Socrates

Juventus open talks with Southampton official for vacant Sporting Director role Southampton Technical Director Johannes Spors has emerged as the latest candidate for the Juventus Sporting Director role. ............ With more tasks on his hands, Comolli will be looking to instruct the sporting department to trusted collaborators. He has already appointed his compatriot Francois Modesto as Technical Director, but the Sporting Director’s seat remains vacant. ............ The Bianconeri have made preliminary talks with the 43-year-old Spors, enquiring about his availability. ............ Last February, the Heidelberg native became Southampton’s Technical Director, and he also acts as Global Sports Director at their sister club, Valenciennes. Therefore, Spors has accumulated vast experience over the past two decades, and he’s been credited for unearthing and poaching top-notch talents like Firmino, Joelinton, Dayot Upamecano and Timo Werner. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-talks-southampton-director-johannes-spors/

What Tonali’s contract extension means for Newcastle and Juventus Sandro Tonali is becoming an increasingly integral figure for Newcastle United in the Premier League and Champions League alike, asserting himself as an essential player under Eddie Howe, and recent revelations regarding his contract extension only strengthens the bond between the player and club. ............ There has been a lot of talk lately about Tonali’s contract extension with Newcastle. The Italy international signed a new deal until the summer of 2029 with an option for an additional 12 months, which was agreed while the player was serving his 10-month long betting ban. There has also been speculation that Tonali’s contract extension definitively rules out a return to Serie A, following reports of interest from Juventus during the summer transfer window. ............ The reality is, that not much has changed following Tonali’s contract extension. He had already been valued in the region of €80m, a valuation that still stands. If anything, that price has only increased. Any team interested in acquiring Tonali will have to pay those sorts of figures, not to mention his significant salary. And additionally, Newcastle have no intention whatsoever of letting him go any time soon. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/what-tonali-newcastle-contract-extension-means/

“There were three of them” – Tudor rues Juventus defending on Real Madrid winner Juventus manager Igor Tudor saw positive signs in the defeat to Real Madrid, but insists that his players should have dealt better with certain situations. The Bianconeri put on an admirable effort in Wednesday’s big Champions League showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu. ............ After the contest, Tudor was pleased with what he saw from his men in terms of character, but lamented the goal they conceded. “I really liked the approach; the team played with character and courage,” said the Croatian in his post-match interview. “Then, obviously, against Real Madrid you’re pushed back into your own half and you have to know how to suffer. “We did what we had planned well, but then Vinicius instigated the goal. He showed extraordinary individual quality while surrounded by three defenders.” ............ The Brazilian forward had Weston McKennie, Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti marking him, but he somehow managed to find a shooting angle. His effort was denied by the post, but Bellingham reacted first on the rebound. Therefore, Tudor admits his men could have been a bit more determined on this occasion. “I don’t know. There were three of them; maybe they were too respectful or afraid of giving away a penalty. These are situations that can happen in football.” ............ The Juventus manager also defended Dusan Vlahovic who squandered the team’s most dangerous opportunity in the contest. The Serbian bomber latched onto the counter and was able to repel Militao, but couldn’t beat Thibaut Courtois. “Maybe a little more precision was needed, or clarity in front of the goal. It’s hard to say in the heat of the moment. “Dusan played a great match, both in terms of commitment and clarity. Even on his most crucial occasion, he remained focused and performed well.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/tudor-rues-juventus-defending-real-madrid-winner/

Sacchi analyses Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus: ‘There is only one medicine’ Arrigo Sacchi believes that losing 1-0 away against Real Madrid in the Champions League is not necessarily the worst thing in the world, but claims that there is ‘only one medicine’ for Juventus and head coach Igor Tudor to get back to winning ways after going over a month without a victory in any competition. ............ Juventus are now on their worst run without a win in 16 years, having drawn five and lost two across their last seven matches in Serie A and the Champions League. ............ Despite their winless run, Sacchi believes that losing away against Real Madrid was not the worst thing in the world for Juventus: “All things considered, losing at Real Madrid is okay, but the reality is that the Bianconeri have not yet won in Europe and it has been more than a month between the league and cups since they last won,” he wrote. “It’s quite clear that Tudor’s team is going through a difficult moment, otherwise they wouldn’t have lost the way they did in Como. In times like this, there is only one medicine: Get your head down, get to work and be aware that you can improve.” ............ “Real Madrid put their foot on the accelerator and showed that they have crazy technical quality, particularly towards the end of the first half. The goalkeeper, Di Gregorio, was amazing on Mbappe, who is not my favourite centre-forward because he doesn’t move in sync with the rest of the team. ............ “Playing at the Bernabeu is never easy, it makes everyone’s legs tremble. The Bianconeri approach was understandable: A careful defence, always playing fairly low, strong character. The script didn’t change in the second half. Real tried to knock out their opponent, while Juve tried to deliver the counter blow. “The difference between the two teams is obvious, though. Bellingham’s goal rewarded the Spaniards, who deserved the victory. In addition to the Englishman’s goal, they had several chances to double their lead.” . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/sacchi-analyses-real-madrid-1-0-juventus/

