Socrates

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Galderisi on Benfica Apr 24, 2014 Giuseppe Galderisi has given his opinion on tonight’s Europa League semi-final first leg between Benfica and Juventus. The 51-year-old began his playing career at the Old Lady and is now coaching Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Olhanense. His current side were on the wrong end of a 2-0 League defeat to Jorge Jesus’ team on Sunday, a result which clinched the title for Juve’s opponents this evening. “I am convinced it will be a great match between two teams in great form,” Galderisi told TuttoJuve. “Benfica have just won the Portuguese League and are also on course for the Portuguese Cup. “They are having a fantastic season and are playing an excellent brand of football. They haven’t lost at home all season and they haven’t conceded a goal since the middle of the season! “We held them for 60 minutes on Sunday but unfortunately the game changed with two incidents. They deserved it though. “You could even say that this semi-final against Juventus could be a very good Champions League semi-final. “Juve should be worried about Benfica as a collective unit. They always play with great intent and they score goals with ease. “However, they throw a lot of players forward to create chances and they can leave space for the opposition. Juve could take advantage of that on the counter-attack.”

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Juventus News – Europa League Updates, Looking at Benfica Apr 24, 2014 Looks like the “lone hero” factor has impressive staying power these days. This weekend it was Paul Pogba who came through for Juventus, sealing a 1-0 victory in Saturday’s rain-soaked clash with Bologna. As they have consistently in recent weeks, our Bianconeri collectively controlled the match, trusting that sooner or later an individual piece of skill would break the deadlock and keep Roma’s late Scudetto surge at bay. Pogba threatened to score several times before he actually did, drilling home a second-half strike with an authority conspicuously absent since his media hype blew out of all decent proportion. Of course, such a goal will only increase the attention paid to Pogba — as well as up his transfer price. His potential (some say imminent) sale is a very hot topic this week. But Juve have more pressing concerns, namely a trip to Lisbon to meet Benfica, newly crowned champions of Portugal. It’s up for debate whether Benfica’s title clinch (and the raucous celebrations) will be good or bad for Juve on Thursday. We’re hoping for a hangover, but in any event Antonio Conte and Co. will travel to Portugal with the purpose of scoring as many away goals as possible. Any tie of this importance will be “managed” to a degree, but Juve didn’t get where they are by playing things safe. One away goal proved barely enough to see off Lyon, and Benfica should provide stiffer competition. A Europa League final in front of a partisan crowd at Juventus Stadium is only 180 minutes away, ragazzi. ANDIAMO!!! Europa Update: Vidal Out, Tevez Could Start Juve are returning to something resembling full health at a very, very good time — though they aren’t quite there yet. For Benfica, Antonio Conte should be able to call on most of his best players, even if he can’t field Classic Juve 2014. In attack, the latest from Portugal is that Carlos Tevez is close to being confirmed as a starter, having sufficiently recovered from his nagging thigh injury to attempt to end an equally nagging European goal drought. In Wednesday’s press conference from Lisbon (via Juventus.com), Conte revealed that starting Tevez is still an option, though he’s being cautious in his evaluation:  "Carlos is back training normally with the group, but I’ll wait until tomorrow before deciding whether he’ll start or not.” Fernando Llorente should be the other starter in attack. Sebastian Giovinco is the likeliest candidate to spell Tevez if need be, with Mirko Vucinic and Dani Osvaldo also available. More good news on the right flank, as Stephan Lichtsteiner returns from Saturday’s Serie A suspension for taking an impressively inordinate amount of time to leave the pitch at Udinese. Kwadwo Asamoah will start on the left, as ever. The good news was set to continue in central midfield, as Arturo Vidal was initially tipped to start after a very frustrating month dealing with a knee issue which, when it didn’t make him sit entirely, hampered his marauding runs into the box and ever-pressing style. However, Football Italia reported that he skipped training on Wednesday, and Conte ruled him out in the pre-match presser after updating the media on Tevez’s condition: "Arturo, on the other hand, is unavailable. He’ll rest up over the next few days and we hope he’ll be back within the week.” Thus, the central midfield of Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba is set in stone. And finally, Gigi Buffon could be shielded by his classic back three for the first time in what seems like ages. Andrea Barzagli returned to full-time action against Bologna, though Conte could opt for Martin Caceres for tactical reasons or if Andrea is not up for two matches in a row. Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci sat out Bologna from suspension (the “bench yellow card” incident at Udinese), so he should be ready to go alongside Giorgio Chiellini. As in the case of Lyon, the same novelty of unfamiliar competition that makes European competitions so exciting also makes it doubly dangerous. Outside of match film, Benfica are relatively unknown opponents — and what’s worse, they could be peaking this week after winning their domestic championship. Conte will be careful and maybe even a bit conservative with his tactics, but it’s been proven over the past two years that Juventus are at their best at home and abroad when they press the issue and look to attack. They won’t do so recklessly, especially in Europe — but Juve are not traveling to Portugal just to absorb pressure. The final in Turin is unbearably close, and the whole “destiny” angle can be just as much of pitfall as a promise. Thankfully, we can expect that Conte’s men won’t take things for granted and will stick to what has brought them here: intelligent aggression. FINO ALLA FINE, FORZA JUVE!!! Turkish Officials for Juve-Benfica A Turkish contingent lead by referee Cuneyt Cakir will preside over the first leg of the Europa League semifinal. Cakir has only two Bianconeri matches under his belt, but both of them were victories. He oversaw the 2-1 victory at Sturm Graz in the 2010 EL, then that glorious 3-0 thrashing of Chelsea in the 2012-2013 Champions League. And according to the official site, Cakir has worked three Italy matches, as well as the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup final. The man knows how to handle big moments. Cakir’s linesmen will be Bahattin Duran and Tarik Ongun. The fourth official is Mustafa Emre Eyisoy, who may get to experience firsthand the joy of Antonio Conte’s often agonizingly late substitution patterns. Sit (or stand) tight, sir!

