Socrates

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Allegri: Juventus Must Be Wary Of Champions League Pitfalls Sep 16, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has taken to Twitter to rally the club’s supporters ahead of their Champions League opener. The Old Lady welcome the Swedish champions Malmö FF.to the Juventus Stadium as they begin their Group A matchup. “We want to begin the competition in an attractive manner,” Allegri proclaimed. “In the Champions League we want to lead the way, but we must be aware of the pitfalls.” Last season, under the stewardship of Antonio Conte, the Bianconeri were eliminated in the Group Stage of the competition.

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Marotta: 'Juve under pressure' Sep 16, 2014 Beppe Marotta said “it is only normal” for Juventus to be under pressure ahead of a Champions League tie with Malmo. It kicks off today at 20.45 CET. “It is only normal to be under pressure in such an important competition,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “Although Malmo are on paper inferior to us, they are in good form, top of their domestic League and have plenty of experience.” Marotta was asked how Juve have changed from last term, when they crashed out in the group phase of the Champions League. “The difference from last season and the year before is that our squad is more experienced and we completed the squad with players of more quality than in the past. “They might not be first choices, but they are ready when called upon.”

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus V Malmö: Probable Line-Ups Sep 16, 2014 Juventus will kick off their Champions League campaign under Massimiliano Allegri tonight as they prepare to welcome Swedish side Malmö FF to Turin. Allegri is set to continue with the 3-5-2 system that his predecessor Antonio Conte installed. Martín Cáceres and Leonardo Bonucci will form the back three with the returning Giorgio Chiellini. There are issues in midfield with key men Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo both missing through injury. As a result Kwadwo Asamoah is set to be moved to a more central role with Patrice Evra starting at left wing back. Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente will likely lead the attack. Malmö’s Norwegian coach Åge Hareide is set to put out a more conservative side than what he usually deploys in the Swedish domestic championship. Perhaps the most recognisable name in his side is former Werder Bremen striker Markus Rosenberg, who will lead the attack alongside youngster Isaac Kiese Thelin. PROBABLE LINE UPS Juventus (3-5-2) - Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Asamoah, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Llorente. Malmö (5-3-2) - Olsen; Tinnerholm, Johansson, Halsti, Helander, Konate; Forsberg, Kofi Adu, Eriksson; Rosenberg, Kiese Thelin.

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Bonucci: Juventus Want Champions League Success Sep 16, 2014 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is delighted with the way the team has started the season and has also identified Atletico Madrid as their biggest rival in the Champions League. The Bianconeri begin their Group A campaign against Malmo on Tuesday evening. “It is good to see that there are other teams doing well besides Roma and us,” Bonucci told the club’s official website. “This is good for the Italian game and it challenges us because we have an obligation to become champions again.” Turning his attention to Europe, Bonucci was clear about the task facing Juventus after their failure to progress from the group stage last season. “With the Champions League, we have only one goal this season and that is to be protagonists like we are in Italy. In a group that also include Olympiakos, the Italian international sees last season’s finalist as their greatest threat. “Atletico gave it their all last season and we must do the same. We will leave everything, including our last drop of sweat on the pitch to fulfil our goal and it is on the field where we will decide who’s best.”

Marchisio: Allegri Has Brought ‘Tiki-Taka’ To Juventus Sep 16, 2014 Italian international Claudio Marchisio has provided some insights into the subtle changes that new coach Massimiliano Allegri has introduced since taking over at Juventus. While Allegri has stuck to the same 3-5-2 system to ensure continuity, there are different shades in how he interprets the tactics and the way he wants the team to play. “Under [Antonio] Conte, we had very specific tasks and duties; every movement was planned and there were greater demands on us physically as we were asked to play at a high intensity throughout the whole match,” the midfielder explained. “By contrast, under Allegri, we are asked to maintain more possession and to identify the right moments to attack, particularly in front of opposing defenses. “This is preferable because we are able to manage the game and conserve our energy. Going all out makes it a struggle to recover the ball, so perhaps this is better for us. You could say that we are introducing a bit of tiki-taka into our play.” A look at Juventus’s statistics this season bore out Marchisio’s analysis. Under Allegri, Juve has toned down their aggression and intensity, enjoying 64 percent of possession compared to 56 percent under Conte last season. The team has also made more successful passes – 546 this season, compared to 445 last term. Marchisio has also spoken of the positive impact since Allegri’s arrival. “We are doing very well. the new signings have integrated seamlessly and the results of the first two games proved the success of our new tactical approach. We could not have asked for a better start. “Are we stronger now as a team compared to 2013-14? Well, we can only tell at the end of the season. Certainly the margins of improvement have been remarkable.”

