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BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Marchisio: Juventus driven by the dream of playing Europa League final in Turin The Italy international explains that the chance to play in Turin gave Antonio Conte's men an "added boost" but he freely admits that Benfica represent formidable semi-final foes. Apr 22, 2014 Claudio Marchisio has admitted that he and his Juventus team-mates have been driven on by the prospect of a 'home' Europa League final from the moment they were knocked out of this season's Champions League. The Bianconeri were initially distraught following their group-stage elimination from the continent's premier club cup competition after a controversial 1-0 defeat at the hands of Galatasaray in December. However, Marchisio has explained that the fact that the Europa League final was being staged in their own Juventus Stadium enabled Antonio Conte's men to put their Istanbul heartbreak quickly behind them. "We knew [the tournament decider would be in Turin] right from the start, when we began in the group stage of the Champions League," the midfielder told UEFA.com. "When we didn't qualify and moved into the knockout phase of the Europa League, the fact that the final would be at home clearly gave us an added boost." However, Marchisio freely admits that Juventus still have it all to do to reach the final, having been paired with last year's runners-up, Benfica, in the last four. The Bianconeri travel to the Estadio da Luz for Thursday's first leg and the Italy international is anticipating a tough game against a side that are brimming with confidence after being crowned champions of Portugal at the weekend. "We'll come up against a side that in recent years, not only in their own league but in competitions like the Europa League, have done really well - even if they have lost some finals," Marchisio mused. "Clearly, they have the experience and the players with the qualities and characteristics to cause us difficulty. We have to think about them and think of the game as another final. "There will be two quality teams that will try and put on a spectacle in these two matches. For our part, we hope we have the right belief to reach our objective, which is to play the final in Turin."

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Capello sure of Juve Apr 22, 2014 Fabio Capello is convinced that Juventus have what it takes to win the Europa League this season. The Russia Coach played for the Old Lady from 1970-76 and also praised the work done by compatriot Carlo Ancelotti at another of his former clubs, Real Madrid. “I live football, I watch all the matches,” Capello told Eurosport. “I start watching them in the afternoon and I finish at 11pm!” “I am a Madridista. For me they are the favourites both in La Liga and the Champions League. “They are coached by a great Coach like Ancelotti, who always manages to transfer his ideas to his teams. “Juventus can win the Europa League, I maintain that they are the strongest team in that competition.” The tactician has recently confirmed he will retire from football after the 2018 World Cup, which his current nation are set to host.

Marchisio: Great motivation Apr 22, 2014 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes his side have all the motivation they need to win the Europa League. The Old Lady face Benfica in the first leg of their semi-final tie tomorrow and the 28-year-old says confidence is high within the camp. “Juve haven’t lifted a European trophy in nearly 20 years,” Marchisio told Uefa.com. “Lots of the players in the squad have never won an international trophy. “We have the chance to do that now. Our motivation can make the difference, but you must never underestimate the team you are facing. “We are playing against a team who, in recent years, have always done well in their domestic League. “They certainly have players with quality and experience who can cause us some problems. “It will be two excellent teams playing against each other and it will be a great spectacle. “From our point of view, we are confident we can reach our objective – to play in the final in Turin.”

Vieira: Pogba ahead of me at same age Apr 22, 2014 Patrick Vieira believes that Juventus prodigy Paul Pogba is more advanced as a player than the former Arsenal great was at the same age. Pogba, 21, moved to Turin in 2012 after failing to break into the Manchester United first team. Since then he has made good on the potential that made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents when he was a young player at Le Havre's youth academy. Pogba has already established himself in the France national team, and his dynamic midfield displays for Les Bleus have seen parallels drawn between himself and Vieira, who was part of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning squads. Vieira, a three-time Premier League champion with Arsenal who left the Londoners in 2005 to join Juve, said Pogba is a more complete player than he was at the same stage of his career, which coincided with his early years in England. "He's more technical and more at ease with the ball than I was at the same age," Vieira told beIN SPORTS. "It's easier for him to go forward. I was more concerned with defensive duties. He's more attack-minded, and takes part more in the team's play."

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Vidal, Tevez ready for Benfica? Apr 22, 2014 Juventus duo Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez are seen as nearing full fitness, but reports are conflicted over their availability for Benfica. The pair have been recovering from respective minor issues of late and Antonio Conte has already commented that he will only reinsert them into the starting XI when they are back to 100 per cent. A number of outlets suggest that on from Vidal’s appearance from the bench against Bologna at the weekend and Tevez’s again sitting through as an unused substitute, the pair are nearing full availability, in time for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Benfica. Tuttosport lead the assessment that Vidal has shaken off discomfort in his knee and Tevez has recovered from his thigh issue sufficiently to see both make the first team this midweek. However, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport remain more reserved, writing that there is still a chance of neither South American making even the matchday squad and that if they do, it may be just to sit on the bench.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Marchisio: Motivation is key Apr 22, 2014 Claudio Marchisio has outlined Juventus’ respect for Benfica and asserted that motivation is what can make the difference at this stage of the season. The Bianconeri are preparing to meet the Portuguese on Thursday evening in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. Whilst recent suggestions in Italy have been of a Juve side beginning to tire in the final stretch of the season, their No 8 believes that the desire for success will be a driving force. “Many players in this team have never won a European competition and Juventus haven't won a trophy in Europe for so many years,” Marchisio has commented in an interview with UEFA’s official website. “When you reach this stage of the competition motivation can make the difference. “So even if we're coming to the end of the season and our legs are beginning to feel heavy, the trophy can give you that energy to give that bit extra.” The final this season is hosted at the club’s Juventus Stadium. “We knew this right from the start when we began in the group stage of the Champions League. “When we didn't qualify and moved into the knockout phase of the Europa League, the fact that the final would be at home clearly gave us an added boost.” Before the Old Lady can dream about the final, though, they must push aside Benfica. “We'll come up against a side that in recent years, not only in their own league but in competitions like the Europa League, have done really well, even if they have lost some finals. “Clearly they have the experience and the players with the qualities and characteristics to cause us difficulty. We have to think about them and think of the game as another final. “There will be two quality teams that will try and put on a spectacle in these two matches. For our part, we hope we have the right belief to reach our objective, which is to play the final in Turin.”