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Juve Europa win 'key for Italian football' Apr 24, 2014 Juventus will have Italian football backing them for success in the semifinals of the Europa League in Benfica on Thursday night, as Serie A risks dropping down to fifth in UEFA's five-year league rankings. The Italian top flight could fall down the pecking order unless Juve can reach the final, which will be held in their own stadium on May 14. The Portuguese league sits one place behind Serie A in fifth in the current rankings, which is why victory over Liga winners Benfica would be so rewarding. "It is an important game," Tuttosport reports Italian FA (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete saying at an event in Rome. "Not only does this tie give [Juve] the chance to reach the final, but our fourth place in the UEFA rankings is at stake. "It's doubly important not only for Juve, but for the whole of Italian football." Napoli, Fiorentina or Inter Milan fans are unlikely to admit it, but they too should be rooting for their league rivals on Thursday night. Had Italian clubs paid a little more attention to Europe's secondary club competition in recent years, two of them and not just one would be entering the Champions League next season. Serie A lost its fourth starting berth in Europe's elite club competition two seasons ago, when it was overtaken by the German Bundesliga. While dropping to fifth would have no other consequences than a dent to pride, victory in Europe for Juve would be a timely lift as Italy looks to lift itself out of a rut. "Overall, our clubs have not done all that badly in Europe this season, in that we've gained a lot of points for our UEFA ranking, but we've lacked that edge which could have permitted us to participate in the final stages of a competition," added Abete. "Milan's elimination ensured we did not have one Italian club in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. "Evidently we have a big problem being competitive and you can see this most in the Champions League." Lega Serie A president Maurizio Beretta echoed Abete's call for the entire country to get behind Antonio Conte's men in Lisbon. "We all need to support the Italian sides because we're one step away from winning a major trophy," he said. "Italian football is behind them because we have the chance to see an Italian club lift a European cup, and I sincerely hope they will."

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Benfica vs. Juventus Preview Apr 24, 2014 Juventus will be looking to take a big step toward their first European silverware in 18 years when they take on Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final. The Lisbon giants clinched their first Portuguese title in four years on Sunday, and they will be looking to eradicate the harrowing memories of last season’s Europa League final, when they lost in the last minute to Chelsea. After securing the Primeira Liga crown, Benfica's ever-charismatic boss, Jorge Jesus, insisted his team won't lose focus when Juve come to town, per Football Italia: “We have a fantastic group and never gave up. 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.” A positive result for Juventus in the Estadio da Luz would go a long way toward paving their passage to a final that’ll be played in front of their own supporters at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. Last year’s heartbreaking loss at the Amsterdam Arena means that Benfica have now lost their last seven European finals and they’ll be desperate to overcome the favourites, denying Juve of a dream final in front of the Bianconeri faithful. Ahead of this clash between arguably the two strongest teams of the four remaining semi-finalists, here’s all the information you need on where and when you can catch the game, plus a preview of each side before the first leg in Portugal. Back in 1962, Benfica sacked their manager, Bela Guttman, after he led Benfica to a European Cup final victory over a Real Madrid side containing Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas. Beset with anger and frustration, Guttman proclaimed that “not in a hundred years from now will Benfica ever win a European Cup,” per the Stuart Fraser of the Mail Online. At this juncture, 52 years on, Benfica have lost seven European finals in a row, and what has become known as the "Guttman curse" remains intact. It was never more prevalent than in last year’s final, when Benfica lost out to a late, late Chelsea goal despite dominating the game for long spells. But if they are to fall foul in Europe once again, you suspect it’ll have more to do with the calibre of opposition they are facing, for Antonio Conte’s Juventus team are quite the formidable outfit. At the time of writing, the Serie A title is all but sewn up—they’re eight points clear of Roma—and they are the overwhelming favourites to add the Europa League to their trophy haul. This Benfica side have been equally as impressive in European competition this season, though. Jesus has the team playing an enterprising, enjoyable brand of football that has seen them blow plenty of quality opposition away. In excruciatingly heartbreaking fashion, the Aguias were runners-up in three competitions last season, but that experience seems to have made them battle-hardened and hungry in this campaign. They’ve dominated the Portuguese top flight and have looked imperious in qualifying for their second consecutive Europa League semi-final. But you have to say, Jesus and his men probably won’t have faced opposition as formidable as this Juve side in any competition this season. Nonetheless, there are plenty who expect this burgeoning Benfica outfit to give the Turin giants a real test: Läurënt @Sakaria_Gooner Benfica will give Juventus a hard time in the semis. Crowned Portuguese champions. Luisao, Garay, Lima, Rodrigo, Gaitan, Cardozo, Markovic You suspect the Estadio da Luz will be rocking for this one. The stadium has often been disappointingly littered with swathes of empty seats in the Europa League, but the Benfica faithful will do their utmost to unsettle the visitors and galvanise their own players. The key man for the home side is Spanish forward Rodrigo. He’s been in prolific form this season, netting 15 times in all competitions, per WhoScored.com, and his versatility allows him to drift across the front line and into pockets of space all over the pitch. Against the Italian champions and their 3-1-4-2 system, Rodrigo will be tasked with getting down the channels, between the narrow back three and in and around Juventus’ deep sitting midfield player, Andrea Pirlo. The man dubbed as “Mozart” by the Bianconeri faithful has been typically imperious in the Europa League. Pirlo has been able to side deep and pull the strings for Juve, with the industrious, physical presences of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba giving him credible support in that midfield area. His free-kick pedigree can also be something of a game changer, as we were witness to in the quarter-final against Lyon: Footy Vines @Footy_Vines_ GOAL! Pirlo, the master scores yet another stunning freekick. #Juve 1-0 #Lyon Getting to Pirlo quickly will help Benfica upset Juve’s rhythm, and that should allow them to establish a foothold in the game. The Portuguese champions simply have to take a positive result to Italy and must attack Conte’s side with quality and maturity; going to the Juventus stadium needing to win is quite the unenviable task.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Vucinic-Tevez against Benfica? Apr 24, 2014 Speculation is that Antonio Conte will opt for Mirko Vucinic to partner Carlos Tevez in attack against Benfica tonight. Attention heading into the Europa League semi-final first leg at the Estadio da Luz had been on Tevez and his availability from the first minute, as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury. However, reports are growing that the surprise may be in who he partners in attack from kick-off, with it seen that Conte is leaning towards Vucinic, ahead of Fernando Llorente. With consideration to Benfica’s first-choice defensive pairing of Luisao and Ezequiel Garay both standing over 6ft, the Bianconero tactician is believed to be favouring a move to a more ‘unpredictable’ partnership of Tevez and Vucinic. Tevez’s physical fitness, meanwhile, has reports also suggesting that the in-form Sebastian Giovinco will likely be handed some playing time off the bench as his replacement.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Benfica on par with Juventus, says Marchena The Deportivo la Coruna veteran is eagerly anticipating both Europa League semi-finals and expects two close encounters. Apr 24, 2014 EXCLUSIVE By Gonzalo Ruiz and Francisco Rico Carlos Marchena believes there's not much difference between Benfica and Juventus ahead of their Europa League semi-final tie and feels the Portuguese champions have as much chance of making it to the final in Turin as the Serie A giants. Juventus are seen by many as the favourites to win the competitions, but Marchena - who wore the Benfica jersey in 2001-02 - feels there's no clear team to beat as both sides lock horns in the first leg on Thursday evening. "If you make it to the semi-finals, you have as much chance of making it to the final as your opponent," Marchena told Goal. "Benfica have eliminated some big teams on their way here and they have shown that they have plenty of talent and quality. The tie with Juventus is completely open. "But Juventus have some big weapons. Pirlo is a player with exceptional talent and there's much more to Juventus. "They are a team that knows how to get a result they need. Plus they're an Italian team, which are always hard to beat over two legs." The 34-year-old then went on to discuss the other semi-final between Sevilla and Valencia and stressed that both of his former teams are back to their best after going through a difficult period off the pitch. "Sevilla and Valencia have both had their fair share of problems off the pitch, but they are focusing on football again. Sevilla in particular have been very strong in the past few months. "They both have some amazing attackers and head into this game high on confidence. I don't think there's a favourite. I still have warm feelings for both sides, so I don't have a preference."