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Asamoah in place of Vidal Sep 16, 2014 Max Allegri is expected to stick with the 3-5-2 formation for Juventus’ opening Champions League night against Malmo. Kwadwo Asamoah is expected to play in central midfield for the Bianconeri, as both Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo will miss the game through injury, while Roberto Pereyra is suspended. Asamoah sat out Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Udinese, but is expected to return to the side in a three-man central midfield, along with Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. Patrice Evra will remain at left-wing-back, with Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right, whilst defence is expected to see Giorgio Chiellini displace Angelo Ogbonna and sit alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Martin Caceres. Fernando Llorente is expected to partner Carlos Tevez up front. Probable Juventus XI to face Malmo: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Evra; Tevez, Llorente

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus still bear the scars of last year, says Chiellini The Italy international has warned his team-mates that they cannot afford to underestimate Malmo if they are to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. Sep 16, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini has stressed that Juventus have not forgotten about previous disappointing Champions League campaigns and has made it clear the Serie A champions will take things one step at a time in European club football's elite competition. The Turin side were eliminated in the group stages last season as they had to settle for third spot in their group behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray and Chiellini is eager for them to learn from their mistakes ahead of their Group A opener against Malmo on Tuesday. "We’re not expecting an easy win by any stretch of the imagination. We know that it’s going to be a tough game," Chiellini said at a press conference. "We still bear the scars of last year and two years ago, from the results against Copenhagen and Nordsjælland. "I think Malmo will be quite similar to those teams, given the likeness in the brand of football they play and their geographical proximity. "Rather than focusing on having to prove ourselves or erasing the disappointment of last season, we need to try and surprise people and achieve something big." Atletico Madrid meet Olympiakos in the other Group A encounter.

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Allegri vs Conte - will Juventus flop again in Europe? The Bianconeri re-established themselves as Italy's top team under Antonio Conte but disappointed on the continent - will things be different under Massimiliano Allegri? Sep 16, 2014 By Mark Doyle There is a story that when Juventus arrived at their team hotel for last summer's pre-season meeting with LA Galaxy in Los Angeles, Antonio Conte was immediately perturbed by the potential for distraction. The problem, as far as the then coach was concerned, was the number of beautiful, young women loitering in the lobby. Consequently, he spent the next two nights residing in the hotel room so as to ensure that his players did not succumb to the temptations of the city's world-renowned nightlife. The tale may well be apocryphal but it does, at least, perfectly convey the lengths to which Conte was prepared to go in order to control his players – both on and off the field. Of course, it was Conte's sense of professionalism and autocratic nature that had completely reinvigorated Juventus. He took a club in complete disarray, after two successive seventh-placed finishes in Serie A, to three consecutive Scudetti. His achievements in Italian football cannot be underestimated. Upon taking charge of Juventus in 2011, he immediately excommunicated expensive signings such as Milos Krasic because they did not conform to what he wanted in a player. This incredibly strong-willed and single-minded ability to restore order to a chaotic, despondent and divided dressing room is precisely why he already looks like the right man to get Italy back on track after an embarrassing first-round exit at Brazil 2014. However, Conte's rigidity was also viewed by many as the reason why Juventus failed to replicate their domestic success in continental competition. Although, his initial plan was to play an adventurous 4-2-4 formation upon taking charge in Turin, he quickly switched to a 3-5-2 – and immediately reaped dividends. It was the right system for the right set of players. Shorn of prolific forwards for the first two years of his tenure, Conte's system brought the best out of his strongest department – his midfield. Juventus won their first two titles because of an outstanding engine room and solid defence. It is no coincidence that his midfield contributed over half of Juve’s goals during their 2012-13 season. By that stage, Juve had become an unbeatable force in Serie A – literally. They went the whole 2011-12 campaign undefeated. They could even have triumphed in Europe the following year had they not run into Bayern Munich, one of the most complete teams the Champions League has ever seen. Before being taken down by the Bavarians in the quarter-finals, Juventus had been undefeated and had effectively eliminated Chelsea with a resounding 3-0 win over the reigning champions in Turin before topping their group with a 1-0 success away at Shakhtar Donetsk. However, Juve were dismantled 4-0 on aggregate by Bayern. There had been no shame in that, of course, and Juve thought that the shrewd addition of two fine strikers in Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente would give them the requisite firepower to win in Europe. Bayern, though, had provided everyone with the blueprint for beating Juventus: pressurising playmaker Andrea Pirlo and nullifying before then exploiting the space left by their wing-backs. Consequently, while they were unlucky to have had to play Galatasaray on a disgracefully poor pitch in what was effectively a play-off to reach the knockout stage of the 2012-13 Champions League, by that point it was already well-known that Juve could be easily nullified. They were too predictable, too one-dimensional, too committed to Conte’s tried-and-trusted 3-5-2 formation. Change was clearly required – and Conte knew it. However, when it came to deciding upon where and how Juve needed to strengthen this summer, he found himself in disagreement with the club’s directors over transfer targets. His departure came as a shock given he had committed himself to the Bianconeri until 2015 one year previously but, in hindsight, we should have seen it coming. Conte wanted total control. He was not given it. A parting of the ways was thus inevitable. What was surprising, though, was that Juve turned to Massimiliano Allegri, who only six months previously had been sacked by rivals AC Milan. The fans were not impressed. However, Allegri's appointment does, at least, offer some grounds for optimism. He did, after all, win Milan a title in his first season in charge, in 2010. Secondly, he oversaw four Champions League campaigns during his time at San Siro – and the Rossoneri made it out of the group stage with squads of incrementally decreasing value on each and every occasion. Thirdly, and most importantly, Allegri is intent on teaching Juve to play in another way. Yes, he has a preferred system, 4-3-1-2, but he is not married to it. "I often say '4-3-and then up front we'll see!' It depends on the characteristics of the players. But I have the good fortune to only have to teach only one system here, because the other [3-5-2] is already memorised." For better or for worse, Allegri is very different to his predecessor. Conte wanted to control everything his players did. He wanted to create a sense of unity, which is why staff and coaches always are together. Already under Allegri, players are free to eat before the coaching staff – or even alone. The point is greater freedom – on and off the field. Allegri wants Juventus to achieve the tactical fluidity that Conte always craved but never attained, even being able to switch positions within games. "I believe that it's a great luck to have the chance to alternate between two systems, even in the same game. There will be moments in the season when we’ll play with three at the back and others in which it will be better to go with four." Whether Allegri can pull off such tactical versatility remains to be seen (he has persisted with 3-5-2 in the opening two Serie A games this term, both comfortable wins over Chievo and Udinese, but is expected to gradually change formation - particularly in the Champions League). The results of his two-pronged approach are unpredictable. But then, that is the whole point. As Allegri says, "Juve are coming off three exceptional years but everyone knows how they play. They need variety. The players have the characteristics to change." Now let's see if their results in Europe change, too ...

