Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Tevez doubtful for Galatasaray clash

The attacker could miss the upcoming match versus the Turkish champions
after picking up an ankle injury at the weekend.

Sep 30, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte will possibly have to make do without the services of Carlos Tevez in Wednesday's Champions League game against Galatasaray, with the Argentine struggling with an ankle injury.

http://markting10.nl/

The former Manchester City striker picked up the knock in Sunday's 1-0 Serie A win over Torino and it remains to be seen whether he will be match fit in time for the match against the Turkish champions.

"During the first half of Sunday afternoon’s Serie A encounter with Torino, Carlos Tevez sustained a lacerated and contused wound on his right ankle," a statement on the official Juventus website reads.

"The striker’s condition will continue to be assessed over the coming hours, but he remains a serious doubt for Wednesday night’s Champions League game against Galatasaray."

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Copenhagen on matchday 1, whereas Galatasaray were beaten 6-1 by Real Madrid.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Chiellini on Juventus defensive

Sep 30, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini was happy with Juventus’ defensive display against Torino after a shaky start to the season.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady had conceded in each of their previous five games before the 1-0 over city rivals Toro at the Olimpico on Sunday.

“We have to improve in certain aspects,” the Italian international commented to the Corriere dello Sport.

“We’ve conceded a few goals this season thanks to a lack of focus from ourselves, even if we have managed to win almost all of our games.

“Saying that, against Torino, we ran no risks at all at the back.”

Juventus have played eight official games this season, winning six and drawing two. They’ve scored 16 goals and let in five.

The Old Lady will face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday and Milan in Serie A on Sunday.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Pogba: Now let's beat Galatasaray

Sep 30, 2013

Paul Pogba is now focused on Galatasaray after he scored the winner in Juventus’ 1-0 derby victory over Torino.

http://markting10.nl/

“We know it will be an important match for us, we have to win it and we know it won’t be easy,” the midfielder told Tuttosport.

“I don't know if it'll be decisive for qualification, but after that damn draw with FC Copenhagen we all want to win.”

The Old Lady warmed up for the Champions League clash on Wednesday with a hard-fought local derby which Pogba played a crucial role in.

“I’m happy that it was my goal which decided the game, it was one of the most important which I have scored,” he added. “But the important thing was to win and the whole side deserves praise.

“They were defending with 10 men, we needed to change. The time has come for us to invent something to unlock these games sooner. Right now nearly all of the teams try to defend against us.

“Torino were very closed, we struggled to break the deadlock, there really wasn’t a lot of space when they all lined up in defence.”

Pogba is in his second season in Turin and he’s been the club’s most used player so far this term thanks to his 700 minutes of action so far.

“I have no problem in playing in any position,” he explained. “I’ll play as a full-back, the striker or in goal in order to play alongside these champions.

“The Under-20 World Cup was important, as is the French national side, but living with champions at Juventus is even more essential.

“I’m gaining experience, I’m growing and that is pleasing. I have no intention of stopping.”

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Sneijder a doubt for Juve clash

Sep 30, 2013

Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder is a doubt for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Juventus, reports suggest.

http://markting10.nl/

Turkish daily Hurriyet have claimed that the Dutch midfielder underwent a scan this morning after feeling a pain in his leg during Sunday’s League match with Cakyur Rizespor.

And it is believed that the former Inter man is unlikely to be it enough for the game in Turin on Wednesday.

The same paper meanwhile, has reported that Didier Drogba, who trained separately from the rest of the Galatasaray team this afternoon, will be fit to face the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Official: Mancini signs Gala deal

Sep 30, 2013

Roberto Mancini has signed a three-year deal with Galatasaray, it has been confirmed.

http://markting10.nl/

Hurriyet have claimed that the Italian tactician has already agreed terms with the Istanbul-based club, and will take charge later this week.

Mancini has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester City over the summer, but was quickly approached by the Aslan after they released Coach Fatih Terim.

http://markting10.nl/

The former Sampdoria forward will be announced as the new man in charge, the paper suggests, but it is not clear whether that will be in time for the Champions League clash with Juventus on Wednesday.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

UEFA Champions League Preview:
Juventus v Galatasaray

Sep 30, 2013

Managerless Galatasaray will aim to bounce back from their 6-1 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League when they visit Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

Fatih Terim paid the price for a poor start to the season that has yielded just one win in five league matches, as well as the disappointing showing against Real in front of their home supporters.