Pogba can become one of the world's best - Pires The ex-Arsenal star feels his compatriot could become one of the best around in the game and thinks the World Cup could be crucial in his development. Apr 24, 2014 Former France international Robert Pires believes Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has the potential to become one of the best players in the world. The powerful midfielder has developed into a key player at the Serie A champions since joining them from Manchester United in the summer of 2012 and Pires has little doubt that a bright future awaits his young compatriot. "To become one of the best players in the world is a difficult and delicate job. In his position, I think Pogba will become one of the best in Europe, that's for sure," the former Arsenal man said. "Maybe, after the World Cup in Brazil, he’ll be among the best players in the world. He has good qualities. "It’s impressive because of his young age, he makes it look so easy. When you have all these qualities, you can go further, go higher. "He’s a very important player for Didier Deschamps’ system." The 21-year-old has made 45 appearances in all competitions so far this term for Juventus, scoring nine goals in the process.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) ‘Benfica similar to Juventus’ Apr 24, 2014 Jorge Jesus sees similarities in philosophy between Benfica and Europa League semi-final opponents Juventus. The pair will face off this evening in the first leg of their last four clash in the competition, with the Portuguese having just sewn up their League titles and the Bianconeri closing in on the same in Italy. For tonight’s hosts’ Coach, this tie is a meeting of minds and certainly not one that will be determined in just the first leg. “Nothing will be decided tomorrow,” Jesus has told reporters in his pre-match Press conference. “It will be decided in the away match and we are prepared for a hard duel. Juve are tactically strong, playing a system that is not very common outside of Italy. “For us, the Portuguese title is not enough. We have trained these three days, we are ready for a new challenge. In a sense, we are similar to Juve, not only because we too have fine players, but for the approach to the game, the philosophy of how we deal with games, one at a time.” Benfica will be without influential players Silvio and Eduardo Salvio. “But Juve will be without the important Vidal. I think both teams will manage.” Jesus was asked about Andrea Pirlo and the likely influence he may have on proceedings. “Very few teams can benefit from a player like that, always in the heart of the action both in defence and attacking phases of the game.” Benfica squad to face Juventus: Artur Moraes, Jan Oblak, Luisão, Garay, Siqueira, Maxi Pereira, Jardel, André Almeida, Djurucic, Ruben Amorim, André Gomes, Sulejmani, Enzo Perez, Ivan Cavaleiro, Cardozo, Markovic, Lima, Rodrigo

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) UEFA Europa League: Antonio Conte rules out Arturo Vidal for Juventus' first leg against Benfica Apr 24, 2014 There were two players we were basically waiting on pins and needles to hear the health statuses of — midfielder Arturo Vidal and striker Carlos Tévez. Two players, two different injuries, two important pieces in the Juventus puzzle whose respective statuses were somewhat unknown heading into Juve's first leg against Benfica Thursday night. Luckily for us, we got the answer at Antonio Conte's pre-match press conference on Wednesday. Some of it good news, some of it not-so-good news. You can be the final judge of that, though, people. "Carlos is back training normally with the group, but I'll wait until tomorrow before deciding whether he'll start or not. Arturo, on the other hand, is unavailable. He'll rest up over the next few days and we hope he'll be back within the week." (Source: juventus.com) Well. There's the answer. No messing around. (Although we had to scroll to the bottom of the page on Juve's website to find the answer to what we wanted, but that's just nitpicking at this point in time.) In one respect, it's a good thing because we know that Vidal isn't going to be risked against Benfica on Thursday night. It's a sign that his injury is still there, still bothering him, and Conte isn't going to take any risks even though it's a rather important game on the European stage against a rather talented opponent. But on the other hand, it's a tough blow considering how important Vidal is to this Juventus team. Can they survive without him? Absolutely, they've proven that before. But on his day, Vidal is capable is taking over a game seemingly on his own. And against a very good side like Benfica is, a finalist in the Europa League last season, it sure would have been nice to know the squad is at full strength. Because there won't be any Vidal on the field — even though he traveled with the squad to Portugal on Wednesday — something tells me the microscope will be on Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio. Just a hunch. I don't know why...

