the result fair? There can be no denying that Juventus fully deserved to claim the three points this evening. They were on top from the start and completely dominated the possession. Malmo deserve credit for frustrating their opponents for almost an hour, but the class of Massimo Allegri's men finally paid off with two goals of the highest quality from Tevez. Juventus's performance From the kick off the Bianconeri took charge and looked to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start. They were forced to shoot from range in the first half against a stubborn Malmo backline, with visiting keeper Robin Olsen not seriously troubled. However, they stepped up the pressure after the break and finally made the breakthrough before going on to see out the match with relative ease. They will face much tougher tests in this year's tournament, but it was an important start after last season's group stage failure. Malmo's performance The Swedish champions may not have seen too much of the ball and only managed four shots on goal, but they can be proud of their performance against one of European football's heavyweights. The end result could have been very different had Magnus Eriksson scored in the first half, but his strike was saved at point-blank range by Gianluigi Buffon. They did show some threat on the counter-attack, but it was always going to be a tough night for them in Turin. Sports Mole's man of the match Carlos Tevez: Tevez had not scored a goal in the Champions League for over five years, but he ended that barren run this evening with two great strikes this evening. His first goal was courtesy of a fine exchange of passes with Asamoah, while his second of the night was a wonderful free kick into the top corner. The Argentine is a crucial part of this Juventus side and has the ability to ensure they go far in this year's competition. Biggest gaffe The points could have been secured far earlier for Juventus had their players been more reliable in front of goal. To get only seven shots on target from 21 in total is not good enough for a side of their quality and better teams would have punished them. Fernando Llorente was the main culprit and he saw the keeper make a double save in the second half, when he really should have scored. Referee's performance There can be no complaints from either side about the performance of Szymon Marciniak. The Polish referee allowed the game to flow, with suited the home side. He handed out three yellow cards, all of which were for bookable offences. What next? Juventus: The Bianconeri are back in league action on Saturday when they face AC Milan at the San Siro. Malmo: Malmo will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Allsvenskan when they play Helsingborg on Sunday.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Allegri: 'Juve can do better' Sep 16, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri complained Juventus were “too disorganised and wasted chances” in their 2-0 win over Malmo. “There’s nothing simple in the Champions League,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We knew Malmo were physical and would close up well, so we had to focus on technique and move the ball quickly, but in my view tonight we were too disorganised and wasted several chances. “In the second half we were better in control of the ball and got this victory, which could’ve been bigger in its scoreline.” Atletico Madrid suffered a shock 3-2 defeat away to Olympiacos. “This will be a complicated group, especially after Atletico Madrid lost, so we will need a lot of points to go through.” Carlos Tevez bagged a brace, but appeared to be playing in a slightly deeper role. “I asked Carlos to play more between the lines so Llorente would stretch their defence a bit more. We found more space with Lichtsteiner, but at times went too narrow, though we improved that in the second half. “We need to improve on controlling the ball, as we cannot risk losing a game like this with a counter-attack.” Juventus had not won their opening Champions League game since 2008, picking up four consecutive stalemates. “European games are completely different to in Serie A. You saw Liverpool struggled to beat Ludogorets. These are more physical matches and, though we did well to not allow Malmo any chances apart from that early one, we needed to stay calm and not get hasty in the desire to score a goal. “I think these lads are doing fairly well, but have the qualities to do a lot better,” continued Allegri. He made no substitutions until the final 10 minutes and did not rotate the squad from Saturday’s Serie A win over Udinese. “We played few important games pre-season, so at this stage the players are in good shape. The new entries are settling in well and having players who give you guarantees, even when changing four or five from one game to the next, is important. “As time goes on the mental and physical strain will have an effect, so we will need everyone to maintain the intensity.”

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Tevez: 'I didn't miss Euro goals' Sep 16, 2014 Carlos Tevez insists he “truly did not miss” Champions League goals after ending his five-year drought. Before tonight’s brace for Juventus against Malmo, he had not scored in this competition since April 7 2009, going 1,003 minutes of football without a goal. “I truly did not miss it,” insisted Tevez on Sky Sport Italia. “It is an honour to play with this jersey and we play every game as if it were our last.” The Bianconeri had a lot of problems breaking the Swedes down and waited until the hour mark to find a goal. “I am getting into deeper positions, but that is also a problem as I cannot reach the goal. I need to improve on that.” Juventus now top the group with Olympiacos, who earned a shock 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. “We knew it would be a difficult group. Some journalists like to think it’s easy, but we know from last year that nothing is easy.” Tevez also explained his rather bizarre celebration. "My daughter asked me to do that dance in the Udinese game, but I forgot and when I got home she wouldn't talk to me."