The Super Lig champions were outclassed by the Spanish giants in the Group B opener, with Cristiano Ronaldo once more stealing the show with a second-half hat-trick in the comfortable rout.

http://markting10.nl/

Roberto Mancini is widely expected to take control at the Turk Telecom Arena, with the Turkish outfit confirming on Sunday that they were in talks with the Italian.

The 48-year-old has been out of work since parting company with Manchester City in May.

Galatasaray head into the fixture at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Rizespor. Engin Baytor opened the scoring, but Tevfik Kose levelled in the second half before Slcuk Inan saw red.

Midfielder Hamit Altintop continues to be plagued by a hip injury and is likely to miss the visit to Turin.

Reigning Serie A champions Juventus will be desperate to claim a maximum haul after a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Copenhagen in their opening fixture.

http://markting10.nl/

Antonio Conte's team are in good form ahead of Wednesday's showdown, and are on an eight game unbeaten run in all competitions.

They will look to build on the momentum from their 1-0 victory over rivals Torino at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, with Paul Pogba's second-half header securing the points.

The France international has now set his sights on the Champions League, and said the side are itching to atone for their surprise draw against Copenhagen.

Speaking to Tuttosport , he said: "We know it will be an important match for us, we have to win it and we know it won't be easy.

"I don't know if it will be decisive for qualification, but after the draw with Copenhagen we all want to win."

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus could be without influential striker Carlos Tevez after he picked up an ankle injury against Torino following a robust challenge from Ciro Immobile.

The Argentinian has notched three times in the league for the Turin outfit since his transfer-window move from Manchester City.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Preview: Juventus vs. Galatasaray

Sep 30, 2013

Juventus will be eager to earn their first Champions League win of the season on Wednesday when they entertain Galatasaray in Group B.

http://markting10.nl/

The Italian champions are unbeaten in their last eight matches in all competitions, but they could only draw 1-1 with FC Copenhagen in their European opener two weeks ago in Denmark.

Galatasaray, who were thrashed 6-1 by Real Madrid last time out, will have Roberto Mancini in the dugout for the first time after the Italian was appointed as their new manager on Monday.

The former Manchester City boss replaced Fatih Terim, who was sacked on September 24 following a third spell in charge of the Turks.

http://markting10.nl/

The big injury news is that Carlos Tevez is unlikely to feature for the hosts due to the ankle problem that he picked up during Sunday's 1-0 win over Torino in Serie A.


Recent form

Juventus: WDDWWW

Galatasaray: WDDDLD


Possible starting lineups

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Asamoah; Pogba; Giovinco, Vucinic

GALATASARAY: Muslera; Sarioglu, Balta, Kaya, Nounkeu; Sneijder, Inan, Bayter, Bruma; Drogba, Yilmaz


Sports Mole says: 3-1

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Mancini: 'Juve a happy coincidence'

Oct 1, 2013

New Galatasaray Coach Roberto Mancini admits it’s “a happy coincidence” his first game will be against Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

The former Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter and Manchester City boss signed a three-year contract on Monday, taking over from Fatih Terim.

He’s set to make his debut on the bench in tomorrow night’s Champions League match at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

“It is a happy coincidence to meet the Bianconeri first and it is a great challenge to prepare for this game in just one day,” Mancini told the Corriere dello Sport.

http://markting10.nl/

“I am happy with the choice I made, as the atmosphere is different here in Istanbul. It’s a wonderful and intriguing challenge for me at a big club. I am convinced this was the right choice.”

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Conte worried by Mancini factor

Oct 1, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has conceded that he would have preferred to take on Galatasaray without Roberto Mancini as his opposite number.

http://markting10.nl/

The latter was confirmed as the Turkish club’s new Coach on Monday following the decision to replace Fatih Terim.

“I’m happy for Mancini, but I would have preferred to not meet him tomorrow because he will create problems for us,” Conte stated ahead of the Champions League clash.

“With his arrival we will have no tactical reference points with regards to how they will play and that will make things more difficult for us.”

http://markting10.nl/

Wednesday’s game at the Juventus Stadium is already crucial for both sides as Juve drew their opener 1-1 in Copenhagen, while Galatasaray were demolished 6-1 at home by Real Madrid.

“The match between Galatasaray and Real Madrid is one that should not fool us,” the tactician added. “The final score was excessive.

“We didn’t take our chances against the Danes. It was one of those days. We have to play well against Galatasaray.

“We’ll look to score in a number of different ways, even with long-range efforts. The important thing is to create chances.