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Benfica vs. Juventus PREVIEW – Can’t Start a Fire Without a Spark Apr 23, 2014 It’s embarrassingly unfortunately been quite a while since we’ve provided a match preview for a match. While we’ve continued to strive to provide the best in Juventus related news and analysis, the real world catches up to us sometimes. I’m certainly not immune, especially in my line of work. While credit goes to colleagues Mike and Vittorio for continuing their hard work, it’s time to get back on track. The game today is simply too important for various reasons. Juventus travel to far side of the Iberian peninsula to take on Benfica, a storied club who was last year’s Europa Cup runner-up, in half of this year’s semi finals. The significance of the occasion is multi-pronged. When it sunk in that Juve would be beginning 2014 in Europe’s secondary continental competition, I had hoped that like Chelsea last year, they would behave like the big club that they are and do the competition justice. Indeed, they have, going unbeaten since traveling back Turkey, ironically enough, for the round of 32. Being the last Italian team in any European competition only increases the importance, both in terms of UEFA coefficient as well as a matter of national pride. As Adam Digby so eloquently put it months ago when Juventus was first banished to Europa, Conte et al. have good reason to look at this as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience, as is the stereotypical Italian way. As Adam would go onto explain, the UEFA cup would provide the impetus to two separate winning cycles, first in the late 70s, later in the mid-90s, when Juventus were able to break Milan’s hegemony on the peninsula as well as continent. And now here we are, hopefully on the cusp of a third winning cycle sparked from a Europa League triumph. As a wise man once said while traveling through Iberia, you can’t start a fire without a spark. Avanti. JUVENTUS What a season it’s been. Juventus are on the brink of an historic Serie A season, in which they have a real possibility to break Inter’s scandal-fueled 97 point tally from 2006-07. After Saturday’s hard-fought win versus Bologna, la Madama remain at the top of the table with a whopping 90 points out of a potential 102 with only four matches remaining. And yet, they are a mere eight points ahead of Roma. Remarkable, considering the past two campaigns were won by the Old Lady with 87 and 84 points respectively, Juventus need five more to guarantee their first three-peat this side of World War II. Yet these competing interests may be the single largest obstacle towards Juventus conquer both domestic and continental honors. Though conventional wisdom is that some combination of Roma draws/losses and Juventus draws/wins will work out to 5 points over the next four weeks, i Luppi have refused to take their foots of the pedal all year long. Moreover, 5 points may not be enough for an ultra-competitive brass led by Andrea Agnelli and Conte who, for varying reasons which could be the subject of an entire piece, would love to shatter Inter’s post-calciopoli record. But while playing so many games, Juventus have looked fatigued over the past six to eight weeks, with injuries not helping. What seems even worse is that at writing Arturo Vidal, who even if he could not start at Roma is still pretty darned good imho, is not training with the squad and thus a major doubt for the first leg. However, for the first time in a long time, Juventus can now rely on the likes of Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, and Federico Peluso returning after layoffs of varying lengths. While only one of the aforementioned three is likely to start in Lisbon, the latter two will provide some sorely needed depth at the back if Conte’s men look to finish off a double over the next month. And even though Vidal is arguably the best and most versatile of the midfield lot, his absence is at least in the one spot Juventus can most afford to lose a first-team player. Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente. BENFICA Benfica could be at a distinct advantage this week. Not only are the Portuguese side playing at home in the capital, but with their 2-0 win over Olhanense on Sunday, they’ve officially clinched their 33rd domestic title. Contrary to Juve, as noted above, they may now comfortably put all of their eggs into this basket. However, they’re also a bit banged up having to do without two stalwarts: Argentinian attacker Eduardo Salvio is out for both legs with a broken arm, while Serbian midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa is also unavailable Conclusion Tactics over tactical battles could be the key here. Aside from various personnel battles on the pitch, perhaps the most important factor will be how Conte’s 3-5-2 system matches up against the pacey wide play of Benfica. While Barzagli has arguably been the best Italian defender for the better part of 24 months, as Digby astutely pointed out Juve may miss the pace of Martin Caceres in the back. As the adage has become, this could prove to be the final battle to determine whether the gaps left on the wings in a 3-5-2 is truly unsuitable for European play. Furthermore, Juventus still have important games remaining in Serie A. By May 14, Juventus should certainly have the Scudetto locked up. As to whether or not they will be playing an extra game in Turin for a continental trophy, the next seven days will be decisive.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) 'There aren't many like Pirlo' - Jesus The midfielder has been hailed as the difference-maker ahead of Thursday's semi-final between the Bianconeri and Benfica. Apr 23, 2014 Benfica boss Jorge Jesus has lauded Andrea Pirlo and claims there are not many teams as lucky as Juventus to boast a player of his quality. The Scudetto holders, eight points clear in Serie A with four games to go, visit Estadio da Luz on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final with the newly-crowned Primeira Liga champions Pirlo has, once again, been a key part in Antonio Conte's men's dominance in Italy this season and helped fire the Bianconeri past Olympique Lyonnais in the last eight, and Jesus has earmarked the veteran as the key difference between the two sides. "There are not many teams in the world with a player as technically gifted in his position," the coach told reporters on Wednesday. "He is very important in the chance creation phase of the game and from offensive set pieces. "However, the teams are equal as a collective. It is true that, individually, Juventus have plenty of quality, but so do Benfica. We are very similar teams in terms of our ideas on how the game should be played." Jesus insists Benfica's title triumph does not make them favourites to taste victory in the home leg and believes Thursday's meeting in Lisbon will see the two best teams left in the tournament come face to face. "I do not think that Benfica have an advantage because we already have guaranteed our main goal, which was to be national champions," he continued. "It will be a very beautiful duel between the two strongest teams left in the Europa League."

Speriamo di no!