Juventus on worst winless run since 2009 despite Real Madrid encouragement Juventus are currently on their longest winless run in 16 years despite an encouraging performance away against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening in an evening of mixed emotions for the Bianconeri. ............ Juventus have drawn five matches and lost twice over their last seven matches across Serie A and the Champions League, which is their longest run without a win in any competition since April and May 2009, when Claudio Ranieri was still in charge. ............ There had been suggestions that Tudor’s job was at risk before the Real Madrid match, following the team’s first defeat of the season away against Como in Serie A over the weekend. Despite their loss against Real Madrid, there were encouraging signs from the Bianconeri, who had big chances to go ahead through Dusan Vlahovic in the first half, and another to equalise through Lois Openda. ............ The Bianconeri have another tricky test away against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico coming up in Serie A over the weekend, as Tudor looks to get his Juventus side back to winning ways. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-worst-winless-run-since-2009/

Juventus lose to Real Madrid with ‘crucial flaw’, Yildiz ‘didn’t get into the game’ Alfredo Pedullà points to the ‘crucial flaw’ that lost Juventus the game against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, and claims that fan favourite Kenan Yildiz ‘didn’t get into the thick of the game’. ............ The defeat leaves Juventus in 25th place in the Champions League standings, and the Bianconeri have now not won in seven matches across all competitions, but Alfredo Pedullà suggests that there are some positives to be taken from Juve’s performance in Madrid. Analysing last night’s match, Pedullà said: “Juventus played a good match, a courageous one, even. But, with a crucial flaw of not taking advantage of the chances they had in both the first and second half. “Juventus kept control of the match, really risked very little in the first half apart from a great save from Di Gregorio on Mbappe, and delivered a reassuring team performance in light of recent difficulties and the criticism that had arisen.” ............ “The team prepared well, even if it’s clear this was not the best Real. But tonight it wasn’t the best Real thanks to Juve, with a surprising move: Koopmeiners in midfield and McKennie a bit more advanced. “Koopmeiners did his part, the defence covered well and Vlahovic worked a lot for the team, while Yildiz, in my opinion, was on the fringes. He didn’t get into the thick of the game as he could have and generally should. “Real created few chances, Juve kept control of the match and the regret is going in at half-time with the score at 0-0.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-lose-to-real-madrid-with-crucial-flaw/

Chiellini backs Tudor, admits Juventus are lacking leaders: “We’re missing a generation” Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini insists the club remains firmly behind Igor Tudor despite some disagreements. The Croatian manager has been put under great scrutiny, as the team hasn’t won in seven matches across all competitions. ............ “Many things have been written and said in recent days that aren’t true,” said the Juventus legend in his pre-match interview. “Igor is the Juventus coach, and we have no intention other than to continue working together. There’s been talk of strained relations, but that’s not the case. “There’s normal discussion, as happens in every club and every family. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t, but we move forward together. “The schedule has been challenging; we could have picked up a few more points, but we’re very clear-headed in our approach to the situation.” ............ The buildup to the European showdown was dominated by talk of a bust-up between Tudor and Manuel Locatelli. The latter posted a picture on his Instagram account of him donning the captain’s armband, before being curiously dropped from the starting lineup. ............ “I hadn’t even seen it (the post), but he’s the captain. A captain is a captain even when he’s not playing. The fact that he came off early in the warm-up is significant,” he said. “Anyone would have wanted to play today, but the fact that he’s available is important. These guys have values. It’s an important journey that needs to be undertaken to manage the pressure.” ............ “Juventus have changed, the world has changed. Claudio (Marchisio) and I have been fortunate to have teammates who have passed down certain values, or you simply get involved and claim them on your own. “Our players have a big heart and are ready to fight for the team. But right now, we’re missing a generation of players over 30 who can handle the pressure. “Nevertheless, we’re building something. The group is growing and overcoming difficulties, embracing values that will be useful in the future to get back to winning as soon as possible, which is everyone’s goal.” ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/chiellini-backs-tudor-admits-juventus-are-lacking-leaders/