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus vs. Malmo Preview Sep 16, 2014 Malmo will make their UEFA Champions League debut on Tuesday when they travel to Turin to take on Italian giants Juventus at the Juventus Stadium. The Bianconeri are strong favourites to join last year's finalists Atletico Madrid in the second round of the tournament, and they'll expect nothing less than a convincing win against the Swedish minnows. Massimiliano Allegri is yet to drop points in his first season coaching the Italian champions, and he'll want to start the Champions League group stages in the same way as Juventus have started their domestic campaign. Preview Malmo came back from a two-goal deficit at BK Hacken to secure a 3-3 draw and preserve their lead at the top of the Swedish Allsvenskan standings, as closest competitors AIK are five points back. The Swedish champions lost to Djurgarden on the previous matchday, but Juventus fans shouldn't expect to see a team in crisis on Tuesday—Malmo pummeled Red Bull Salzburg on their way to the Champions League group stages, and they more than deserve their spot among the elite. The Bianconeri haven't been at their best on the European stage in the past few seasons, and they won't forget their dreadful showing against Nordsjaelland, a club with a similar profile as Malmo. As reported by Goal's Stefan Coerts, Beppe Marotta told the club's website the squad needs to learn from past mistakes: We now have a proven group of players that, in recent years, was undone by a lack of experience. I think what happened last year will help us to not repeat the same mistakes again. Having said that, we must be aware of our club’s history and remember that qualification is certainly attainable. We're satisfied with the outcome of the draw. Juventus often looked uninspired and almost lazy against supposedly weaker opposition under Antonio Conte, and one of Allegri's main goals will be to do better on the European level than his predecessor. The Italian told Sky Sports he's not at all surprised his team has started the season well, and that he wants his players to learn to control the tempo of the game better, via Goal: I am absolutely not surprised we've started the season so well. This squad has physical and technical qualities which mean we can do a lot better. We must improve on how to control the tempo, as we cannot always go at 100 miles per hour or at 10 miles per hour. Playing every three days we have to learn more control to avoid wasting energy. The fixture against Malmo could be the perfect example of that. Backed by one of the most vocal crowds in all of football, the Bianconeri will have a tendency to rush forward and put pressure on their opponents immediately. In years past, Juventus would often score early and sit back, content to knock the ball around. Malmo put four goals past Salzburg in two matches—banking on them not to convert a single chance would be a risky choice. Giorgio Chiellini has yet to feature for the club in 2014-15, and he will likely be a game-time decision. Andrea Pirlo isn't expected to be fit in time, and replacement Roberto Pereyra will be suspended following a booking in his final European match for Udinese. Arturo Vidal likely won't be risked against the Swedes, which could open the door for Kwadwo Asamoah. A regular under Conte, the Ghanaian was converted to a wing-back but has always been at his best in the centre of the pitch. For the visitors, Guillermo Molins, Simon Thern and Ricardinho remain unavailable due to long-term injuries. While it's easy to foresee Malmo digging in and playing Juventus conservatively, the Swedes didn't get this far by playing it safe. Expect them to do what they do best: Push bodies out wide and give star forward Markus Rosenberg plenty of looks at goal. Juventus have looked very solid defensively early in the 2014-15 season, but their efficiency in front of goal has been lacking. The Bianconeri need to get better at closing out matches, so Allegri will have them pushing for goals early and often.