“We have to play with an intense rhythm and we’ll do our all to win – even if we know it will be tough. That’s why I want our fans to be a twelfth man tomorrow. I want our supporters to be heard.”

http://markting10.nl/

Turning to team matters, Conte has doubts over the fitness of Carlos Tevez after he suffered an ankle problem in the derby win over Torino.

The former midfielder will also have to decide whether Paul Pogba or Claudio Marchisio will make up the midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.

“I’ll take a look at Tevez over the following hours. He didn’t train yesterday. I need precise guarantees, we’ll see how he is between now and tomorrow.

“Mirko Vucinic? He has been suffering with a heel problem, but he has recovered and is doing well. I’ll see tomorrow whether he will start.

“Pogba or Marchisio? It’s a doubt I will look to solve by evaluating things well. The final score will tell me whether I was right or wrong.”

Conte was also inevitably asked about his post-match comments following the derby win, ones which annoyed Toro.

http://markting10.nl/

“I don’t think there is anything to add. Juve have won the Scudetto twice and two Super Cups in the last two years, so it is normal that I become sort of a catalyst when I say trivial things, normal things based on facts.

“It is not a problem, it has happened in the past and it will happen in the future. I’ll continue down my own path and say the things which I believe.”

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Bonucci respects Drogba threat

Oct 1, 2013

Leonardo Bonucci is aware that his Juventus defence will be tested by the ability of Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba on Wednesday.

http://markting10.nl/

“We’ll need to remain fully alert when playing against him,” the Italian international said ahead of the Champions League tie.

“Drogba is certainly one of the best strikers in the world and has gone to Galatasaray, after his experience in China, with the desire to keep surprising.

“He inspired Chelsea to Champions League glory and tomorrow we’ll be up against a motivated striker who will want to do well.”

The Turin tie on Wednesday will be crucial to the Old Lady given that they surprisingly dropped points in their 1-1 draw at Copenhagen.

“We’ll need to give everything we have tomorrow, because we have only one objective which is to win,” the 26-year-old added.

http://markting10.nl/

“You are almost forced to do that here at Juventus…

“Going further than we did in last year’s Champions League is one of our aims for the season. Therefore we’ll be out to claim all three points tomorrow night.”

The Old Lady reached the last eight of the European Cup last season before being dismissed by eventual champions Bayern Munich.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Mancini: 'Happy to see Tevez'

Oct 1, 2013

New Galatasaray Coach Roberto Mancini praised Antonio Conte and will be “very happy to see Carlos Tevez again.”

http://markting10.nl/

The former Inter and Manchester City manager signed a three-year contract with Galatasaray on Monday and his debut will be on Wednesday night at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

“It will be strange because I only met the squad yesterday, but we hope we’ll be able to put in a good performance,” said Mancini in his Champions League Press conference.

“It will be a difficult game because Juventus are an excellent team. Conte has done a great job with them.”

http://markting10.nl/

Tevez is a major doubt to feature tomorrow due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Turin Derby, but Mancini is eager to reunite with his old Manchester City striker.

“I’ll be very happy to see Tevez again. He’s a great player and we made history together with Man City in England. I expect he’ll play, as I doubt he will hold back because of an ankle.”

Mancio is already feeling the pressure, as fans in Istanbul are angry that Fatih Terim was sacked in a contract dispute.

“Terim’s popularity doesn’t surprise me. I’m here to try and continue the great job he’s done. I was first approached about the job five or six days ago and met the club in Istanbul on Sunday.

“The first game was a difficult one, but we’ve got five left and we’ll look to qualify from the Champions League group stage. We have to forget about the Real Madrid defeat and see our season from tomorrow onwards.

http://markting10.nl/

“I’m not fully familiar with all of the players. Thankfully the international break is coming soon so I’ll get to know them better. As far as tactics are concerned... we’ll see tomorrow!

“It’s certainly a handicap to take the reins on the eve of the game, but we’ll look to make the best of it. In situations like this, luck counts too.”

Wesley Sneijder is in the Galatasaray squad for tomorrow, but remains in doubt, while Felipe Melo and Didier Drogba are expected to start.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Tevez set to miss Galatasaray tie

The Argentine was the victim of a rash tackle in the Turin derby on Sunday
and is unlikely to feature in the Bianconeri's latest European encounter.