Juventus player ratings vs Real Madrid: Di Gregorio’s heroics not enough On the heels of their first Serie A loss of the season, Juventus have now tasted their maiden European defeat, as they fell short against Real Madrid in the third matchday of the Champions League group stage. The Bianconeri had their moments at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Dusan Vlahovic and Co. weren’t able to find the back of the net. ............ Juventus (3-4-2-1) Michele Di Gregorio – 9 In what may have been his best performance since joining the club, the Italian custodian pulled off a series of jaw-dropping saves to deny Kylian Mbappé and his teammates, but there was nothing he could have done to prevent the winner. Federico Gatti – 7 The Italy international was an absolute rock at the back, making key interceptions and goal-line clearances to keep Juventus in the game. He also threatened with a long-range low drive in the first half. Daniele Rugani – 6.5 A solid display from Juve’s de facto defensive leader, who managed to grab a hold of Mbappé for as much as humanly possible. Lloyd Kelly – 6 ............ Pierre Kalulu – 6.5 ............ Weston McKennie – 6 ............ Khephren Thuram – 5.5 ............ Andrea Cambiaso – 6 ............ Teun Koopmeiners – 5.5 ............ Kenan Yildiz – 5.5 The stand-in Juventus captain constantly dropped back to support his teammates at the back, but found no joy in the opposition’s areas. Dusan Vlahovic – 6 The Serbian had a positive impact. He connected well with his teammates and managed to frustrate Militao, but just couldn’t beat Courtois after making a 50-meter sprint. Substitutes Francisco Conceicao – 6 The Portuguese had a limited impact in attack, but saved the day with a last-ditch tackle on Vinicius, who was heading goalwards. Manuel Locatelli – 6 The midfielder started on the bench due to a reported spat with Igor Tudor, but added some much-needed verticality following his entrance. Loic Openda – 5 The Belgian wasted a glorious opportunity to score. Should have taken his shot the first time, as his hesitancy allowed the backline just enough time to block it. Jonathan David – 6 ............ Filip Kostic – 6.5 The winger made his presence felt despite his limited playing time. Fired a powerful shot towards Courtois’ goal, and made a timely block at the back. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-real-madrid-di-gregorios-heroics-not-enough/

Former referee insists Real Madrid star should have been sent off against Juventus Former Serie A referee Giampaolo Calvarese believes that Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz should have received his marching orders against Juventus. The 26-year-old, who had often shone against the Bianconeri during his time at Milan between 2020 and 2023, was handed a starting spot in Wednesday’s big Champions League showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu. ............ Although the contest was a relatively peaceful affair, it did feature one controversial episode in the second half. While Khephren Thuram was running forward with the ball, Diaz attempted a tackle from behind and ended up catching his opponent with high studs. ............ The Frenchman tried to resume his run but eventually fell to the ground and had to be replaced by Francisco Conceicao. This incident naturally infuriated Juventus fans, as they felt that the Morocco international deserved more than a yellow card. ............ “Brahim Diaz comes in with a hammer foot on Thuram’s ankle,” noted the former Serie A match official during his post-match appearance. “In my opinion, he should have been given a red card.” Nevertheless, Diaz was lucky to escape with only a yellow card, while the VAR decided against intervening. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/calvavarese-brahim-diaz-sent-off-juventus-thuram/