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus V Malmö: Bianconeri Set To Begin Champions League Campaign Sep 16, 2014 The most prestigious club competition in European football makes its long awaited return this week and Serie A champions Juventus will be looking to improve on their showing in previous years this time around, beginning on Tuesday as they host Swedish side Malmö. Both sides are the champions of their respective countries, however, Juve will no doubt be expecting to claim all three points to kick start their European campaign for another season. The Scandinavian side currently sit top of the Swedish Allsvenskanliga with 49 points from their 23 games played, five points clear of second placed AIK. Unlike the Italian side, Malmö had to face qualification for the Champions League and came through ties against FK Ventspils, Sparta Prague and Austrian champions FC Salzburg en route to the group stages. In qualifying for the group stages, Malmö have achieved something no Swedish side have done since the 2000/01 season. It is no secret that the main priority for Massimiliano Allegri this season is to impose the club on the latter stages of the Champions League, having seen Antonio Conte struggle to do so in the last three seasons. Granted, the club reached the quarter-finals in 2012/13 but have seen themselves eliminated prematurely in the last two seasons. It has been 11 years since the Bianconeri made it to the semi-finals of Europe’s most elite club competition and that is something Allegri will be determined to change. The Old Lady come in to this game with maximum points from their opening Serie A fixtures, having beaten Udinese and Chievo without conceding a goal. Albeit against inferior opposition, but the feat is still impressive considering the injury problems facing Allegri’s men. Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini all sat out the Udinese match with injury problems, and they are unlikely to make a return midweek. Andrea Barzagli is still on the road to regaining full fitness and wasn’t included in the matchday squad. Roberto Pereyra will miss the game through suspension, which will force Allegri to make at least one change to his starting eleven selected in both Serie A fixtures this season. While Malmö will be looking to mark the 50th anniversary of their first European match with a win, their form has not been as impressive of late. Although they sit five points clear at the top of the Swedish Allsvenskanliga, they have managed to win just once in their last four domestic games. Should they manage to see out the remainder of the season as leaders, they will become the first team to retain the Allsvenskanliga since Djurgårdens IF in 2003. The key man for Juve to watch out for will be club captain Markus Rosenberg, who has found the net 10 times in his last 11 appearances in all competitions. Expected Starting XIs Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra: Tevez, Llorente. Malmö (4-3-3): Olsen; Concha, Helander, Konate, Tinnerholm; Forsberg, Halsti, Adu; Eriksson, Thelin, Rosenberg.

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Hareide: No Pressure For Malmo Against Juventus Sep 16, 2014 Malmo coach Age Hareide insists his side will head into their Champions League clash against Juventus ‘with no pressure’. The Scudetto holders host the Swedish champions on Tuesday evening, to which the Bianconeri are expected to win comfortably. “We have no pressure on us, we calm, we only have a great enthusiasm,” Hareide told reporters at a press conference. “Juventus have just started their season and the second half against Udinese we saw a tired team. “We are already used to playing every three days, we will focus primarily on the physical condition and our courage.”

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus v Malmo FF: Preview and Projected Lineups Sep 16, 2014 Juventus are coming off of a second straight Serie A win to hold a place at the top of the Italian table only two weeks into the new race for the Scudetto. Confidence is high and the current Italian champions are expected to be the favorites over their Swedish opponents. Patrice Evra will make his first UEFA Champions League start in a Juventus uniform while the Italian side will be without several stars in the form of absent veteran midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal as well as defender Giorgio Chiellini. Andrea Barzagli is a late decision while Roberto Pereyra is suspended. Malmo FF currently sits atop of the Swedish Allsvenskan table with five points clear over second. They come off a loss and a draw in their last two results and will be hoping to impose themselves early in their away match in Turin. However, they are not expected to have much bite against the Bianconeri. The Swedish giants will be without two stars in injured Simon Thern and Piotr Johansson. It is going to be a tough test for the visitors and they are likely to struggle against the strong Italian side. Predicted Score: Juventus 3 – 1 Malmo FF Projected Lineups Juventus: Buffon: Caceres, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichsteiner, Padoin, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Llorente. Malmo: Olsen: Concha, Helander, Konate, Tinnerholm; Forsberg, Adu, Halsti; Eriksson, Rosenberg, Thelin.