Oct 1, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has revealed Carlos Tevez is all but out of Tuesday's Champions League tie with Galatasaray with an ankle injury.

http://markting10.nl/

The striker was caught by a poor tackle from Torino forward Ciro Immobile on Sunday, leaving the 29-year-old with a badly cut ankle and his coach with a selection dilemma.

Conte told reporters: "Tevez did not train today. We won't take a risk with a player who cannot train. We will see how he is tomorrow."

The Bianconeri chief must also choose between Paul Pogba and the fit again Claudio Marchisio to play alongside Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo in midfield.

http://markting10.nl/

"I will make other decisions based on training tomorrow," Conte continued.

"I also have some doubt in midfield and maybe one of those players needs a rest. Both Pogba and Marchisio have played a lot and we'll see who we rest."

Galatasaray named former Manchester City and Inter boss Roberto Mancini as Fatih Terim's successor on Monday and Conte admits he will be glad to be reacquainted with his compatriot on Tuesday.

"I am very pleased to find in Roberto back in the dug-out, we speak of an Italian technician that is good for our football and who has won everywhere he has been," said the 44-year-old.

"I would have preferred not to meet tomorrow, however, because he will create problems for us."

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Juventus-Galatasaray Preview:
Mancini faces familiar foe in debut game

The Italian returns to his homeland - where he spent many a season battling
the Bianconeri - two days after being confirmed as the visitors' new coach.

Oct 1, 2013

Roberto Mancini's Galatasaray will aim to bounce back from their 6-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League when they visit Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

Fatih Terim paid the price for a poor start to the season that has yielded just one win in five league matches, as well as the disappointing showing against Real in front of their home supporters.

The Super Lig champions were outclassed by the Spanish giants in the Group B opener, with Cristiano Ronaldo once more stealing the show with a second-half hat-trick in the comfortable rout.

Mancini, who has been out of work since being fired from Manchester City in May, took control at the Turk Telekom Arena on Monday.

http://markting10.nl/

Galatasaray head into the fixture at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Rizespor. Engin Baytor opened the scoring, but Tevfik Kose levelled in the second half before Slcuk Inan saw red.

Midfielder Hamit Altintop continues to be plagued by a hip injury and is likely to miss the visit to Turin.

Reigning Serie A champions Juventus will be desperate to claim a maximum haul after a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Copenhagen in their opening fixture.

Antonio Conte's team are in good form ahead of Wednesday's showdown and are on an eight game unbeaten run in all competitions.

They will look to build on the momentum from their 1-0 victory over rivals Torino at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, with Paul Pogba's second-half header securing the points.

Juve could be without influential striker Carlos Tevez after he picked up an ankle injury against Torino following a robust challenge from Ciro Immobile.

http://markting10.nl/

The Argentine has notched three times in the league for the Turin outfit since his transfer-window move from Manchester City.


Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

Sep 29, 2013 Torino 0 - 1 Juventus Serie A
Sep 25, 2013 Chievo 1 - 2 Juventus Serie A
Sep 22, 2013 Juventus 2 - 1 Hellas Verona Serie A
Sep 17, 2013 FC Copenhagen 1 - 1 Juventus UCL
Sep 14, 2013 FC Internazionale 1 - 1 Juventus Serie A


GALATASARAY

Sep 28, 2013 Galatasaray 1 - 1 Çaykur Rizespor TUR1
Sep 17, 2013 Galatasaray 1 - 6 Real Madrid CF UCL
Sep 13, 2013 Galatasaray 1 - 1 Antalyaspor A.S. TUR1
Aug 30, 2013 Eskişehirspor 0 - 0 Galatasaray TUR1
Aug 25, 2013 Bursaspor 1 - 1 Galatasaray TUR1

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Champions League Preview: Juventus vs. Galatasaray —
Ordering up some Turkey

Let us all celebrate that Felipe Melo is coming back to where he was so beloved
and cherished. Okay, so maybe not all of that, but Mr. Melo is coming back to town.

Oct 1, 2013

Sometimes when you look at things right after the Champions League draw, you think you have everything figured out about who your opponents will be in a few short weeks. There was Galatasaray, a quarterfinalist in last year's competition, drawn into the same group as Juventus and Real Madrid. They were looked at as a challenging side that could be capable of exactly what Shakhtar Donetsk did a year ago — shake everything in the group a bit.

http://markting10.nl/

Now, about a month later, who really knows what to expect from the squad that is "lucky" enough to employ Felipe Melo.