Juventus 0 - Real Madrid 1: Initial reaction and random observations Just like when the two teams met at the Club World Cup back in early July, a relatively common theme emerged as Juventus hunkered down to try and stay in the game against Real Madrid on Wednesday night. Real Madrid racks up the shot count, Michele Di Gregorio makes a couple of great saves and then the cycle only seems to repeat itself a couple of times throughout the course of the second half. That was the case in Miami nearly four months ago, and that ended up being the case once again in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu. Just as we said against Real Madrid over the summer, if it wasn’t for Di Gregorio and some of the monstrous saves he made, a 1-0 loss could have been much, much worse. This time around, though, Juventus at least had a few cracks at making a game of it. But no matter if it was Dusan Vlahovic or Loïs Openda, Juve just couldn’t crack the giant Belgian in the Real Madrid goal and find an equalizer. It resulted in a second loss in the span of four days for Juventus and a winless streak that has now been stretched out to seven games in all competitions. ............ But, on the other end, Juve had chances to score. Vlahovic’s breakaway in which he outran Éder Militão and was only denied by the leg of Thibaut Courtois will loom large. Same goes for the Openda shot in which Jonathan David put it on a silver platter only for him to take a touch too many and see his shot blocked. Same goes for Pierre Kalulu and the gift-wrapped chance he had thanks to a turnover right on the edge of the Real Madrid penalty area. Hell, even Filip Kostic — yes, him! — forced a big save out of Courtois in the closing minutes that kept Real Madrid in front. ............ This is the simple truth of the matter. Juventus lost again. They haven’t won since Sept. 13. They’ve been shut out in three straight games and have only scored more than a single goal all of once since their back-to-back four-goal outings against Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund. The scuffle is very much real, very much worrying and very much a thing that could cost Igor Tudor his job in the near future. With Wednesday night’s loss, they now sit on two points through their first three UCL league phase games. For as much as last season’s Champions League campaign frustrated the living hell out of us all, this one is certainly giving it a run for its money. If the league phase were to end right now, Juventus would be completely out of the competition since they’re sitting in 25th place. You know, the first team out as the other 24 teams go on and keep their European adventures alive. ............ The favorites won on Wednesday night. That’s probably not a surprise knowing how Juventus have been playing over the last month. And if it wasn’t for Di Gregorio, some of those saves would have been goals and the scoreline would have been a lot, lot worse. That’s what makes the fact that a loss that at least had a chance to be a draw with what Juve did after falling behind a little tough to take. ............ RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS I said it in July and I will say it again: Michele Di Gregorio didn’t deserve any of this. I mean, the man saved a shot with his face. He saved a shot with his stomach — and was gasping for air for a few minutes because of it. And that was after he made a huge save a split-second before. A couple of those saves were just pure athleticism and reactions. How quickly he got up after the first half of his double save was brilliant. The man deserves all of the plaudits that he will receive. I think it’s safe to say the simple mentality that Juve took into their game against Real Madrid was miles ahead of where they were against Como. That is something I was very happy to see. Brahim Diaz putting his studs into Khephren Thuram’s ankle on the hour mark is just a yellow, huh? Well color me surprised because I’ve seen that called against a Juventus player plenty of times. ............ Vlahovic couldn’t convert that chance in the second half — yes, it was a great save, so it’s not like some of his previous efforts that he’s totally fluffed — but he sure did play his tail off against Real Madrid. Real Madrid passes in the first half: 376. Juventus passes in the first half: 155. Real Madrid corner kicks in the first half: 9. Juventus corner kicks in the first half: 2. I’m still thinking playing Kalulu as a wingback isn’t a good idea if you’re looking to counterattack a team like Real Madrid. The output says it right there — when he had the ball at his feet, he either was turning it over or his cross attempt was just not good enough. Would Juve have been worse off defensively if Joao Mario was out there? Sure, but you feel like he would have been better in the counterattacking side of the equation. ............ No matter how defensive you play agianst Real Madrid — and doing that in Juve’s situation felt like the right way to go — seeing Kenan Yildiz get just 30 touches in just over 70 minutes and not really test Real Madrid’s defense outside of a couple of times is just not great. Although, it was at least a little entertaining to see the back and forth between Yildiz and Arda Güler out on the left wing from time to time. The reasons are obvious, and it just would have been nice to see Yildiz get the better of his countryman a few more times. ............ I honestly thought this was going to be a lot worse scoreline-wise. So thank you, Mr. Di Gregorio. Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/previews-reviews/33097/juventus-real-madrid-2025-champions-league-league-phase-matchday-3-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