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Jorge Jesus set for meeting of minds as Benfica host Juve "The best two teams left in the competition" according to Jorge Jesus, SL Benfica and Juventus square up in Lisbon with both coaches predicting a tight encounter. Apr 23, 2014 Jorge Jesus is looking forward to a meeting "between the best two teams left in the competition" as mutual respect dominated the thoughts of SL Benfica and Juventus on the eve of their UEFA Europa League semi-final. Jesus was as effusive in his praise of "the unique" Andrea Pirlo, Juventus's tactical excellence and Antonio Conte's brilliance as his Italian counterpart had been of him and Benfica moments earlier during Wednesday's press conferences. Both, too, were united by a sense that there will be little to choose between teams sharing similar characteristics. "Nothing will be decided tomorrow," said Jesus. The Portuguese elaborated: "It will be decided in the away match and we are prepared for a hard duel. Juve are tactically strong, playing a system that is not very common outside of Italy. But, apart from the setup, both sides are similar in terms of playing philosophy." So, too, in their strength at home. Jesus's squad, who have lost Sílvio and Eduardo Salvio to season-ending injuries while Ljubomir Fejsa and Nicolás Gaitán are doubtful, go into the first leg unbeaten in 12 European encounters in Lisbon. Eusébio scored in both games the only previous time these sides met in a major semi-final, helping the Eagles to a 3-1 aggregate victory and a place in the 1967/68 European Champion Clubs' Cup showpiece. Antonio Conte will prefer to reflect on their other encounter, playing both legs as Giovanni Trapattoni's charges overturned a first-leg defeat to eliminate Benfica in the quarter-finals en route to winning the 1992/93 UEFA Cup. "I won the competition as player, but now my life is as coach and I think that me and Jorge Jesus are on a level going into this tie," he said. "I have lots of respect for Benfica and what Jesus has done with the club. They've consolidated last year's progress with the league title. Benfica's title win is an important achievement for them. We still need to get there and have to focus on both competitions." Indeed, while Benfica claimed their 33rd Portuguese league title on 20 April, Juve are not quite over the line in Serie A, where they are eight points clear of AS Roma with four games remaining. "It's a tiring but exciting period for all concerned with Juventus. We're in the running for the title and the Europa League final. We know we have to come through 180 minutes against a strong side first, though." The Bianconeri will be without injured pair Arturo Vidal and Simone Pepe, while Carlos Tévez faces a late fitness test. Yet with a final on home turf on offer next month, Conte would not have it any other way. Comparing the competition to Serie A, he said: "They have the sweat, hard work and the importance of luck in common, but there are 38 games in the league – we can lose here and recover there. In Europe there is no margin for error."

Ti abbiamo fatto risorgere noi ma non fare piú quello che sai ....

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Conte: Fighting on two fronts is tiring Juventus out The coach stressed he has a lot of respect for Benfica, who have just clinched the Portuguese league title, and says there is no margin for error in Thursday's meeting. Apr 23, 2014 Antonio Conte has conceded that his Juventus side are tiring as they fight on two fronts ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Benfica. Juve are on the brink of retaining their Serie A title and will move a step closer to European glory if they can claim victory in the first leg of the semi-final at Estadio da Luz. Conte admits he is relishing the prospect of facing last season's beaten finalists but is wary of the threat posed by the newly-crowned champions of Portugal. "It's a tiring but exciting period for all concerned with Juventus," Conte told reporters. "We're in the running for the title and the Europa League final. "We know we have to come through 180 minutes against a strong side. They've consolidated last year's progress with the league title. "There are 38 games in the league. Margin for error is minimal in Europe and current form also counts a great deal. "Winning is always difficult but we'll look to come out on top in both competitions, despite being up against strong opposition. "Benfica's title win is an important achievement for them. We still need to get there and have to focus on both competitions. "Jorge Jesus is doing a great job with Benfica and I have immense respect for him and his team." Conte has an injury concern over Carlos Tevez, following a thigh problem, while Arturo Vidal will miss out with a knee injury. "Tevez is back training. I'll wait until Thursday before deciding whether he'll start or not," Conte added. "Vidal is out. We'll let him rest up and hopefully he'll be back within a week's time." The winner of the last-four clash will play in the final on May 14, which this year is being held at Juventus Stadium.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Europa League Preview: Juventus vs. Benfica, Leg 1: On the road again... Apr 23, 2014 Juventus have three regularly scheduled home games remaining this season. There's two league games, both in the month of May against Atalanta and Cagliari, and there's the second leg of the Europa League semifinals against Benfica. But there's also a chance for a fourth home game. You know, the Europa League final that will be in Turin on. And to get that fourth game, Juventus have to make sure that the second leg, the semifinal at Juventus Stadium. means something other than just another game. Juventus have great coaches. Juventus have great players. Juventus are a great organization. And we're telling them one thing. Yep, just listen to Mr. Davis and forget about all the drama and craziness that came with him in his latter years of life. (Trust me, as a former Oakland resident, I got to see it all the time growing up.) The soon-to-be three-time Italian champions and the recently-crowned Portuguese champions will be tangoing in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals this time tomorrow night in Lisbon. It will be the first step in Juventus trying to ensure they'll get that extra home game this season. The first step towards another game at Juventus Stadium this season won't be an easy one. Benfica didn't get here just by snapping their fingers, clicking their heels and magically appearing in the semifinals. Benfica, even with their recent injury news, have talent all over the place. And let's not forget, this is a Benfica side that was playing for the Europa League title nearly a year ago. So yeah, they're a quality side — regardless of who is or isn't healthy right now. One-hundred-eighty minutes stand between Juventus and some more history this season. The Scudetto is basically locked in, now it's time to turn our attention to what's going on in Europe. Sure, it's not that European competition that is also going on this week. But having an extra home game this season won't be such a bad alternative at this stage in the game. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen #Pogba: "We know achieving a @EuropaLeague-Scudetto double will be difficult, but it's something we're all after. We want to write history." You basically got one in the bag, Paulie. Now it's time to get the second. GOOD NEWS Carlos Tévez seems like he's ready to kick the injuries and return to the starting lineup after his two-game hiatus. Not exactly like Juventus took a nosedive in the standings because Tévez was out and recovering from his knock, but Tévez is Tévez. And it's time he scores a goal so we don't hear this "No goals in Europe" nonsense. BAD NEWS Arturo Vidal reportedly did not train with the rest of the team on Wednesday before they departed for Portugal. That's not exactly a good sign if you put money on Vidal taking part in tomorrow's first leg in your office pool. Maybe there's still time for you to get your money back... WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. The health and effectiveness of Carlos Tévez. Carlitos has gotten some much-needed rest over the past two weeks. A lot, a lot of rest. He's been included in the match-day squad the past two Serie A games, but his actual inclusion in the actual games hasn't happened. Some will see this as a sign that Antonio Conte is doing the right thing and not even taking the chance of getting his star striker hurt. Others might go out proclaim that Tévez is still hurt and that his status for tomorrow night's first leg in Portugal is anything but certain. The truth is that we don't really know, and probably won't until either Conte's pre-match press conference or the actual starting lineups are announced before kickoff. 2. The health and effectiveness of Arturo Vidal. The one difference besides the obvious injury problems between Tévez and Vidal? King Arturo actually got a bit of action — albeit not very much at all — against Bologna this past Saturday. That could be seen as a sign that Vidal is actually ready to get back into a meaningful game in something other than the 89th minute. Or, it could be seen as something that suggests Vidal is still a little bit of time away from being fully match fit and ready for such an important match. If anything, Juventus are in a position where they don't have to play Vidal tomorrow night. Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio are more than capable of handling the midfield. I guess what I'm trying to say is what I've been saying all along when it comes to Vidal's injury situation — don't play him from the start of the game unless he's 100 percent certain he is 100 percent. 3. How Benfica mark Andrea Pirlo. This is the part of the Europa League if Juventus' next opponent learns from their last one. Will Benfica do what Lyon did and mark the crap out of Pirlo, basically forcing Juventus to build through Leonardo Bonucci rather than the man with the best beard in Europe? That's not a swipe at Bonucci, who is a very good passer of the ball in his own right. But when Juve have to seemingly rely on Bonucci to be the only outlet out of the back rather than having Pirlo directing play, that's not always going to end up being a good thing. We can site Bonucci's passing stats all we want, but that won't change the fact that he's struggled the last couple of European games with sending passes over the top. 4. Who starts on the right side of Juventus' defense, Andrea Barzagli or Martin Cáceres? When it comes to simple preference, I have none. Cáceres is probably playing as well as any single Juventus player at the moment, and Barzagli is going to be Barzagli because he's Barzagli. The determining factor for Conte is probably going to be this: Is Andrea Barzagli, following all of his time missed due to injury, ready to handle back-to-back games? Forget the fact that Juve will have had four full days off between their win over Bologna and tomorrow night's first leg against Benfica. If Conte feels that Barzagli is recovered well from playing 90 minutes for the first time in nearly a month and a half, then the Great Wall will be back. If not, then get your high socks ready because Mr. Cáceres is back in action. 5. Away goals, away goals, away goals. Because even when Juventus play kinda meh like they did in the first leg against Lyon in France, it was a 1-0 win and an away goal in regards to what the bottom line of what they came away with. And while I feel safe in saying that Benfica are certainly a better team than Lyon, I also feel comfortable saying that Juve are capable of grabbing an away goal just like they did a couple weeks ago. And with Tévez looking like he will be good to go tomorrow night, getting an away goal is even more that much more of a possibility. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Tévez OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 9:05 P.M. IN ITALY; 3:05 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 12:05 P.M. ON THE WEST COAST