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) UEFA Champions League Preview: Juventus vs. Malmö — The Euro trip begins Sep 16, 2014 Juventus haven't made things easy on themselves in the beginning of the Champions League group stage the past couple of years. That's as much of a secret as Antonio Conte having some of the best hair plugs in all of Italy. There's last season's inability to completely qualify for the knockout round thanks to frustrating draw after frustrating draw. And even though they made it to the quarterfinals two years ago, it's not like they got out of their group in a textbook kind of manner. Luckily for Max Allegri and his squad, they have two things going for them in this year's group stage. There's no Danish team to bug the hell out of us all for two group-stage matches. There's no long trip to Turkey or Eastern Europe where the field might be covered in snow by the time Juventus arrives in town. That sound you probably hear right now is the collective sigh of Juventus supporters remembering there's no trip to Denmark and/or Turkey during the group stage. (And don't remind me about that field in Istanbul last December. That was incredibly stupid.) Instead, Juventus opens their Champions League fixture list at home, the same place where they picked up a 2-0 win over Udinese on Saturday. Their opponent? Swedish champions Malmö, who are looking to make some noise in a group that also features one of last season's finalists, Atlético Madrid. We shall talk about Atléti and Diego Simeone at another time, though. Tuesday night is all about Malmö coming to Turin. Oh, and also about Juventus trying to get three points in their Champions League group stage opener for once. Do the Juventus players need to come out and make a collective statement at home against a team they should beat 11 times out of 10? Maybe. But at the very least, those same Juventus players need to do exactly what they didn't do in back-to-back years under Antonio Conte in the Champions League — win their opening game and start the group stage out on the right foot. GOOD NEWS Juventus are at beautiful home stadium, in front of their own crowd, and playing the minnows of the group. If there ever was an equation to start the Champions League group stage with three points, I'm pretty sure this is it. BAD NEWS The injuries to important players are still present. No Andrea Pirlo nor Arturo Vidal starting in the midfield. Andrea Barzagli, who was on the bench for Saturday night's win over Udinese, has not been called by Allegri as he continues to rehab from heel surgery. Luca Marrone is also out injured, while Roberto Pereyra — who played well in his first official start as a Juventus player — is suspended thanks to a card he picked up during his Udinese days last season. At least Giorgio Chiellini is all but certain to start against Malmö, but more on that in a little bit. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Carlos Tévez and the personal Champions League bugaboo. Do you remember the last time our dear Carlitos scored a goal in the Champions League? Not in Europe, just in the Champions League? It was back in 2009 when Tévez was still with Manchester United. That was the season United made it all the way to the final, eventually losing to Barcelona in Rome. There has been a lot of talk since then — even during his first season with Juventus — about Tévez and the lack of goals in Europe's top club competition. Some of it was hushed when he scored against Benfica in the Europa League last year, but until he scores in the Champions League, the chatter will continue. I would like nothing more than to see Carlitos score a goal tomorrow night and just put a finger up to his mouth. "Shhhhhhhhh!" 2. How Juventus deals with the quick turnaround after Saturday's win. It's always a thing to talk about, but especially so when it's so early in the season and they've played all of about 90 or so minutes following a two-week international break. Did Malmö manager Age Hareide notice this? You bet he did. "Juventus have only just started their season and this could be an advantage for us. We've seen them play and we noticed that they were a bit tired towards the end against Udinese." (Source: Football Italia) In a way, what Hareide said at his pre-match presser is exactly on point. Juventus have played two games this season, that's it. And, to add to his point, those two games have been separated by two weeks. You can argue that the core of Juventus' starting lineup tomorrow night will have just come off international duty and we're sitting around, and you would be correct. But this is the first time, as a team, Juventus have had to deal with a 72-hour turnaround from one match to another. 3. Kwadwo Asamoah, wingback or central midfielder? Allegri brought up a certain Ghanian midfielder at his pre-match press conference. This is what he had to say: #Allegri: "@Asabob20 could play as one of the three central midfielders tomorrow. I’ll assess my midfield options today.” #JuveMalmo #UCL Ah, so cagey, Max. But yet so intriguing at the same time. With Patrice Evra's arrival, Juventus have a legit backup at the left back/wingback position for the first time in years. Because of that, it gives Allegri a lot more flexibility in the midfield. With Vidal injured and Pereyra suspended, this could be the time for Allegri to go with what we've wanted to see ever since Asamoah was signed — Kojo as a central midfielder. Not only would a Asamoah-Marchisio-Poigba midfield be a very good one with skill alone, it'd also be one hell of an energetic group of 4. The fitness level of Giorgio Chiellini. We have yet to see Giorgio this season — for both disciplinary and injury reasons. All indications point toward Chiellini making his return to the starting lineup Tuesday night. It will be the first time we've seen Chiellini on a field for club or country since he was getting chomped on the shoulder by Luis Suárez. Since then, he has had to sit out Juve's first two games because of a three-match suspension that carried over from last season and then a minor muscular injury that made him pull out of Italy's training camp last week. How fit is he?I don't know. But he's ready to play. And you know whenever Giorgio Chiellini steps onto the field, there will be a multitude of crazy tackles with limbs flying everywhere. 5.Juventus starting off on the right foot. So you're playing at home and have a team everybody expects you to beat coming to town. What do you do? No, the answer is not "Record 20-something shots, 10 of which get saved, and end up with a frustrating draw." Juventus were able to overcome their inability to beat the group's minnows both times around in Conte's first Champions League campaign, but not last season. With Malmö coming to Turin, there's only one acceptable result — a win. Why? Because Juventus is better, for one. And because Atlético Madrid is right around the corner. Juve is the favorite to win in one of these games, and I'm pretty sure all of you guys and gals can figure out which one it is. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Evra; Tévez, Llorente OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 ON THE WEST COAST