Xabi Alonso: ‘Real Madrid and Juventus both had chances, many tricky moments’ Xabi Alonso confirms Real Madrid had ‘many tricky moments’ in their 1-0 win over Juventus and risked conceding the equaliser late on. ‘Anything could still have happened.’ The Merengues had needed Thibaut Courtois to make some early saves at the Estadio Bernabeu, only really making an impact after the opening 15 minutes. ............ “We expected it to be tough, for the quality of the Juve players and the ideas of their coach,” Real Madrid coach said. “We knew it would be difficult and balanced, with many tricky moments. I said at half-time that we had to keep going like this, that our moment would come.” ............ “We didn’t finish it off, so anything could still have happened. There were many scoring opportunities for both teams this evening, as we had ours, but so did Juve. There were some good performances from the individuals in defence and the two goalkeepers.” ............ “I expected Juventus to be solid, with a lot of individual qualities, able to battle hard, with Vlahovic very dangerous in duels. They work hard and will certainly improve as the season goes on.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/xabi-alonso-real-madrid-juventus-both-chances/

Tudor: ‘Juventus on right path and deserved a goal’ with Real Madrid Igor Tudor insists Juventus are ‘on the right path’ after their 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid, leaving with ‘regrets because we deserved at least a goal.’ ............ The Bianconeri had chances at the Bernabeu, most notably with Dusan Vlahovic and Lois Openda, they also conceded quite a few before Jude Bellingham tapped in the rebound from the Vinicius effort off the inside of the far post. ............ “The lads are disappointed, because they felt that they deserved at least a goal. There are regrets, but we are on the right path,” Tudor said. “I liked the initial attitude and character, then naturally Real Madrid will always put you under pressure, but we did what we had prepared. We only conceded with that incredible individual quality of Vinicius between three, and then off the upright. “There was a little respect and fear of giving away a penalty, so nobody made the challenge. After all, if nobody made a mistake in football, there would never by any goals.” ............ “Everyone has to be a leader in this team, and in that sense I think we are a little below what I’d like to see. Many new players arrived and we lost some of the champions with experience. “We have some strengths and weaknesses, but have to put faith in this team, as we are on the right track. Comparisons with the past do not help, but we have to accept them.” ............ “We had hunger, but when running so much, there is a lack of sharpness and many were not accustomed to playing at this level. We know our limits, but I am happy with the performance, even if nobody likes to leave empty-handed.” This means that Juve have only two points from the first three games in the Champions League opening phase, and sit in the elimination spots at this stage. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/tudor-juventus-right-path-deserved-real-madrid/

Juventus extend winless run with 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory against Juventus in the Champions League tonight, extending the Bianconeri’s winless run to seven games. Juventus began the match with intensity, appearing determined to end their winless streak and avoid consecutive defeats. In the opening exchanges, they matched Madrid for possession and created a few promising moments when they had the ball. However, as the game progressed, Madrid gradually took control, demonstrating their quality and composure, which in turn began to erode Juventus’ confidence. ............ Michele Di Gregorio was called into action to deny a few dangerous efforts, while Thibaut Courtois had little to do before the interval. ............ The Spanish side began the second half strongly and looked likely to take the lead, though Juventus almost scored early when Courtois made a vital save to deny Dusan Vlahovic. Moments later, Real Madrid broke the deadlock through Jude Bellingham, who capitalised on a rebound off the post after Juventus defenders were ball-watching. The goal was a harsh way for Juve to concede, having defended resolutely throughout much of the match. Following the opener, Madrid continued to dominate possession and create chances. They increased the pressure on Juventus, forcing Di Gregorio to make several more saves to keep his side in the game. The visitors attempted to respond by introducing Jonathan David and Lois Openda late on, seeking a way back into the contest, but they were unable to find an equaliser. ............ The result leaves Juventus with a mounting sense of frustration, extending their run of poor form in Europe. While they showed determination and moments of promise, they were unable to convert possession into meaningful attacking opportunities. Madrid, meanwhile, demonstrated why they remain one of Europe’s most dangerous sides, combining patience in build-up play with clinical execution when opportunities arose. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-extend-winless-run-with-1-0-defeat-to-real-madrid/

Did Brahim Diaz deserve a red card for foul on Thuram? Real Madrid‘s Brahim Diaz was lucky to get away with a yellow card in the second half against Juventus for a studs-up foul on Khephren Thuram. The incident happened at minute 61 with the result still set to 0-0. Brahim, a former Milan star, tried to win the ball in the middle of the park but ended up hitting Thuram just above the ankle with his cleats pointed upwards. Brahim’s reckless tackle was right in front of referee Slavko Vinčić, who booked Brahim and was not called for an on-field review. ............ Several users on social media complained that Brahim should have been sent off, even if Juventus players did not complain excessively on the pitch. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/watch-brahim-diaz-deserve-red-card-foul-thuram/

Mi era sfuggita questa perla di Brahim su Thuram. Gli é andata bene che non é stato espulso.