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) ‘Final long way off’ Apr 23, 2014 Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says the prospect of the Old Lady playing at home in the Europa League final is still a long way away. The veteran shot-stopper believes such an occasion would bring the club great joy but is certain that his side’s semi-final opponents Benfica will push them all the way over two legs. “The chance for us to play in the final at home is, of course, an opportunity,” Buffon said at the Press conference ahead of tomorrow’s first leg. “It’s not every day you get the chance to play a final in your own stadium. Of course we want to be there but the final is still a long way away. “We still have two very difficult matches to play if we want to get there, against a team who will do everything they can to come to Turin themselves for the final and deny us an evening of great joy. “At the end of the day, all of this has come about because of a big disappointment in Istanbul. Now it can be a great opportunity for us. “In the end there are only two teams who can win European trophies every season. We are in a semi-final, it will be a great match and a big occasion. “We need to enjoy it and do all we can to make sure we achieve what we are trying to achieve. “An easy match? I must have missed something because I don’t know which quotes you are talking about! “From our point of view I can say that we are showing maximum focus and respect to Benfica. “They are an excellent European team who, like us, are only in the Europa League by chance. “They undeservedly lost in the final last year and they are a team with all the characteristics and qualities to cause us problems. “Tomorrow will be a good test for us and a good experience. Really, Benfica-Juventus is a match that should be played in the Champions League but now we both find ourselves in the Europa League.”

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Conte ‘didn’t call Benitez’ Apr 23, 2014 Antonio Conte confirms he did not call Napoli counterpart Rafa Benitez for advice on how to beat Juventus’ Europa League opponents Benfica. The Spaniard was in charge of the Chelsea team that beat the newly crowned Portuguese champions in the final of the same competition last season. Conte has full faith in his players and himself to do the job at hand but is wary of the threat posed by Jorge Jesus’ side ahead of tomorrow's semi-final first leg. “Jorge Jesus is doing a great job with Benfica,” Conte said at the pre-match Press conference. “I have an immense respect for him and his team. “Of course, the fact that they have already won their domestic League for the first time since 2010 is positive for them. They already have that guarantee of having won something important to them. “We still have to reach that objective. Benfica can concentrate exclusively on this semi-final while we have to concentrate on the Europa League, then Serie A, then the Europa League again. “However, these things can happen at this time of the season and we need to be excited about it. This period is tiring but it’s exciting. “Is this semi-final an exam I have to pass to become one of the great European Coaches? I think that every year, every team and every Coach are under examination in terms of the objectives they are each trying to achieve. “I have had the pleasure and the fortune to win the things we have at Juventus over the last two years. “We are in our third year and we are looking to do the best we can. “But I think a Coach’s capabilities are not just measured by results. You are measured by what the team does on the pitch, what your own players think of you and what the directors and club think of you. “I didn’t call anyone to ask for information about Benfica because I have confidence in my players. I also have faith in myself, I have watched a lot of Benfica matches. “In the League there are 38 matches but in Europe the margin for error is very small. Winning is always hard, but we will try to do it in both competitions despite the strong opposition.” Conte was then asked about the fitness of Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal ahead of the match in Lisbon. “Tevez is back in training. I will wait until tomorrow before deciding whether he will start or not. “Vidal will not play. He will rest so that he can come back next week.”