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Artur saving his best for Benfica "A 'Benfiquista' for life," SL Benfica goalkeeper Artur's Serie A experience may come in useful as his side look to follow up their Liga success with a semi-final triumph against Juventus. Apr 21, 2014 A losing UEFA Europa League finalist in 2011 and 2013, SL Benfica goalkeeper Artur can only hope his luck is turning as the newly-crowned Portuguese champions take on Juventus in this season's semi-finals. Having been the understudy to 21-year-old Jan Oblak in the Liga since an injury sustained in a 3-2 win at SC Olhanense on 12 December gave the Slovenian his chance, Artur was still delighted to join in the title celebrations after Sunday's 2-0 win against Olhanense secured his first title with Benfica. "Regardless of who played more, Oblak and I are both to be congratulated," he said. "We split the games between us. Since I came here, I have dreamed of being a champion with this club and now it has come true." Artur can only hope that that first piece of silverware augurs well; the club endured a calamitous end to 2012/13, losing their grip on the Liga title, and coming off second best in the Portuguese Cup and UEFA Europa League finals in the space of a few days. "Only we know how hard we have fought since the beginning of the season, after the tough end to last year," the Brazilian explained. While Oblak has been the first choice in the Liga, Artur remains Jorge Jesus's main man in European games. Yet to concede in four UEFA Europa League matches this term, the 33-year-old Brazilian's Serie A experience could be crucial against Juventus. Artur played in Italy from 2007 to 2010, and while his stint at AS Roma included only 12 top-flight appearances – and none against Juventus – the tall custodian has a good idea of what to expect from the Italian champions, and not least their forward Mirko Vučinić, his former Roma team-mate. Artur left Italy for Portugal in 2010 to join SC Braga, whose then coach Domingos Paciência was impressed by his "stability, coolness, the impossible saves he makes and the way he positions himself". His only season with the Arsenalistas took in the club's UEFA Champions League group stage debut and culminated in a trip to the 2010/11 UEFA Europa League final, where they lost 1-0 to Liga rivals FC Porto in Dublin. Benfica, though, liked what they saw of Artur, agreeing a four-year contract with the goalkeeper. He has now made over 100 appearances for the club in all competitions, and has a target of doubling that total. "I'm a Benfica player body and soul," the one-time EC Cruzeiro and Coritiba FBC player said. "I want to play 100 more games in this shirt that I have come to love. I was not born a 'Benfiquista' (Benfica fan), but I'm a 'Benfiquista' for life."

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Juve look to Benfica with title in bag Turin giants maintain eight-point lead with four games to go. Apr 21, 2014 Juventus say they are fully focused on Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg against Benfica in Lisbon after closing in on their third consecutive Serie A title with Saturday's 1-0 win over Bologna. The win, secured by a second-half strike from French midfielder Paul Pogba, keeps the Turin giants eight points ahead of second-placed AS Roma with just four games to go until the end of the season. If Juve knock out Benfica, they will face Valencia or Sevilla at their home stadium - the venue for the final of Europe's secondary club competition this season. "Now it's time to concentrate on Europe. Benfica are a team who play good football, and we're already looking ahead to Thursday's game," said Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna. "We'll be facing a fiery atmosphere so we'll look to prepare for the fixture as best we can".

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Juve prepares for Benfica game Apr 21, 2014 After Bologna's win against Juventus on Saturday, the Turin team trained on Monday for the Europa League semi-finals that take place in Lisbon against Benfica on Thursday evening. Benfica took the Portuguese championship for the 33rd time. Antonio Conte's Juve trained hard and are close to their third championship win, knowing, however, that their adversary is dangerous.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Jorge Jesus: On to Juve Apr 21, 2014 Benfica Coach Jorge Jesus has called on his side to focus on their Europa League semi-final against Juventus. The Portuguese outfit secured their domestic League title yesterday but the tactician now wants the celebrations to be put to one side. The first leg of the tie with the Old Lady takes place in Lisbon this Thursday, with the return in Turin a week later. “We have a fantastic group and never gave up,” Jesus said to Portuguese media sources. “We have secured our main objective of the season, but the season could finish with us being even happier than we are now. “So now, let’s postpone the celebrations and concentrate on the match with Juventus.”