Player Ratings: Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus – Bellingham beats solid Bianconeri defence Michele Di Gregorio was Football Italia’s MOTM in Juventus’ 1-0 loss against Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid, but the Old Lady will still leave Spain with regrets. ............ Di Gregorio 8 – Super save to deny Mbappé from point-blank range towards the end of the first half. Even more impressive in the second half on Mbappé again, and then Brahim in quick succession. Gatti 7 – One shot on target in the first half, a goal-line clearance in the second. Very solid, overall. Probably one of the best performances of his career. Rugani 6.5 – It wasn’t always easy to deal with Mbappé, as one would expect, but Rugani was always composed and tough on tackles. Kelly 5.5 – The Englishman kept Bellingham onside for Real Madrid’s winning goal. Unlucky after a confident performance. Kalulu 6.5 – Very brave down the right flank. Good forward runs, but naturally lacked quality in the final third. He was one of the many Juventus players tricked by Vinicius in the build-up to Bellingham’s goal. Koopmeiners 5.5 – ............ (73′ Locatelli 5.5) Thuram 6 – ............ (62′ Conceiçao 5.5) Cambiaso 5.5 – ............ (88′ Kostic N/A) McKennie 6 – ............ Yildiz 6 – The Turk covered a lot of ground. He turned on the light at the start of the second half with a fantastic pass for Vlahovic, but the Serbian didn’t make the run to meet the ball in front of an empty net. (73′ Openda 5.5) Vlahovic 5.5 – Started well, but was then overwhelmed by the physicality of Real Madrid defenders. He had the best chance in the game in the second half, but was denied by an excellent Courtois save (73′ David 5.5). Coach: Tudor 6 – He wanted a reaction, and Juventus showed it, but they lacked the quality and determination to score. The challenge will be to keep the same level of attention against weaker sides, especially when it will be required to command the play. Real Madrid: Courtois 7; Valverde 6, Militao 6.5, Asencio 6.5 (88′ Gonzalo N/A), A Carreras 6; Tchouameni 6, Arda Guler 6.5 (73′ Camavinga 6), Bellingham 6.5; Brahim Diaz 7 (83′ Mastrantuono N/A), Mbappé 6.5, Vinicius 6 (83′ Fran Garcia N/A). Coach: Xabi Alonso 6. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/player-ratings-real-madrid-juventus-1-0/

Champions League | Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus: Bernabeu defeat Juventus fell to their first Champions League defeat of the season, as Real Madrid only broke through with a Jude Bellingham tap-in. ............ Pierre Kalulu’s roll across prompted some panicked Marco Asencio defending, while Thibaut Courtois palmed a McKennie snapshot round the post, then got down to smother the Federico Gatti daisy-cutter. ............ Brahim Diaz could’ve done better with a header at the back post, but Di Gregorio rushed off his line and used his face to deny Kylian Mbappé at the near post on a Brahim Diaz assist. Eder Militao blasted over from the edge of the area after Mbappé dribbled past two to pull back, but after the restart threw himself in the way of Kalulu’s strike after an Alvaro Carreras error. ............ Vlahovic sprinted onto a long ball and held off Eder Militao, forcing Courtois into a very difficult save with his body when one-on-one. Real Madrid did break the deadlock when Vinicius twisted and turned in a crowd to get the angled drive away, his finish bounced off the base of the far post, and Bellingham was quickest to react on the rebound from six yards. ............ Brahim Diaz risked more than just a yellow card a few minutes later for his high tackle on Khephren Thuram, catching him on the ankle. ............ Di Gregorio had to make a sensational double save on Mbappé and the Brahim Diaz follow-up, then moments later he was beaten by the former Milan player, only to be rescued by a Gatti goal-line clearance. Francisco Conceicao was the expected hero with a decisive tackle as Vinicius was going clear, but Juventus could’ve equalised when Jonathan David laid off a through ball for Lois Openda, who took an extra touch, allowing the desperate Raul Asencio block. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/champions-league-real-madrid-1-0-juventus-loss/