As Notorious B.I.G. once said, "Things done changed." Galatasaray are currently sitting in the middle of the Turkish Super Lig table having earned four points in five games to begin the season, they've fired one hell of a manager in Fatih Terim and replaced him with...Roberto Mancini? Yeah, it 's actually happened. Mancini has gone from the unemployment line to trying to make Galatasaray a competitive team once again.

http://markting10.nl/

Do we know what to expect from Mancini's latest side? No, not really. They've struggled domestically, got hammered at home by Real Madrid, and are now looking to reinvent themselves under Mancini before it's too late. That could work out in Juve's favor, or it could mean nothing whatsoever. Until they take the field and actually start kicking the ball around, Galatasaray are, well, a team Juventus should beat simply based on form.

But there's one thing we do know: This is Juventus' chance to get some breathing room between them and their closest competitor, as the group stands right now, for the No. 2 spot behind Real Madrid. Simple math, guys. And maybe something more than one point would help everybody forget about that stupid draw in Denmark.


GOOD NEWS

Juventus are trying to claim three points at home, rather than having to travel all the way to Istanbul at such a busy time of the year schedule-wise. We know the home crowd will be buzzin' when the teams take the field because that's the only way Juventus Stadium knows how to do things. I love that place.

http://markting10.nl/

And there's that whole thing about Gala being a little bit of a wild card card right now. They could be equally as meh as they can be good. It's just one of those things where there just a mystery right now with a new manager taking over two days before a Champions League tie.


BAD NEWS

Courtesy of Ciro Immobile, Carlos Tevez's ankle resembled some kind of Halloween decoration meant to scare children rather than a body part of one of the best strikers around. Juventus waited little time saying that the 29-year-old Argentine would be a doubt for the Galatasaray game. Now we'll hear for two straight days "Will he play or won't he play?" throughout the Italian media. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

I guess we'll have to wait for the squad list to be released to see whether or not Tevez is good to go or not.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. The health of Carlos Tevez.

And you thought it was over in the last section. Too bad, you get more Tevez talk! The extremely rash tackle from the former Juve youth product has put Juventus' best striker's status for tomorrow night is completely up in the air right now. Logic tells me "Eh, let him make sure he's fully fit and bring him back when his ankle isn't looking so gruesome." But the devil on my shoulder tells me "If he can play immediately after sustaining said injury, a couple days of rest won't really hurt him, right" It all depends on how the medical team thinks Tevez has recovered.

http://markting10.nl/

2. Who starts for Tevez if he can't go?

Which, of course, is a very good possibility. The smart money's on Fernando Llorente and Mirko Vucinic getting the start if Tevez isn't available from the opening whistle or at all. But Antonio Conte has been known to throw a curveball our way when it comes to his striker pairings every now and then. Could that mean Fabio Quagliarella, who score Juve's only goal in Denmark, may get a spot in the starting lineup? I don't know, but it's definitely an interesting choice awaiting Mister Conte.

3. The center-of-the-midfield conundrum.

So if Andrea Pirlo is coming back into the starting lineup after being rested in the Turin derby, that leaves three guys vying for two spots. Paul Pogba is playing as well as anybody in the squad right now, so that means he deserves to be one of the first names on the team sheet. Arturo Vidal is Arturo Vidal. And Claudio Marchisio has been effective since his return from injury. So who is Conte going to "bench" for Galatasaray? If there wasn't a striker issue to worry about, that'd be this Wednesday's million dollar question.

4. What kind of positive impact Roberto Mancini has — if any.

As of this preview being published, our old buddy Roberto Mancini has been Galatasaray boss for all of about 20 hours. That's not exactly a lot of time to install his tactics and implement his complete system. But that's the situation the Galatasaray squad currently finds itself in. It's certainly an interesting scenario and a little more added drama to an important Champions League fixture.

http://markting10.nl/

5. Containing Galatasaray's attacking talent.

I'm gonna go out on a limb here, but I think the strikers Juventus will be facing are a little bit better than those they went up against in the derby over the weekend. We saw last season what Burak Yilmaz is all about. We know what kind of pedigree Didier Drogba has in the Champions League from his time wearing blue with Chelsea. Throw Wesley Sneijder in there and you've got some talented folks leading the Galatasaray attack. That could mean Juventus' defense is in for a busy night. Or they can just do what they did against Torino and have Gigi Buffon stand around for 90-plus minutes.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Vucinic

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Tevez ready for Galatasaray

Oct 1, 2013

Carlos Tevez is in the Juventus squad to face Galatasaray on Wednesday night despite an ankle injury.

http://markting10.nl/

The Argentine finished the Turin Derby on Sunday with a bloodied and swollen ankle following the tackle from Ciro Immobile.

http://markting10.nl/

He remains in doubt to start the Champions League fixture in Turin, but is included in the 22-man party for this game.