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Benfica crowned champions of Portugal after win over Olhanense Lima hit a double at the Estadio da Luz on Sunday night as Jorge Jesus' side reclaimed their crown from Porto, who had won the past three Primeira Liga titles. Apr 20, 2014 Benfica have been crowned champions of Portugual for the first time in four years courtesy of a 2-0 win over Olhanense. Second-placed Sporting made the Eagles wait for the title by beating Belenenses on Saturday night, but Jorge Jesus' men recorded a 2-0 win at the Estadio da Luz less than 24 hours to move seven points clear with just two rounds remaining. It is Benfica's 33rd Primeira Liga title but only their third in the past decade, with Porto having won the last three championships in succession, after establishing themselves as the dominant force in Portugal. The Eagles could yet secure an historic quadruple this season: they reached the final of the Taca de Portugal on Wednesday with a 3-2 aggregate win over Porto, and have a Taca da Liga semi-final against Luis Castro's men, as well as a Europa League last-four battle with Italian giants Juventus still to come.

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Bianconeri edge even closer to third Scudetto Another grind of a match ended with Juventus getting all three points from a single moment of Pogba brilliance. Apr 20, 2014 I swear, this has been the most bittersweet season I can remember. As a devoted fan, you watch every game, you will your team to victory, and you are ecstatic every time your team pulls it off. Yet as a Juventus fan, you expect a lot from the team, a standard that only legends before current players have set, a level of quality you grow accustomed to over time. Juventus is winning, edging ever so close to that third consecutive Scudetto, a feat whose difficulty is understood by every true fan. It's a glorious achievement, really, to stay focused and determined for three straight seasons in a league like the Serie A with teams like Roma breathing down your neck. But that same Juventus is playing far from great, struggling to create concrete chances, lacking in creativity, grinding for 90 minutes to pull off a single goal victory over teams like soon-to-likely-be relegated Bologna. And mind you, this has been the case for quite a few games this season. What can you do though? You take the good with the bad and you celebrate another very important victory as the season draws to a close. Five points from 4 matches is all we need. You can really start to taste that trophy. MATCH SUMMARY It didn't take long to find out who will be Juventus' aggressor on the night in pursuit for the win. With Tevez and Vidal on the bench, young Paul Pogba took over as the metronome of the team from the very beginning. In just 5 minutes, he tested Bologna's keeper with a close range shot shot, then followed it up later with a close header off a corner. In the meantime, the two players in charge of scoring up front, Llorente and Giovinco, were just starting to get a feel for each other. The Atomic Ant performed a very good Tevez impression with his impeccable work rate to aid to Llorente's dominance in the air and as a target man. Bologna rarely had possession for longer than a few seconds, which allowed the defense and especially the returning Barzagli to work on his match fitness before the Benfica game on Thursday. As Juventus tried to create something out of nothing against Bologna's parked bus, frustration grew at Juventus stadium as the score was still 0-0 after an hour of play. That's when the genius of Pogba settled the game, with the young Frenchman controlling a pass from Isla superbly before slotting home a great shot outside the box to beat Curci. It was Pogba again who had the best chance to really close the game out later on, but his half volley from close range was straight at the Bologna keeper. It wasn't pretty, and it surely wasn't convincing, but here we are just 4 games from the end of the season with Juventus marching confidently towards a third Scudetto. LE PAGELLE Buffon: 7 - Bored out of his mind until the 85th minute, this was nothing but an easy scrimmage for San Gigi. Barzagli: 6.5 - Newly returned from injury and looked rusty therefore. Got beat a couple times and had a couple errant passes that could've cost Juve against a better team. It was great to see him back though, we'll need his experience if we are to close out the two titles we are battling for. Ogbonna: 7.5 - Thought he was great for the full 90 minutes. Won countless headers in the back and was always a force during set pieces in Bologna's 16. A very composed performance for the young center back. Chiellini: 7 - Didn't have a whole lot of work to do defensively but did everything right when called upon. A solid performance from our King Giorgio. Isla: 7 - Really pushed high at every opportunity and provided as much width as he could in attack. His crosses left plenty to be desired but that is to be expected. Could've closed the game out but Curci came up with a fantastic save to deny him some 20 minutes from the end. Pogba: 8 - An enjoyable performance by Pogba who was clearly the difference of the game. He was determined to score and got his goal after an hour of play with a great outside shot. Showed some great skill on the ball too - something the fans always appreciate. He's young and over-emotional at times, but he certainly came through when most needed. Pirlo: 7 - Found it hard to make a big impact when faced with 10 Bologna men behind the ball. Had several free kicks from which he unfortunately failed to score. Marchisio: 7.5 - It was one of those vintage Marchisio performances