BENFICA - JUVENTUS U.E.F.A. EUROPA LEAGUE (Andata - Semifinale) 24 aprile 2014 - ore 21:05 Estádio da Luz — Lisbona Arbitro: Cuneyt Cakir (Turchia) Confronti ufficiali 4 - 2 (Europa League) Vittorie Juventus 1 - 1 (Europa League) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Benfica 3 - 1 (Europa League) Goals Juventus 4 - 4 (Europa League) Goals Benfica 5 - 2 (Europa League) Benfica - Juventus a Lisbona Confronti ufficiali 1 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 0 Vittorie Benfica 1 (Il 04.03.1993, 2-1) Goals Juventus 1 Goals Benfica 2 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Benfica 2 presenze Anzolin Roberto 2 Baggio Dino 2 Baggio Roberto 2 Bercellino I Giancarlo 2 Carrera Massimo 2 Conte Antonio 2 Del Sol Luis Cascajares 2 Galia Roberto 2 Julio Cesar Da Silva 2 Kohler Jurgen 1 goal Baggio Dino 1 Kohler Jurgen 1 Ravanelli Fabrizio 1 Vialli Gianluca Ultimi confronti diretti 09.05.1968 - Coppa dei Campioni - Benfica-Juventus 2-0 15.05.1968 - Coppa dei Campioni - Juventus-Benfica 0-1 04.03.1993 - Coppa UEFA - Benfica-Juventus 2-1 17.03.1993 - Coppa UEFA - Juventus-Benfica 3-0 Giocate 4 - Vittorie Juventus 1 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Benfica 3 - Goals Juventus 4 - Goals Benfica 5

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Juventus squad named for Europa League match against Benfica Apr 23, 2014 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has named a 23-man squad for the first leg of the Bianconeri’s Europa League semi-final against Benfica on Thursday. Carlos Tevez has been included in the squad and is expected to start alongside Sebastian Giovinco for the encounter. Fabio Quagliarella is not part of the squad as he is registered for the Europa League. Goalkeepers: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho Defenders: Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Peluso, Barzagli, Bonucci Midfielders: Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Isla Forwards: Vucinic, Tevez, Giovinco, Llorente, Osvaldo

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Benfica-Juventus Preview: Bianconeri look to ground high-flying Eagles Antonio Conte's men are favourites to progress to the tournament decider in Turin but they are going up against a side fresh from clinching a 33rd Primeira Liga title. Apr 23, 2014 Juventus' bid to end their European drought takes them to Lisbon for Thursday's Europa League semi-final first-leg at Benfica. The Italian giants last won continental silverware in the 1999 Intertoto Cup and know this year's final will be held at their home stadium in Turin. That gives Juve extra motivation ahead of this two-legged clash and Antonio Conte's men will hope Benfica are still affected by their title celebrations. Jorge Jesus' side were crowned champions of Portugal for the 33rd time thanks to a 2-0 win against Olhanense on Sunday. Juventus are also set to win their domestic title, which would give them a third successive Serie A success, but midfielder Claudio Marchisio is not worried about fatigue with so much at stake. "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 told 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." Juventus are one of just two sides remaining in the Europa League who are undefeated – the other is Benfica – but both have only been involved since dropping out of the Champions League at the group stages. This will be Juve's first semi-final appearance in Europe since 2003, when they eventually lost the Champions League final to Milan on penalties. They have played Benfica over two legs in Uefa competition twice previously, with the Portuguese side winning both matches in the 1968 European Cup semi-final. Juve exacted revenge in the 1992-93 Uefa Cup quarter-finals, with current coach Conte playing a part in the win that helped them on their way to winning the trophy. Benfica's recent pedigree in the Europa League is particularly impressive, with the Portuguese club losing last season's final to Chelsea. They also reached the semi-finals in the 2010-11 season, were involved in the quarter-finals the year before, and are trying to win an ambitious quadruple. With the league title already sealed - and a final-four showdown against Porto in the Taca da Liga and a Taca de Portugal final with Rio Ave on the horizon – Benfica's hopes are still on track. They are unbeaten in their last 12 home European encounters, while their record at Estadio da Luz in the Europa League is outstanding, with 15 wins and two draws coming from their 17 matches. Benfica will be without winger Eduardo Salvio, who broke his arm in Sunday's win, while defender Silvio broke his leg in his side's quarter-final win against AZ Alkmaar. Striker Carlos Tevez continues to battle a thigh niggle for Juve, but Andrea Barzagli (calf) did return in Saturday's 1-0 win over Bologna. Simone Pepe was also part of the squad after recovering from a thigh injury, while Arturo Vidal shrugged off a knee complaint to feature off the bench. Head to Head Club Friendlies ‎-‎ Aug 1, 2012 - Juventus 1 - 1 Benfica Last Five Matches BENFICA Apr 20, 2014 - Benfica 2 - 0 SC Olhanense - Primeira Liga Apr 16, 2014 - Benfica 3 - 1 Porto - Taca Portugal Apr 13, 2014 - FC Arouca 0 - 2 Benfica - Primeira Liga Apr 10, 2014 - Benfica 2 - 0 AZ - EL Apr 7, 2014 - Benfica 4 - 0 Rio Ave - Primeira Liga JUVENTUS Apr 19, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Bologna - Serie A Apr 14, 2014 - Udinese 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A Apr 10, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 1 Olympique Lyonnais - EL Apr 7, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 0 Livorno - Serie A Apr 3, 2014 - Olympique Lyonnais 0 - 1 Juventus - EL