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Rosenberg: Pressure all on Juve Sep 15, 2014 Malmo forward Markus Rosenberg says that the ‘pressure is all on Juventus’ ahead of their Champions League meeting on Tuesday evening. Speaking at the UEFA pre-match Press conference, the 31-year-old says the Swedes are looking forward to their group stage debut. “It is obvious we are happy to be playing a match like this,” Rosenberg reflected. “We will play with great enthusiasm and happiness, without thinking about anything else. In a match like this, the pressure is all on Juventus.” But he cautioned that, for his teammates, this will be a match like no other. “This will be the biggest experience for any players at Malmo so far. They play a very physical football and I’ve already played in many countries and in Italy, it’s extreme. “But my experience in Europe is good so I'm pretty confident. “The best way to develop as a player is when you play against the best sides, and when you face a team like Juventus, you are motivated to do your best. “It's always difficult to play a Champions League game.”

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) ‘Juventus tired against Udinese’ Sep 15, 2014 Malmo Coach Age Hareide has claimed that Juventus were 'tired' towards the end of their game versus Udinese on Saturday. The 60-year-old tactician has added that Italy's later start to their domestic campaign could be an advantage for his Swedish outfit when they face off in their Champions League encounter on Tuesday evening. “Juventus have only just started their season and this could be an advantage for us,” Hareide has told reporters in his pre-game conference. “We've seen them play and we noticed that they were a bit tired towards the end against Udinese. “We've got two of the best forwards in Swedish football and this could help us.” Max Allegri warned the Bianconeri in his own Press conference that there are ‘no easy games in Europe’, but his counterpart suggests that won’t really make the Italians cautious. “Juve will think this is the easiest game for them and that the Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid games will be their hardest. “So we're here to try to cause them problems. I think that if you want to be a good player, you've got to know how to play in different positions and Malmo's idea of football is teamwork, as we showed against Salzburg. “We don't want to get stressed about things, we want to take our chances.”

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Vidal and Pirlo to miss Malmo clash The Juventus duo are recovering well but will miss the Champions League clash with the Swedish champions, while Giorgio Chiellini is fit to start. Sep 15, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo will miss Juventus' Champions League clash with Malmo because of their injuries. Chile international Vidal missed Juve's 2-0 Serie A victory over Udinese on Saturday with a persistent knee problem, while midfield partner Pirlo sustained a hamstring injury at the end of August. Coach Allegri revealed that Vidal could return in time for the Serie A champions' clash with AC Milan on Saturday and Pirlo's fitness is set to be assessed at the end of this week. "We hope to have Arturo Vidal back with us for Milan on Saturday," Allegri said at his pre-match news conference. "Pirlo's coming on well. He'll up his workload and we'll give him another look over at the end of the week." Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini is set to feature after missing the start of the domestic season through a combination of suspension and a calf complaint. And the Italy international is itching to get involved, saying: "I'm in good shape and available for tomorrow's game. "There's plenty of enthusiasm in the camp and around Turin. We want to do well in the Champions League."

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus list 21 for Malmo Sep 15, 2014 Juventus have named a 21-man squad for their first group stage match of the 2014-15 Champions League against Malmo. Max Allegri is once more able to call upon the recovering Alvaro Morata, whilst Giorgio Chiellini returns from injury and suspension in defence. As expected there is no Andrea Pirlo or Arturo Vidal just yet, whilst Andrea Barzagli also drops out of contention, having been an unused substitute at the weekend. Roberto Pereyra also misses out through suspension. This afternoon Coach Max Allegri and Giorgio Chiellini faced the media ahead of tomorrow evening’s match. Juventus squad to face Malmo: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Asamoah, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Mattiello

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus-Malmö FF Statistical Preview Sep 15, 2014 Missing Players Arturo Vidal Andrea Pirlo Roberto Pereyra Andrea Barzagli Simon Thern Piotr Johansson Team News JUVENTUS Arturo Vidal, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo are all expected to miss out for Juventus. Andrea Barzagli was an unused sub in the win over Udinese, but may not be risked here. Roberto Pereyra is suspended and could be replaced by Simone Padoin in what should be Massimiliano Allegri's only change from the weekend. MALMÖ FF Simon Thern and Piotr Johansson are expected to miss out for Malmo here. Malmo are the first Swedish representatives in the competition since the 2000/01 season. Match Facts Malmo FF have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers) Prediction Juventus will be looking to better their performance in the Champions League following their group stage exit last season. Massimiliano Allegri knows he has to better predecessor Antonio Conte in Europe's elite competition in order to be considered a success. Malmo currently top Sweden's top tier, but are on a poor run of form having won just 1 of their last 4 league games. Åge Hareide will be looking for a much-improved performance from his players when they travel to the Juventus Stadium. However, the hosts should be able to kick off their Champions League campaign with a win. Prediction: Juventus 3 - 0 Malmo FF