really, running his heart out and battling for every single ball. He covered the whole pitch remarkably and really put in work on Saturday. Wasn't much of a threat offensively but overall I thought he sacrificed himself for the team every second he was on the pitch. Asamoah: 6.5 - Wasn't as active as Isla on the right but had a hard-nosed Garics in front of him. Had a couple decent balls in the box but they didn't really find any of our strikers. Giovinco: 7.5 - He probably lost something on the pitch during warm up as he spent the majority of the game rolling around looking for it. Nah, just kidding. While he did theatrically dive on several occasions, Gio actually had a very good game, working hard and slotting between Bologna's lines quite often. Wasn't able to score or create for someone else, but certainly did his best under the circumstances. Llorente: 7 - He is a limited striker when we have poor delivery from the wings, and Saturday really showed that. Giovinco enjoyed some great put downs from Llorente's aerial prowess and the Spaniard really worked well to carve out his space in front of Bologna's defense. Subs: Padoin: sv - Leave it for Danny to totes call it - Simone got some garbage time minutes and looked all sheepishly ecstatic as usual. Vidal: sv - Coach: Conte: 6.5 - I do believe that the majority of the issues I bitched about at the very beginning of this recap fall solely on Conte's shoulders. His inability to switch things around and become less predictable have miraculously only caught up with him in Europe, while in Italy we are scraping by towards our third consecutive title. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pogba: No Juve talks yet Apr 21, 2014 Paul Pogba says he has yet to discuss his future at Juventus beyond the end of this season, as he comments that: “PSG are a great club.” The French international has become increasingly linked with a summer exit from the Old Lady, with PSG said to be leading Chelsea and Real Madrid in preparing bids upwards of €40m. Reiterating an earlier message from his agent Mino Raiola, though, the player has explained that no discussions either to stay with Juve or to leave have taken place yet. “So far I have not spoken to anyone about the contract renewal with the club nor the future on the market,” Pogba responded this week to Bein Sport. “I am focused on the field, I am thinking only about this season and winning a Scudetto which for the club would be historic. “And then there is also the Europa League. If we achieve the double then it would be something exceptional. I just think about making history this season. “I just have to repeat myself. Of course I am happy that many big clubs are interested, but the mind is focused on my present work, and that’s it. It is Juve today. “The fans’ chants asking me to stay? They encourage me to do my best, they are beautiful. “Paris Saint-Germain? They are a great club…” Pogba scored Juve’s only and decisive goal against Bologna in Week 34 to bring the Bianconeri ever closer to the League title. “It is certainly important, but only because it gave us the three points. Here at Juventus, the team comes before anything personal. “And now we feel closer to the Scudetto, which whilst we are not yet there, we are almost. “Antonio Conte? I have a good relationship with him, I chose to wear this shirt after speaking with him. I have learned a lot at every place I have been, from Le Havre through to Manchester United and now in Turin. “Whilst I also went through some difficult times. If I want to reach the top then I have to follow the path of people like Vieira, Buffon and Pirlo.”

Pogba: I'm glad other teams want me It had been claimed that Bianconeri have been doing their utmost to persuade the 20-year-old to commit himself beyond 2016 - but the midfielder insists otherwise. Apr 20, 2014 Paul Pogba has cast his Juventus future in doubt by admitting that he is flattered by widespread interest in his services. It has been reported that the Italian champions are desperate for the in-demand midfielder to extend his current deal in Turin, which runs until 2016, with speculation rife that Paris Saint-Germain are ready to launch a massive bid for the France international this summer. However, Pogba says he is simply enjoying his time with the Old Lady and is touched by the fans' desire to see him remain at Juventus Stadium. "It makes me happy that the fans sing, 'Don't sell Pogba'," he told Sky Sport Italia. "It gives me so much of a charge when I go onto the field. "It gives me an even greater desire to improve myself, so I'm grateful to the fans for their songs; I'm very content to make them happy. "At the moment, though, I'm concentrated solely on the present. I've not spoken with anyone, neither about my future or my contract. "Sure, it pleases me to know that that other clubs want me, but I repeat: I'm thinking only of the field of play and the Scudetto." Pogba was being interviewed after underlining his worth to Juve by netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Bologna that put Antonio Conte's men within two victories of retaining their Serie A title. The 20-year-old admitted that he does not feel that he is currently being utilised in the best possible way but insists that he is willing to do whatever he is asked in order to help the Bianconeri make it three Scudetti in a row. "On the pitch, I'm not totally playing in the position I prefer, but anywhere I play, I think only of giving 100 per cent. I was missing a goal. It's difficult to be always on top form," he insisted. "Along with my team-mates, I want to win this Scudetto with all my strength. We are close now, so we must continue in this way."