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Players ratings Sep 16, 2014 JUVENTUS 1 G. Buffon - Only called into action once and he was right on the money, blocking Eriksson from close range. 4 M. Cáceres - Energetic to close down the ball quickly and popped up occasionally in the attacking third when Juve were in need of a further outlet. 19 L. Bonucci - Everything that entered the Juventus box was handled with authority by the Italy international. 3 G. Chiellini - Composed on the left side of the back three, only slipping up once when he was slow to cut out Rosenberg. 26 S. Lichtsteiner - Played virtually as a wide-forward, such was his eagerness to drive into the box to cause problems. Would have registered more than one assist had he and his team-mates been on the same wavelength. 6 P. Pogba - Malmo were no match for his long legs and even longer stride, but his end product was surprisingly rushed at times. 8 C. Marchisio - Didn't have to do a lot to control the midfield, but could have offered more to break down the defensive ranks. 22 K. Asamoah - His shooting was terrible, with a series of shots ballooned off target. Redeemed himself with a cute layoff to set up the opener. 33 P. Evra - Did not have much to occupy his time defensively and whipped in a few dangerous crosses. A good option. 10 CARLOS TÉVEZ - A frustrating first half was forgotten in an instant when he slotted home the opener, before burying an excellent free kick to wrap up the points. 14 F. Llorente - Always a danger in the box, but wasn't quite at his bludgeoning best like he was against Udinese over the weekend. MALMÖ FF 25 R. Olsen - Couldn't be blamed for either goal and showcased his reflexes on occasion to keep out the opposition. 3 A. Tinnerholm - A solid first half was negated by a second half strewn with errors. 21 E. Johansson - Strong in the air and the best of Malmo's defenders in the second half. 6 M. Halsti - Was the best defender in the first half, but he was caught in two minds during the build up to the opener. 4 F. Helander - His careless barge into the back of Morata gave away the free kick that Tevez converted for the final nail in Malmo's coffin. 32 P. Konate - His positioning was reprehensible, as Lichtsteiner got in behind him time and time again. 7 M. Eriksson - Had the best Malmo chance of the game with a finish at the far post that was blocked. 8 E. Adu - A non-factor in this game. Offered nothing on, or indeed off the ball. 33 E. Forsberg - He at least tried to thwart the opposition combinations in midfield and was occasionally successful. 24 I. Thelin - Mostly used as a deterrent to keep the opposition centre backs from crossing the halfway line during Juve's best spells. A thankless task. 9 M. Rosenberg - He escaped down the right to set up Eriksson's chance, but an early fall saw him struggle and eventually succumb to injury.

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF - Carlos Tévez 59' Carlos Tévez 90' Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Tevez and Juventus end their hoodoos but European problems persist The striker was back in goalscoring form in the Champions League on Tuesday, but it was a far from convincing performance which opened Juve's campaign. Sep 16, 2014 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent If you’d offered Carlos Tevez a couple of goals and Juventus a victory before they stepped onto the pitch to face Malmo on Tuesday evening, then both parties would have gladly taken it. Both player and club achieved their aim on the opening night of Champions League Group A action for 2014-15 at Juventus Stadium, with the striker ending a five-and-a-half year drought in the competition with both goals in a 2-0 win. But it was a long, excruciating time in coming, and the Bianconeri’s European ailments will not be quickly fixed with further such performances. After back-to-back disappointments on the continent (and without a win on the first European matchday of a season since 2008) despite their continued dominance of Italy, something needs to change about their play in Europe now that Massimiliano Allegri has succeeded Antonio Conte as coach. For an hour, though, they appeared to have actually got worse. Everything about them was rigid. The passes were square, the movement too calculated. Nothing seemed to come off the cuff, nobody appeared willing to drive the side on. With no Arturo Vidal in midfield, everything suddenly seemed to be down to Paul Pogba in terms of skill, creativity of mind and in final product. On more than one occasion, Stephan Lichtsteiner was to be found cutting back for nobody in particular after forging a decent shooting position for himself. Nobody really wanted to take the game by the scruff of the neck and lead Juve forward from midfield. Everyone in black and white looked like Champions League first-timers rather than domestic champions and the beacons of Italian hope. But if anyone was going to break the deadlock, it was Tevez. Even as Juve struggled for ideas, it was he who dropped off and looked for space in between the lines. He was the one trying to drag holes into the disciplined five-man defence of the visitors. There were even occasions when he was dropping into his own half to get things going. When he eventually bagged his first goal in 16 hours of Champions League football, it was a delightful piece of play that few others on the pitch seemed likely to pull off. Driving at the Malmo defence, he exchanged passes with Kwadwo Asamoah before side-footing superbly into the far corner. It was met as much with a sigh of relief as it was a roar of jubilation, and it was easy to see why. Thereafter, the shackles came off slightly and there was more of a flow to their play. Yet still they couldn’t add further goals to their tally until Tevez curled home a last-minute free-kick. Allegri will be lifted by his first win in Europe since a 3-0 victory at Celtic with Milan last November, but it would be deluded to suggest this performance represents any kind of platform from which to build a Champions League challenge. The shape was wrong, the approach was wrong, and for over an hour the attitude was wrong. Atletico Madrid may also have started their campaign sketchily, but this display will hardly have last season’s finalists trembling ahead of their clash at the Vicente Calderon in two weeks’ time.