Juventus squad for Galatasaray: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, Tevez, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Citti

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Juventus - Galatasaray Betting Preview:
Expect goals from both sides in Italy

Roberto Mancini takes charge of his first match for the Turkish champions
as they face a tough test in Turin, with our tipster backing both teams to find the net.

Oct 2, 2013

Galatasaray head to Juventus with a new man at the helm for Wednesday's Champions League tie, as Roberto Mancini returns to coaching.

http://markting10.nl/

Faith Terim, who led Galatasaray to last term's Super Lig title, was dismissed over a dispute concerning his position with the Turkish national team. Former Manchester City boss Mancini has been brought in the to replace him, and his managerial start with the Turkish side could not be harder with a trip to Italy to face Juventus.

Galatasaray come into this match without a win in their last five matches. Despite leading against rivals Besiktas 2-1 in late September, crowd trouble saw the match abandoned with minutes to go.

Mancini's new side took a thumping at home to Real Madrid in their opening Champions League match, with a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick giving them a 6-1 win at the Turk Telekom Arena.

http://markting10.nl/

Mancini faces a tough task of qualifying from this group with Real Madrid and Juventus front runners, but with the Turks progressing through to the last eight in last year's competition, expectation will be high. William Hill don't give them much hope tonight, pricing them at 17/2 (9.50) to take the three points.

Juventus are unbeaten so far this season, having started their Serie A defence in fine form. Antonio Conte's side sit in third position in the league, with 16 points from their first six matches.

Despite the strong start in their domestic league, the Italians will be disappointed with their opening Champions League match against FC Copenhagen, where they drew 1-1 away, despite numerous chances to win the match.

http://markting10.nl/

That result means tonight is a must-win match, and with William Hill pricing them at 1/3 (1.33) they have little doubts over the outcome. The same firm price the draw at 9/2 (5.50).

With the outright price of Juventus to short to touch, it's worth looking elsewhere for value in this fixture. A bet that stands out is both teams to find the net, with William Hill pricing it at 10/11 (1.91). This bet would have landed in five of Juventus's last six matches, as well as six of Galatasaray's last seven.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Melo marvels at Juventus midfield

The Brazilian believes the Bianconeri boast one of the finest central line-ups
of any teams in Europe and admits he still has a fondness for his former employers.

Oct 2, 2013

Galatasaray star Felipe Melo has hailed Juventus' midfield as one of the best in the world ahead of Wednesday's Champions League encounter in Turin and is hopeful of causing an upset against his former team.

http://markting10.nl/

The Brazilian midfielder was under contract with Juve between 2009 and 2013 before leaving the Serie A champions for Galatasaray on a permanent deal after already spending two seasons on loan at the Istanbul giants.

And the former Fiorentina man admits he is in awe of the current crop of midfield talent at coach Antonio Conte's disposal, which includes Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba.

http://markting10.nl/

"The Juventus midfield is one of the strongest around alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain's," Melo said at a press conference.

"When I was at Juve I never held back, and everyone knows that I always wore my heart on my sleeve in every game.

"I’m happy for my ex-team-mates because they’ve won a lot in these last two years, but saying that I hope to put in a good performance and bring home three points.

"Of course I’m still fond of Juventus because I spent two years here in which we also suffered a bit, and when you go through an experience like that you become emotionally attached. Now, though, I just want to do whatever’s required to help Galatasaray."

http://markting10.nl/

Galatasaray were beaten 6-1 by Real Madrid on matchday one, while Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Copenhagen. Wednesday's clash kicks off at 20:45CET.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Iaquinta: Tevez key for this Juve

Oct 2, 2013

Carlos Tevez will be vital for Juventus against Galatasaray this evening if fit, says Vincenzo Iaquinta.

http://markting10.nl/

The Argentine is a doubt for the Champions League game after picking up an ankle injury against Torino on Sunday.

“Tevez has settled in really well,” Iaquinta said to TMW when asked about the summer signing from Manchester City.

“I really hope that he does make it tonight.

“At this moment in time, Tevez really is so important for this Juventus side.”

http://markting10.nl/

The forward has scored three goals in 472 minutes in Serie A, across six appearances, so far this season.