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Conte: 'Giovinco for World Cup!' Apr 20, 2014 Antonio Conte is focused on the Europa League semi-final with Benfica, but proposed Sebastian Giovinco for the World Cup. The Coach spoke after Juventus consolidated their eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A table with a 1-0 victory over Bologna. “I am counting on having Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal ready for Thursday,” he said of the first leg against Benfica. “They have both been carrying injuries for a while and I rested them to avoid making the situation worse.” In the meantime, Giovinco has rediscovered his form as part of an ‘odd couple’ with Fernando Llorente and Conte had a suggestion. “Giovinco is doing really well, as he is gaining confidence in his own abilities. It’s what I always told him to do. He’s so good at taking men on and can be decisive. “I hope he can continue like this to the end of the season, because he still has a chance of going to the World Cup. Someone like Giovinco would certainly be of use to Cesare Prandelli. “This win over Bologna was the kind of game we would’ve drawn last year. Over time we have matured and gained more experience to deal with these situations. “The fact we have such a strong antagonist as Roma right behind us pushes us on to give our best every time. We’ve reached 90 points also thanks to the Giallorossi, who ensure we are always motivated and don’t think the Scudetto is already ours. “Last season we won the title with three rounds to spare, after which we lost and drew. This season we’ve always had Roma with a pitchfork pointed at our backs, keeping us on alert.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Pogba pushes Juventus closer to Serie A glory Apr 20, 2014 What more can you say about a side that managed their 17th home win? Juventus somehow found a way to bypass a parked bus and defeat negative Bologna 1-0 to take one giant step towards their third consecutive title. Roma may believe and they may be starving for trophies but their hunger has only served to push the Bianconeri on and ignite their competitive edge. This is their Scudetto and they will do all they can to achieve it. Whilst the match looked to be easy on paper, Davide Ballardini’s has proved to be a difficult opponent to take on. After all, he has halted the Bianconeri train before. His sides are balways organised, his players tenacious and eager. He has travelled to the Juventus Stadium with two different teams and managed to take a point home with him on both occasions. On January 15, 2012 his Cagliari side managed an equaliser via Andrea Cossu to leave Alessandro Del Piero and co. with a 1-1 scoreline. One year later Ballardini returned, this time with Genoa. Yet again his team found the equaliser to snatch a 1-1 victory in Turin, scored by former Bianconeri forward Marco Borriello. This time, Ballardini walked away with nothing. His Bologna side did as much and perhaps even more than his previous teams at Juve’s home but this Old Lady has matured. With Roma salivating over the prospect of a draw or loss in order to close the gap, Juventus have refined their technique and bettered their mentality to ensure a victory was achieved no matter the difficulty. Their hunger to collect points and secure their third consecutive title is nothing short of admirable. Repeated victories have done little to satisfy their appetite for more trophies and they continue to chase them with ferocious determination. However, one must credit the Felsinei for their valiant defensive displays even if it hardly made for entertaining viewing. Defending so deep, their lines tight and the gaps closed, the away side quite forcefully crowded the area and blocked the passage to goal. There was no room to operate, no way of piercing through for the Bianconeri. Showing little ambition in going forward, Bologna proved ineffective in the attacking phase of the game, preferring to sit back and hold on for a draw and they very nearly managed to grab the coveted point. Paul Pogba was unable to make the most of a few early chances whilst Andrea Pirlo failed to tantalise from his free-kicks but that didn’t stop Juve trying. Sebastian Giovinco proved dazzling with his mobility yet again. Pushing, passing and running, he thoroughly annoyed the opposing back-line that attempted to track him and often resorted to fouling him -- in dangerous areas. Gliding past players and looking for the right pass, he offered Juventus a glimmer of hope but he wasn’t quite enough. For a long time it seemed the Old Lady and her forwards didn’t have an answer to such a determined display of defensive football. Kwadwo Asamoah proved indecisive in penetrating the left wing and rarely positioned himself well in the final third. He ought to have pushed forward more to offer another alternative for that decisive pass or even to busy a defender in hopes of dragging him out of position to create a gap. Instead he prioritised his defensive duties, ensuring that should his opponents counter, he’d be prepared to stop them. Mauricio Isla on the opposite flank also struggled to provide more, his crossing inadequate whilst his runs rarely troubled his markers. The only way the Felsinei could be beaten was if they decided to attack, leaving some room at the back to exploit or if Juventus sped up their movements to overwhelm the organised lines. The latter has proved to be a problem for the Old Lady as their attempts to inject pace into their manoeuvres has usually resulted in imprecision and inaccurate play. However, they did just enough to create a little space for Pogba to score the only goal of the game -- the goal that takes Juventus one step closer to lifting another Championship trophy and solidifying his reputation as the next generation’s greatest talent. They were hardly beautiful and barely interesting to watch but Juve’s cynicism is what made the difference. Conte was right in saying that in previous years, a game like this would have resulted in a draw but the fact Juve won demonstrates growth and leaves them on course for a spectacular end to the season. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Moggi: Conte and Pogba will stay at Juventus Apr 20, 2014 Former Juventus chief managing director Luciano Moggi has reiterated that both coach Antonio Conte and midfielder Paul Pogba will remain in Turin next season. There have been widespread rumours linking Pogba to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer while Conte has been linked with a move to Monaco, but Moggi has stated that no such moves will take place. “Conte will stay, so will Pogba along with Pirlo and Marchisio,” said Moggi confidently told A Libero. “Only Mirko Vucinic and Quagliarella will most likely leave.” The Italian,who was caught at the centre of the country’s biggest football scandal in 2006 also believes that the Old Lady will sign Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez in the upcoming transfer window.