Chiellini: ‘Juventus want Tudor to continue, there is no crisis’ Juventus director Giorgio Chiellini insists the club ‘wants nothing more’ than for Igor Tudor to continue in the role and there is no ‘crisis’ within the Old Lady. ............ “We as Juventus have some very positive memories of Real Madrid, some negative too, but every era is different and it’s tough to compare them,” Chiellini said. ............ “A lot has been said and written this week that is not true. Igor is the Juventus coach and we want nothing more than for him to continue. People wrote about supposed bad relations, but like all families there are discussions, sometimes you agree and sometimes you don’t, but you keep going together,” insisted Chiellini. ............ “It has been a tough fixture list and we could’ve had a few more points, but we are clear-headed in analysing this moment,” added Chiellini. “There is a big game tonight that is separate from the dynamics of Serie A, after that we’ll have matches against Lazio, Udinese and Cremonese where we’ll dive into a different atmosphere eager to pick up some of the points we’ve dropped along the way. “Naturally, we expected to have a few more points, but that’s a long way from calling this a crisis.” ............ “The coach is free to make his choices, we never talked about getting value out of players based on their contracts. Tudor has our support, we never pressured him into making any choices. He picks his team, we hope it is the right one this evening, but the attitude is more important than the starting XI.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/chiellini-juventus-want-tudor-continue-crisis/

Del Piero disagreement with Tudor: ‘Juventus need fire, but organisation too’ Alessandro Del Piero is not entirely convinced by Igor Tudor’s pre-match statements against Real Madrid. ‘Juventus need to be organised, have tactical ideas and also fire.’ ............ The mood in the Bianconeri camp is negative after a month without a victory in all competition, managing five consecutive stalemates and a 2-0 defeat to Como. In his comments, coach Tudor insisted that tactics “don’t count for much” and neither does the starting XI, preferring to focus on mentality and desire to win. ............ “I’m not sure it’s right to say all you need is heart or mentality, these are games that prepare themselves because you are in this stadium and against Real Madrid, so don’t need to fire up the team for that,” Del Piero said. “You need to be organised, have tactical ideas and keep everything to the max, including the fire. At times, this Juventus is missing that fire. You need that desire to do something more, and it’s not just about the players. You can study opponents and your own teams in pre-season, but you need that too.” ............ “The situation we are seeing is very similar to last season, so it worries me that we are seeing this repetition in performances. Como are a quality team and deserve praise, but Juventus should’ve had a different attitude in that match. I feel the vision ought to be expanded to tactics, physicality, and also this fire that the players need every time they want to pull on that shirt. Juventus need players who all think like this, in my view.” ............ “Real Madrid need only 10-15 minutes to win a game in this stadium, with the talent at their disposal. Juventus need to play at the maximum for 90 minutes to just emerge well from this match, not even to win or draw, but to show what they are capable of. It can give them the push needed to believe that by playing like that, they can get results against anyone. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/del-piero-disagreement-tudor-juventus-fire/

Tudor: ‘Juventus tactics count for little, aim to win with Real Madrid’ Igor Tudor insists Juventus tactical changes against Real Madrid ‘count for very little,’ but he demands ‘the intention to win, not just come here and enjoy the stadium.’ ............ There is talk of crisis within the Bianconeri camp after going a month without a victory, managing just five draws and a defeat between Serie A and the Champions League. ............ “The tactical system rarely counts for much, and those who suggest you win or lose with a system know very little about football,” Tudor said. “What counts is heart, running, above all the quality of the players. They are the ones who decide the game. What we need is each of them to be protagonists, to step up, believe in themselves and try to win here. “There will be moments when they have to be under pressure against a team of a high level, but we cannot play 90 minutes like that. So my input to the team is we need to step up and try to win.” ............ “We prepare what we believe is best, but then the game develops and we’ll see. The important thing is we have an intention to win, not just to come here and enjoy the view of the stadium. If you come here with the mentality that you can do it, then that’s when playing here becomes a joy. That was my only input to the team,” added Tudor. “I can only pick a starting XI, you think too much whether one player or another starts. It makes little difference who plays. It doesn’t change much really, it’s about the team spirit and all those other elements.” ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/tudor-juventus-tactic-count-little-real-madrid/

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