Iaquinta, who is currently unemployed after his contract at Juve expired in the summer, was also asked about Sebastian Giovinco.

“It’s true that he hasn’t been given that much space, but he’s had his chances like in the derby against Torino,” the 2006 World Cup winner added.

“You have to have patience when you are part of a great squad. But if the quality is there then he’ll see action.”

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Melo still fond of Juventus

Oct 2, 2013

Galatasaray’s Felipe Melo will take on former club Juventus this evening – an outfit who he still has an affection for.

http://markting10.nl/

“When I was at Juve I never held back and everyone knows that I always wore my heart on my sleeve in every game,” the Brazilian noted ahead of the Champions League encounter in Turin.

“I’m happy for my former teammates because they’ve won a lot in these last two years, but saying that I hope to put in a good performance and bring home three points.

“I’m happy to be here because you don’t get to play at such a high level very often.”

http://markting10.nl/

Melo was netted by the Old Lady in the summer of 2009 from Fiorentina for a transfer fee of €24.5m. However, the 30-year-old moved to Galatasaray, initially on loan, in 2011.

“Of course I’m still fond of Juventus,” he added. “I spent two years here in which we suffered a bit, and when you go through an experience like that you become emotionally attached.

“Now, though, I just want to do whatever is required to help Galatasaray.”

Melo also conceded that the Juventus midfield, which he was once a part of, has stepped up in quality.

“It is one of the strongest in Europe alongside Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain,” he claimed.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Sarioglu confident of Gala win

Oct 2, 2013

Galatasaray defender Sabri Sarioglu is confident that his side can come away with three points at Juventus this evening.

http://markting10.nl/

The Turkish have travelled to Turin to face the Bianconeri, looking for their first Champions League win of the season.

“We suffered some bad luck [in their 6-1 defeat] against Real Madrid,” he told reporters.

http://markting10.nl/

“But we want to come home with a good result. We know it’ll be a tough game though.

“I trust my teammates and I know we can do it.”

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Juventus probable XI v Galatasaray

Oct 2, 2013

Mirko Vucinic and Carlos Tevez are set to be named in the Juventus starting XI against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

http://markting10.nl/

The Montenegro international has been struggling with fitness in recent weeks, while Tevez sustained an ankle injury in the 1-0 win over Torino on Sunday.

The duo, though, are tipped to spearhead the attack at the Juventus Stadium as the Italian champions look for their first Champions League win of the season.

Playmaker Andrea Pirlo will return to the side after he was rested at the weekend, while Paul Pogba is set to be selected over Claudio Marchisio.

http://markting10.nl/

New Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini is expected to field a 4-2-3-1 system on his debut.


JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Tevez.

GALATASARAY: Muslera; Riera, Chedjou, Semih Kaya, Eboue; Felipe Melo, Selcuk Inan; Bruma, Sneijder, Aydin Yilmaz; Drogba.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Mancini: 'I expect a tough battle'

Oct 2, 2013

Roberto Mancini expects “a tough battle” on his Galatasaray debut at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

The Coach only signed a three-year contract to replace Fatih Terim on Monday, but his first game is tonight in the Champions League back on Italian soil. Click here for the line-ups.

“I was Juventino when I was young. It’s a wonderful stadium and I hadn’t seen it yet, but I expect it’ll be a tough battle,” he told Sky Sport Italia at pitchside.

“Unfortunately it will take a few days for me to get to know the team. I’ve seen the players in two sessions, so we hope for the best. Taffarel and Tugay know them better, so they helped me to pick the team.”

http://markting10.nl/

Carlos Tevez shook off an ankle injury to start against his former Manchester City Coach.

“Juve are a great team and Carlos is a great player.”

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Juventus News – CL Full Force, Mancini & Melo Speak

Oct 2, 2013

Europe calls again, amici.

Let’s hope that this time, Juventus answer the challenge to their full, formidable capabilities.

http://markting10.nl/

Before the group stage began, many of us expressed hope that Juve would start this year’s campaign firing on all cylinders. Unfortunately, last month’s cosmically (and comically) frustrating draw in Copenhagen (talk about firing… and firing… and firing…) immediately made things “interesting” for our Bianconeri. The margin of error decreased by two precious points.

Now, hosting a CL match for the first time this season — and with back-to-back matches with Real Madrid up next—the Bianconeri simply must win on Wednesday evening. Nothing less will do.