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Conte: 'Step towards the Scudetto' Apr 19, 2014 Antonio Conte saw “a good step forward” towards the Scudetto as Juventus pushed past Bologna. Paul Pogba’s goal proved enough to secure a 1-0 victory over relegation battlers Bologna. “The only thing that counts is to win and that wasn’t simple today,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “All teams come to the Juventus Stadium in order to defend and create a packed midfield. It’s down to us to score early and break that deadlock. We were too slow in the first half, then raised the tempo. “It’s tough against these sides who defend with 10 men. We did well not to lose our heads and prevented counter-attacks. Gigi Buffon was never called into action. “This side is mature, has grown a great deal and I am happy. All of this explains the extraordinary campaign we’re having.” Conte remained level-headed when asked if the Scudetto was now in Juve’s pocket. “We made a good step forward. We only look to our own results and not what Roma do, even if they are doing extraordinary things. We’re not at the finish line yet, but now we have to focus on Benfica and the Europa League semi-final. “We will prepare for that game studying their defects and trying to get the best out of our own characteristics. It won’t be easy, as it’s a fiery atmosphere, but we want to honour the Europa League.” Juve are temporarily 11 points clear at the top of the table with four rounds to go, awaiting Roma’s result away to Fiorentina. “This season we have something more in terms of attack than in previous years. It took time for Fernando Llorente to settle in and he brought a new dimension along with Carlos Tevez. Now we have two strikers who have scored in double figures, so that is an important element.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Ballardini: 'Bologna played well' Apr 19, 2014 Davide Ballardini felt Bologna had a good game against Juventus and believes they can achieve safety. Paul Pogba’s goal proved enough for a 1-0 result in Turin this evening. “Bologna played well today and, although we could’ve done better on the break, in general it was a good performance,” the Coach told Sport Mediaset. Now the Stadio Dall’Ara side is level with Sassuolo on 28 points, third from bottom. “We have to focus on ourselves. Bologna must do their duty and the rest is of no interest to us. I don’t know how many points will mathematically secure safety, but our players know what to do.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Chiellini: 'Juve thank Roma' Apr 19, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini thanked Roma for “reminding Juventus how difficult it is to win every single time.” The Bianconeri squeezed past Bologna 1-0 to maintain their 100 per cent home record in Serie A this season. “We’re nearly there. This was a very important win, we are really so close to this third consecutive Scudetto,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia. The gap is temporarily at 11 points with Roma travelling to Fiorentina at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT). “We have to thank Roma, as they keep us alive and remind us how difficult it is to win every single time. They deserve praise, as they are making sure we really enjoy this title because it is so hard-fought.” Juve were sluggish in the first half, but piled the pressure on until Paul Pogba’s goal after the break. What did Antonio Conte say at half-time? “Conte just told us to raise the tempo and that’s what we did, going up a gear. We knew Bologna were an organised side that didn’t leave many spaces, but it was a deserved victory.”

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Juventus vs. Bologna: 6 Things We Learned Apr 19, 2014 With the early evening kick-off this weekend, Juventus hosted Bologna knowing that they were just eight points away from clinching their third consecutive Serie A title. That would be a historic achievement, something that neither Marcello Lippi nor Giovanni Trapattoni ever managed, marking out Antonio Conte as one of the most impactful coaches in the club’s storied history. For Bologna’s part, Sassuolo’s win earlier in the day meant that they travelled to Turin knowing that a defeat would see them end the weekend in the relegation zone. That they had lost three of their last away matches against the Bianconeri meant this was likely, and Juventus eventually triumphed by a 1-0 scoreline. Bologna Continue to Struggle for Goals The Rossoblu have found it difficult to score with any consistency this term, especially since the departure of Alessandro Diamanti to China. Since the 30-year-old was sold in early February, Bologna have scored just five goals, and he still remains their joint leading scorer. That ineffectiveness in front of goal saw them ranked as the third-worst attack in Serie A here and looks set to see them return to the second tier this summer. Sebastian Giovinco’s Impressive Form Continues In early February, a section of Juventus supporters jeered Sebastian Giovinco as the striker was substituted, disappointed by another poor display from the Turin native. That prompted Antonio Conte to defend his player and criticise those fans who booed the 27-year-old from the field, telling reporters at his post-match press conference: “I find it truly unfair this atmosphere that has emerged around Giovinco. I don’t even want to talk about it. Everyone should look to their conscience.” The diminutive striker has responded perfectly, putting on another fine display here, and he has netted a goal and two assists since that ugly incident. Scoring a superb strike against Udinese last week, he has proven his value to this squad as a substitute for Carlos Tevez. Match Highlighted Juve’s Need for Variety For large portions of the match, Juventus struggled to unlock the resolute Bologna defence, an issue which has raised its head on a number of occasions this term. It appears to indicate a need for variety from the bench, perhaps a pacy winger to open up these well-organised sides that come to Turin simply looking to lock out the Bianconeri. Domenico Berardi’s return to goalscoring action against Chievo earlier on Saturday was a timely reminder of what the 19-year-old could offer. Co-owned by Juventus, the Sassuolo winger could well move to the champions this summer. Paul Pogba Continues Outside-the-Box Excellence Paul Pogba continues to be lethal from outside the box, notching the game-winning goal here and helping Juventus to another victory. The strike marked his seventh goal of the season, making him the fourth-leading scorer for the Bianconeri this term. Juventus Can Win Without Carlos Tevez Juventus have begun to depend on Carlos Tevez this term, the Argentinean netting 18 goals and seven assists so far in 2013-14. Antonio Conte chose to rest his most reliable striker here, and the Bianconeri still emerged triumphant, highlighting the depth of their squad. Title Almost Secure With their win, the two-time champions drew ever closer to their third consecutive Serie A title, needing just five points from their remaining four games to clinch the Scudetto. Despite Roma’s 1-0 win over Fiorentina, Juventus are closer than ever to lifting yet another league title. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Chiellini thanks Roma for making 'third' title more enjoyable The Old Lady have yet to clinch the Scudetto but the defender says that the Giallorossi's strong challenge will ensure they savour what he feels is an inevitable Scudetto success. Apr 19, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini has thanked Roma for pushing Juventus so hard this season, explaining that it will make their third successive Serie A title triumph all the more enjoyable. Antonio Conte's men moved 11 points clear of the Giallorossi, who play Fiorentina on Saturday night, courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bologna, which came courtesy of a fine strike from midfielder Paul Pogba. Chiellini acknowledged that the Rossoblu had caused the champions problems but he was more concerned with expressing his gratitude to Roma for making Juve work so hard in this season's title race. "We faced an organised squad that really left us very little space," the defender said of Bologna in an interview with Sky Sport Italia. "However, I believe that it was still a deserved victory." "Now we've just four games left. We're only lacking a few [points] for this third successive Scudetto that we wanted at all costs. "We're grateful to Roma for keeping us on our toes and making us realise how difficult [winning the title] is. "Roma deserve a big round of applause for making us enjoy this Scudetto, which would have been less beautiful if there had been 20 points to second place." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Paul Pogba Gets His Goal and Swagger Back Apr 19, 2014 Claudio Marchisio didn’t score the goal, but he lifted his arms and put his head back. It was Paul Pogba who finally broke down Bologna: a simple touch with the outside of his right foot and a super strike to get the only goal Juventus needed. It was the 29th win of the season for Juventus—a club-high. It was he 11th time in all competitions that the Bianconeri won by a score of 1-0. And they wouldn’t stop until they got that. Bologna don't look like a team that offer much of a resistance—they are currently sixth-last in goals conceded, and they are living dangerously, just outside the relegation zone—but many times the whole squad played behind the ball. Bologna put just two shots on goal, and the first came in the 82nd minute. They never really thought about scoring. Pogba did. He put seven shots on net—more than any other player on the field, per WhoScored.com—and the goal was the culmination of all that work. In the first part of the game, he found himself in a position to score, but he released a shot without any sting. He did eventually get his seventh goal in Serie A. Without Fernando Llorente posing much of a threat, Pogba overran Bologna and opened up space for himself. The Juventus manager Antonio Conte chose to rest Carlos Tevez in anticipation for the Europa League semi-final tie against Benfica this coming week, and so he was not there to make all the runs. Sebastian Giovinco covered for his teammate, and he took the attention away from the powerful Pogba. Giovino made tackles and drew fouls, while Pogba jumped into the open channels. He is not having the most consistent season. Llorente called it a “small crisis” in an interview with Tuttosport (h/t goal.com). Pogba’s contract runs until the summer of 2016, and he has not yet signed an extension. Paris Saint-German continue to pester Juventus about a transfer, according to reports, but maybe it is not the burden of all those rumours that has weighed down on Pogba. Maybe he is just a 21-year-old trying to find himself. “It's normal that you can spend moments of this kind, especially at 20, when you may feel more pressure,” Llorente told the Italian newspaper, “and maybe you are less experienced at managing the effects of fatigue.” But Pogba does not seem to lack confidence. He is audacious. When he shoots inside the box, the result is sometimes tame, a shot lacking any ferocity. It is outside the box when he scores. but he is audacious, and it is almost as if he waits for those perfectly still moments: a volley, an opening in the defence, a second of time. This goal was his first in the league since January 18, but he has played better the past couple of weeks. He is growing and helping. In the first half, Juventus were thinking about scoring, but they weren’t actually doing it. They did not give up—as if they ever do. In the second half, Pogba took down the pass from Mauricio Isla out wide, settled down the ball and rifled the opener. He walked away with Giovinco tugging on him like a kid for a sidekick, Pogba’s eyes menacing, celebrating in the corner. Before it was Arturo Vidal doing the scoring when the forwards could not. Now that he is injured, Pogba has stepped up and commandeered the midfield. Andrea Pirlo is the graceful influence, but on his side is the brawn, Pogba muscling the opposition out of the way. There is always someone on Juventus reinforcing a weak seam; there is always a supplement. The rest was not easy. Bologna summoned up the courage to push forward, and in the final minutes of stoppage time, Juventus were scrambling. And so Conte jumped into the arms of his staff when the referee blew the final whistle. They were relieved. Juventus could win the title next weekend if results go their way. They have already racked up 90 points—normally enough to win the league by now—but they still could grab 100. No Serie A team has reached that total before. And Pogba has never played so many games before: 44 and counting. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Player Ratings Paul Pogba grabbed the decisive second-half goal to pierce the resilient Rossoblu's armour, with the young Frenchman pushing the Old Lady to within two wins of the Scudetto. Apr 19, 2014 JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - The experienced goalkeeper was a spectator for the majority of the game, making a couple of routine saves on the way to yet another clean sheet. Andrea Barzagli - The returning central defender had a relatively easy evening, due to the lack of penetration Bologna had down their left hand side. Was still class and composure personified, though. Angelo Ogbonna - A composed outing from the former Torino man, who looked composed on the ball, as well as keeping tabs on Cristaldo well. Giorgio Chiellini - A solid game from the Italy international, who didn't allow his concentration to go astray at any point, throwing himself into every challenge. Mauricio Isla - Worked incredibly hard and got to the byeline on several occasions, but couldn't find Llorente. Saw a close-range effort saved brilliantly by Curci. Paul Pogba - Showcased a few audacious pieces of skill and wasn't afraid to shoot from anywhere, with his self-belief being rewarded with a second-half goal from the edge of the box. Andrea Pirlo - Dipped a couple of free kicks on target and kept the ball well, but wasn't able to play any incisive passes through a compact visiting defence. Claudio Marchisio - The box-to-box midfielder popped up everywhere, putting his body on the line throughout. Had a couple of half chances deep in the Bologna box, but couldn't convert. Kwadwo Asamoah - Offered width on the left-hand side and got in behind Garics on a couple of occasions, but couldn't pick out the killer ball. Sebastian Giovinco - An energetic performance from the diminutive striker, who wasn't perturbed by the physical approach of Antonsson. Linked up well with Llorente and drove down the right on several occasions. Fernando Llorente - Held the ball up well in the first half, but didn't get a great deal of good service after the break. Not the most dangerous performance from the Spaniard. Substitutions Simone Padoin - Worked hard down the right hand side in the last 10 minutes, delivering one impressive cross from that very flank. BOLOGNA Gianluca Curci - A brilliant performance from the Bologna goalkeeper, with the pick of his saves being a fingertip reflex stop to deny Isla from eight yards out. Mikael Antonsson - A physical evening for the Swedish defender, who wasn't afraid to get in behind Giovinco and Llorente, being penalised several times for flooring the former. Frederik Sorensen - Always pressuring Llorente in the air and ensured that the Spaniard wasn't permitted to turn in the penalty area. Nicolò Cherubin - Won a couple of brave headers, but the Italian's performance was otherwise dwarfed by the twin pillars of Sorensen and Antonsson. Gyorgy Garics - Worked hard down the right flank, stopping a number of crosses coming in from Juve's left. Made a number of fine challenges. Ibson - A very quiet evening for the Brazilian, who was replaced by Paponi as Ballardini looked to gamble and make a positive switch. Michele Pazienza - The central midfielder was unable to have much of an effect on the game, due to Bologna enjoying very much the minority of possession. Lazaros Christodoulopoulos - Bologna's brightest forward-thinking player, registering his side's first shot on target in the last 20 minutes. Always keen to drive at goal and try his luck. Archimede Morleo - Didn't allow Isla to have much luck down the right-hand side, limiting the Chilean to only a handful of low-quality crosses. Erik Friberg - Offered very little as Bologna failed to break upfield with any regularity whatsoever. Showed the odd skilful touch, but otherwise did nothing. Jonathan Cristaldo - Tried a couple of speculative efforts from around the penalty area, but didn't test Buffon. Worked hard as Bologna's most advanced player, but earned nothing from it. Substitutions Diego Laxalt - Had a back post header hit the target, as the Inter loanee was thrown on in the late stages. Daniele Paponi - Looked bright with his first touch, driving beyond his man with a clever touch and bursting into the space, before fading from the action. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 1 - 0 BOLOGNA Paul Pogba (64′) April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Attendance:‬ 38500‎ Juventus vs. Bologna: Score, Ratings and Post-Match Reaction Apr 19, 2014 Juventus edged a step closer to the Serie A title with a battling 1-0 win over Bologna. It wasn’t Juventus’ best performance of the season, far from it if truth be told, but Paul Pogba’s goal was enough to seal the three points. WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored Paul Pogba: MotM vs Bologna, Rating 8.8, Shots 7, Goals 1, Key passes 1, Clearances 2 Ahead of Roma’s clash with Fiorentina later on Saturday, Juventus now hold a commanding 11-point lead in the title race. Pogba was the hero, but he had the potential to be the villain of the piece in the first half. On five minutes, he strode into the box but his shot lacked conviction and Gianluca Curci made a save with his feet. Shortly afterwards, Pogba had a great chance when rising high to meet a corner, but he could not direct his header on target. Curci kept Bologna on level terms shortly before the interval when getting down well to deny Claudio Marchisio. The keeper made a stunning save to foil Mauricio Isla six minutes into the second half, but he could not keep out Pogba’s effort on 64 minutes. A loose ball fell at the feet of the Frenchman and he smashed a low shot into the bottom corner. Juventus were frustrated by a Bologna side just one place above the drop zone, but Giorgio Chiellini said they were never going to take their foot off the gas. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@chiellini: "We just needed to up the pace after the break. We knew Bologna were a well organised team but we got the win we deserved." Juve celebrated their 17th home league win out of as many games like champions. They cannot claim the title even if Roma are beaten in Florence, but it will surely come their way in the coming weeks. That is certainly the view of Chiellini, who is intent on securing the hat-trick of titles. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@chiellini: "It was an extremely important win. There are just four games to go and we want this third consecutive title at all costs." Juventus Player Ratings Buffon 6.5 Barzagli 6 Ogbonna 7 Chiellini 7 Isla 7.5 Pogba 9 Pirlo 7.5 Marchisio 7 Asamoah 5.5 Llorente 6.5 Giovinco 7.5 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111