‘Juve working to reduce errors’ Sep 15, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini believes that Juventus’ strong start to the season is a sign that even they have identified room in which to improve. The three-time consecutive League champions have begun the season with two wins from two and notably have restricted opponents to just a single shot on target. At today’s Press conference ahead of facing Malmo in the Champions League tomorrow night, Chiellini was asked what had changed. “I believe the Coach can also confirm this, but we are working to try to reduce the errors to a minimum,” Chiellini has responded. “Because even if we have won the Scudetto three years in a row it does not mean to say that we are perfect. Indeed, there is always so much to improve, both individually and as a team. “We were really very good, we have played two first halves brilliantly, with incredible intensity, where the only flaw was to be winning by the single goal, because we should have deserved at least two. “We must continue in this way. Certainly every Coach puts at their team’s disposal their knowledge, their own style, so there’s already been some adjustments and we are trying to do as much as possible what the Coach asks of us. “The important thing is to continue with this defensive solidity because it has been proven over the years mainly in Italy, but also in Europe, that if we do not concede goals, then we are a team that has a thousand weapons to unlock games. “We just have to keep working in this way and we will have a lot of satisfaction.” In considering the team’s potentially changed mental approach to the Champions League, Chiellini was asked if there was a willingness to sacrifice a fourth Scudetto in exchange for lifting the European Cup. “I think it would be foolish to sacrifice anything. Real Madrid went more than 10 years waiting for to experience this glory again, with investments of €100m a player. “So we are thinking match by match to win what we can win. Hopefully we can win more for many years to come, but I do not think we need to make sacrifices in order to win.”

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) ‘Let's be champions also in Europe’ Sep 15, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci has issued a rousing call to arms for Juventus to replicate their success at home on the European stage. It came in the defender’s latest post on his official website in which he gives his thoughts on the start of the Serie A season and on his team's desire to also do well in the Champions league. “Good morning to all. If a good day starts with the morning, this championship will be nice and tough seeing how the other teams are going besides us and Roma,” Bonucci has posted. “This is most stimulating in that I fervently believe that a champion team has only one obligation - and it's that of repeating!!! “Now, there's the Champions league!! An important Champions League where we have only one objective this year - BEING PROTAGONISTS LIKE IN ITALY!!! “Atletico has taught us how in this regard. Therefore, I want to say we will put in all of ourselves until our last drop of sweat. “Then it will be the field which decides whether it will or won't be Juventus!!! So, may the best team win and FORZA JUVE ALWAYS!!!”

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Juventus expect tough Malmo challenge, says Giorgio Chiellini Sep 15, 2014 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini was not wanting to get ahead of himself as the Bianconeri look to get it right in Europe against Malmo on Tuesday. The Serie A champions are desperate to go further in Europe this season than they did last time around, when they were knocked out in the group stage, and two disappointing results against Scandinavian opponents have stuck in his mind. Juve picked up only a 1-1 draw with Nordsjaelland in their 2012-13 campaign and although they recovered that time to reach the last 16, at the expense of Chelsea, they never recovered from a 1-1 draw at Copenhagen last term. "We don't expect it to be an easy game at all," Chiellini said at a news conference in Turin. "We saw that in recent years against Copenhagen and Nordsjaelland, and that's the kind of football we expect Malmo to play. We know what we can only win if we put in all our desire, attention and respect for our opponents." That said, Chiellini insists Juve cannot put all their eggs in the Champions League basket, and that finding the right balance is their biggest challenge. "It would be stupid to sacrifice the league for a European cup," Chiellini said. "Real Madrid had to wait so many years to win their 10th, which they invested so much into getting. I don't think we need to sacrifice." Coach Massimiliano Allegri concurred, saying he feels he has a good enough squad to "go far both in the league and in Europe." Juggling the two competitions is not going to be easy, but Allegri has high hopes. "We know it's very hard to win in Europe, but nothing is impossible," said the former AC Milan coach. "The main objective is to have the whole squad available to keep the level high in all our games, to try to get results in the league and in the Champions League. "Juve have the conviction that we can reach the quarterfinals, but first we've got to win this which is not going to be easy as there are no easy games in Europe, where sides always play to get a result. Our group may seem easy, but it was the same last year and Juve were eliminated, so that shows it's not easy to get through." Allegri can at least count on Carlos Tevez, who has not scored in Europe in over four years, but opened his league account in the 2-0 win over Udinese on Saturday. Chiellini is also back after missing Italy's trip to Norway and Saturday's game at the Juventus Stadium, but Roberto Pereyra is suspended. "With him out, I've got to think of a different option in midfield and maybe Kwadwo Asamoah will move inside," said Allegri. "But we've got plenty of options."