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) The sideshows on the Europa League sidelines Apr 23, 2014 It is a downside of being among the most vivid touchline motivators in football. The more you holler and gesticulate, the more often you risk being excluded from your favourite theatre. Both Antonio Conte, coach of Juventus, and Jorge Jesus, his counterpart at Benfica, have lately served time banned from dugouts. For Jesus, a 30-day suspension from Portuguese touchlines earlier this season felt like torture. His team still secured the league title. For Conte, four months spent watching his team from a television commentary booth last season was a straitjacket. Juve, however, went on the claim the Italian championship. Whatever else this evening’s Europa League semi-final first leg offers, between Benfica, who last weekend celebrated their second league title in five years under Jesus, the animator from Amadora, and Juventus, who march steadily to a third Serie A crown in three years under Conte, the sideshow in the technical areas is worth keeping an eye on. Many are the coaches who dislike the confrontational style of Conte and Jesus. Television producers and cameramen, naturally, find them compelling subjects. Jesus, the 59-year-old Portuguese who wears his hair long, earned his lengthy ban for unusual reasons. After Benfica’s 1-0 win against Vitoria Guimaraes in September, a fan, a passionate benfiquista, invaded the playing area to celebrate the result. Police moved in to apprehend the youth; Jesus thought they handled him too roughly, and set about pushing officers aside. “The Rocky Balboa” of Guimaraes, the newspaper Record dubbed him. Benfica had to do without him on match days for a month – from November to December – a tense period in what was a tight joust at the top of the table with Lisbon rivals, Sporting, and last season’s champions, Porto. Jesus has been riding an emotional roller-coaster over the past 12 months. Last May, he endured the most painful sort of sporting treble. Benfica finished second in the league, having led the table going into the last day. They finished runners-up, after a shock defeat in the final against Guimaraes, in the domestic Cup. Then Chelsea defeated them in the final of the Europa League. They will bring ardent desire into tonight’s tie, to make amends for that. Anybody wanting testimony on how urgently Jesus seeks a European title might care to ask Tim Sherwood, the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, who Benfica ousted in the last 16 of this campaign. “I have no respect for the man,” Sherwood said after the pair exchanged angry words across the short distance between technical areas at White Hart Lane. Conte – who served his long touchline ban at the beginning of the 2012/13 season after having been found culpable of not reporting a possible match-fixing conspiracy while with a previous club, Siena (he maintains he knew nothing of it) – has suffered other passion-related bans since. Only last month, after a fiery league match against Catania, he received a red card. He, too, will be fired up for a possible European prize. It would be his first, an antidote to the disappointments suffered by Juve in Europe during his reign, above all elimination from the Uefa Champions League last December at the hands of Galatasaray. This Europa League has a special resonance in Turin, too. The final is to be staged there, at Juve’s own ground. Uefa might wish to ensure that the borders of the managers’ technical areas are chalked up as far apart as possible.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Europa League preview: Benfica host Juventus in semi-final first leg Carlos Tevez is set to return to Juventus' starting line-up for Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg at Benfica. Apr 23, 2014 The Argentinian striker has shaken off a muscular injury that saw him miss Juve's last two Serie A games. Tevez, who is looking to score his first European goal since April 2009, will lead Juve's attack at the Estadio da Luz. Tevez's presence is a boost for Juve coach Antonio Conte, who must do without pivotal midfielder Arturo Vidal, who is ruled out of the encounter in Lisbon with a knee injury. Juve travel to Portugal on the back of Saturday's 1-0 triumph over Bologna that saw them take one step closer to their third straight Italian title. The Turin giants lead the Serie A standings with an eight-point advantage over Roma with four games remaining. However, Conte has warned his players to expect a stern test come Thursday. "Benfica are very strong team that is winning in Portugal," Conte said. "They have won the league, the Portuguese Cup and they are in the semi-finals of the Europa League. "They are having an extraordinary campaign and this just proves the strength of this side. "They have great individual players like Rodrigo and Gaitan and we will have to put in a great performance. "I hope we can have the best Juve because we are facing a truly strong team that has bounced back from last season's disappointment of losing the league, the Copa and the Europa League in one week." Benfica, last season's runners-up in the competition, head into the contest in seventh heaven after Sunday's 2-0 triumph over Olhanense handed them their 33rd league title. "Having lost three finals last season, we knew that we had to repeat the good things we had done but write a different ending to the finals," Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira said. "I knew that the future would eventually compensate us for what happened last year. "Last Sunday we started to re-write our history and we hope on Thursday we can continue to do so." Benfica coach Jorge Jesus will be without Eduardo Salvio for the encounter, with the Argentinian attacking midfielder having fractured a bone in his arm at the weekend. Serbian defensive midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa is also out with a tendon injury. Benfica are unbeaten at home this season in all competitions and travel to the Turin stadium, the venue for this year's final, next week for the return leg.

BENFICA - JUVENTUS April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Tactical Battles That Will Shape Benfica's Clash with Juventus Apr 23, 2014 Juventus travel to the Estadio da Luz on Thursday, the two-time Serie A title winners taking on newly crowned Portuguese champions Benfica in the Europa League semi-finals. The clash between these truly giant clubs is set to be an intriguing one, throwing up some eye-catching tactical battles which are likely to shape the tie. It is a fixture more likely to be found in the Champions League than one for the continent’s secondary trophy, and both clubs will return to the elite competition next year. Over the following slides are some of the matchups to keep an eye on over the two-legged tie. Jorge Jesus vs. Antonio Conte The two coaches will present perhaps the biggest and most important head-to-head of this tie, their decision-making shaping the way the semi-final develops. Each has his principles, but how they decide to set out their team could ultimately decide how Thursday’s first leg ends. Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 formation has swept all before it in Serie A, helping the side brush off all opponents over the past two years, but it is perhaps unsuited to European play. With few Italian teams using wingers, the Juve boss has rarely had to make changes, but Jorge Jesus may make him consider alternatives. In earlier rounds, the Portuguese coach has switched between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 framework, both of which would exploit the gaps behind the Bianconeri wing-backs. Should Conte look to match the latter, he may enjoy more success. Rodrigo vs. Giorgio Chiellini Spanish forward Rodrigo has been a constant threat on the right-flank for Benfica, no matter which formation his side have deployed. Netting 15 goals in all competitions, the 23-year-old is certainly a man Juventus will need to control if they are to triumph. The man likely to be charged with that task is Giorgio Chiellini, perhaps the finest Italian defender of his generation. The Pisa native has enjoyed much success against Spanish players in the past, and he will look to add Rodrigo’s name to the list of those he has nullified before. Nicolas Gaitan vs. Arturo Vidal This could perhaps be the clash of each side’s best player, with the two midfielders likely to come head-to-head on the same side of the field. Nicolas Gaitan possesses good acceleration, supreme dribbling skills and loves to drift inside before delivering a pinpoint cross or shot. Those attributes are essential to Benfica’s highly-watchable up-tempo style of play, and Arturo Vidal will have to be at his best to control the 26-year-old. The problem for the Argentinian is that if his opponent plays to his full potential, he is among the finest midfielders in the world. He has weighed in with 18 goals and five assists so far this term, but he also leads all players in Serie A in terms of tackles, making 129 throughout 2013-14, according to stats site WhoScored.com. Luisao vs. Fernando Llorente Carlos Tevez leads Juventus with 18 league goals this term, but he has famously failed to score in European competition since he was at Manchester United back in 2009. Fortunately for La Madama, she has two leading front men, and Fernando Llorente has added 16 goals and four assists since his move from Athletic. He struggled through a dry spell in March, but he has fired once again in April, netting three goals in each of his last three starts, becoming the perfect foil for Tevez. His combination of height, power and touch make him a difficult opponent for any team and stopping him is an arduous task. It is a job likely to fall to Luisao, the Brazilian perhaps the only Benfica player with the physical attributes to slow the Basque forward. Standing 1.92 m (6'3.5"), he is still shorter than the Juve man but wins 73 per cent of headed duels to Llorente’s 44 per cent, according to Squawka.com.