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Malmo are in better shape than Juventus - Allegri The coach believes the Swedish champions' early start to the season will benefit them, but insists his side should be aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Sep 15, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri believes Juventus' first Champions League opponents, Malmo, are in better condition than them. The reigning Serie A champions have been drawn in Group A alongside Malmo, Atletico and Olympiacos, and Allegri's men host the Swedish side in their opening match of the competition on Tuesday. And Allegri believes his team are at a disadvantage, having played just two league games so far this season, compared to their opponents, who are top of the Swedish league after 23 games. "Malmo are certainly ahead of us in terms of their condition," he the coach told reporters. "They are organised so we're going to have to be very careful and very quick, and be very secure in defence. "I think Juve have a side competitive enough to go far in both the league and in Europe. We know it's very hard to win in Europe, but nothing is impossible." The 47-year-old added that his side should be aiming to get into the quarter-finals of the competition. "Juve were knocked out in the group stage last season, but they played well. Sometimes you don't get what you deserve. Juve are a great side and they need to aim towards the last eight, but the objective for now is to get through the group. "In Europe you come up against teams who play to win, so there are less tactics and more pace and so you've got to read the game differently. I've not won anything in Europe yet and this is the fifth year I'm involved so I've still got a lot to do and I hope to do that with Juventus."

FOURFOURTWO JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Vidal and Pirlo to miss Malmö meeting Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo are making progress in their injury setbacks, but will not face Malmo. Sep 15, 2014 Chile international Vidal missed Juve's 2-0 Serie A victory over Udinese on Saturday with a persistent knee problem, while midfield partner Pirlo sustained a hamstring injury at the end of August. Coach Allegri revealed that Vidal could return in time for the Serie A champions' clash with Milan on Saturday and Pirlo's fitness is set to be assessed at the end of this week. "We hope to have Arturo Vidal back with us for Milan on Saturday," Allegri said at his pre-match news conference. "Pirlo's coming on well. He'll up his workload and we'll give him another look over at the end of the week." Juve start their UEFA Champions League Group A campaign at home to the Swedish champions on Tuesday and Allegri will be determined to succeed where Antonio Conte failed last season, by guiding his side into the knockout stages. The Turin giants should possess too much quality for Malmo, but Allegri stressed the importance of not taking the underdogs lightly. "Juve need to try and remain at the level of the top European clubs, but for now the minimum aim is getting out of the group," he added. "The most immediate target is winning tomorrow's game. There are no easy encounters in Europe. "The group may seem easy but nothing is ever straightforward in the Champions League. Malmo are a very quick and physical side." Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini is also set to feature after missing the start of the domestic season through a combination of suspension and a calf complaint. And the Italy international is itching to get involved, saying: "I'm in good shape and available for tomorrow's game. "There's plenty of enthusiasm in the camp and around Turin. We want to do well in the Champions League."

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF - Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Allegri: No easy games in Europe Sep 15, 2014 Max Allegri says Juventus must keep focus on Malmo as ‘there are no easy games in Europe’, and again dismisses importance on the formation. The Bianconeri start their Champions League campaign for the 2014-15 season at home to the Swedish side very much favourites to win, but with their Coach cautious, particularly in facing a Pressroom asking today about the quarter-finals as an objective. “I believe that Juventus currently have the objective closest to them, which is to win this game, which will certainly not be easy,” Allegri has responded to reporters this afternoon. “In Europe there are no easy games, all the teams play to get a result, because it is a very short competition, where you are not permitted to manage the outcome, where you can only try to win games. “We have a group that is apparently simple, but even last year that was the case and Juventus were eliminated. This demonstrates that in Europe the group defined as easy isn’t always. “Malmo are a team that are definitely ahead of us in terms of condition, because their championship is further ahead. “They are a well organised team, who have physicality and speed as strengths, so we need to play a very careful game with great technique, with great speed and always having good defensive security. “Tevez? He is fine, he had a good game [against Udinese], so tomorrow he will be available.” Malmo are debuting at this stage of the Champions League, in UEFA’s initiative to ensure more Leagues are represented in the tournament proper. “It’s important that there are teams here who have won their respective league titles and UEFA are correct. “Everyone has the right to participate in the Champions League.” The 47-year-old was asked if there would be a balancing act between Serie A and Europe. “In football nothing is prohibitive although in Europe it is very difficult. Saturday the new signings have also done well and this will allow me to better manage energy in the season. “We have to sustain every match at the same level regardless of the players used.” Juve’s start to the season has been strong, and Allegri was asked if this was expected progress or ahead of schedule. “I have found a group conscious to the fact that for after three years of consecutive wins it would be difficult to confirm again. “The team has made themselves available and today we are playing pretty well, although there is room for improvement. If we improve as individuals, we will improve as a team. “3-5-2 formation tomorrow? In the end, the system of play, whatever it is, is the interpretation that the Coach gives to it. Ours is a team that can improve and this does not depend on the formation. “Tomorrow I will decide based on the condition of the players available.” Allegri was asked his opinion on why this Juventus hasn’t yet impressed in the Champions League. “From the outside, in the past year the group has been good, but they have paid for episodes. This is a great club, a great team, that should aim to be equal with the biggest in Europe, reaching the last eight. “It will not be easy, we start from tomorrow, realising that the approach to Europe is different to that in Serie A. “What are the differences? The games are different because the teams that you face always play to win. There is less tactics and more speed and you have to be good at reading the game. “Am I more an Italian or European Coach? I would say Italian because in Europe I have not yet won anything. I still have to do a lot better with my team.”