Their opponents, Galatasaray, find themselves in a far more precarious position — which could very well make them more dangerous. Spanked 6-1 by Real Madrid on the first matchday after playing a superior first half, the Super Lig kings’ poor European form has been mirrored by domestic troubles, as they find themselves in 10th place. To make things even more ambiguous, Galatasaray number among them our old, frequently unhinged friend, Felipe Melo.

http://markting10.nl/

This week saw another plot twist (a very interesting one for Juventini), as the reeling Turkish champions replaced their manager with none other than our old Inter nemesis and recent coach of Carlos Tevez, Roberto Mancini. As if Juve (and Carlito) needed extra motivation…

And we haven’t even mentioned the return of Felipe Melo.

Welcome to another Champions League edition of STTBS!


Juve Lineup for CL: Full Force XI

Having rotated his squad in the last few weeks often to the detriment of Juve’s attack, Antonio Conte is leaving nothing to chance for Galatasaray.

The XI fielded on Wednesday evening will be the best, most physically fit “quality” players available.

http://markting10.nl/

First, the no-brainers: Gigi Buffon will start in goal, shielded by Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. On the wings, Kwadwo Asamoah and the indefatigable Stephan Lichtsteiner will provide the optimal attacking threat.

Andrea Pirlo will once again preside over the central midfield after sitting out this past weekend’s Torino Derby. Arturo Vidal will patrol the pitch as per usual, hopefully adding a goal for good measure. According to various reports from Italy, Paul Pogba will edge out Claudio Marchisio for the last midfield spot, since Pogba remains on fire and Claudio is understandably not fully 100-percent since returning from injury.

Up top, Carlos Tevez has reportedly “recovered” from his nasty ankle injury from a nasty Ciro Immobile tackle (way to make an impression on your other half, Ciro). Those same reports from Italy have him slated to start, although he didn’t train on Monday, and Conte is monitoring him right up to the last minute (see below). Mirko Vucinic is said to be narrowly favored over Fabio Quagliarella for Tevez’s strike partner.

There’s no mistaking it: Conte’s not playing around. Hopefully, his players won’t either.

FORZA JUVE!!!

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Tevez


Conte Needs a Win

Antonio Conte is well aware of the stakes for Wednesday’s encounter with Galatasaray.

Fail to win, and the Bianconeri will find themselves even further off the pace in Champions League Group B—and with two straight matches vs. Real Madrid on the horizon.

http://markting10.nl/

At the pre-match press conference (via Juventus.com), Conte called on his players — and the tifosi — to give their all:

We’ll require an intense performance because we need to win. It’s important for our prospects in the group which, given the results of the first matchday have shown Real to be a cut above the rest. Galatasaray have excellent players, and I’d like to call on our fans to make their voices heard and act as our twelfth man on the field of play.

Conte is theoretically happy to see Roberto Mancini coaching again, but is understandably wary of the variables (not to mention dangers) in playing a club with a brand-new coach:

It’s nice to have him back, also because it increases the number of Italian coaches in the Champions League. He’s enjoyed success both here and abroad and is one of the best in Europe, he deserves to be back in the dugout.

http://markting10.nl/

I would have preferred to meet him later on though, because when a team changes their manager it’s difficult to work out how they’re going to line up tactically. His arrival has certainly strengthened Galatasaray.

Conte also knows that Galatasaray’s thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid wasn’t as one-sided as the scoreline suggested:

The final scoreline didn’t reflect how the game panned out and therefore we’ll have to be extremely alert tomorrow night. Galatasaray should have been in front at the break but missed their chances before Real pounced. They had a great opportunity to draw level in the second half, but then Real did well to make the most of their chances and end the game with a comprehensive victory.

http://markting10.nl/

Speaking of making the most of scoring chances, Conte must be praying to anyone who will listen to avoid repeating that nightmarish shooting display in Copenhagen. For the press, however, he attempted to put that frustrating night in perspective:

We weren’t able to take advantage of the chances we created in Copenhagen. We weren’t particularly precise in front of goal, didn’t quite have that rub of the green and the goalkeeper was in fine form. We’ll view it as an off day, but I’d always prefer to have lots of chances and fail to score as opposed to not shooting at all.

Finally, Conte addressed his team selection for Wednesday evening. His only doubt in midfield pertains to his very difficult choice between Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba, both of whom he claims “need rest.” Unless Claudio is struggling for fitness, I don’t see how he would need more than Pogba, who has been playing continuously (and being continuously decisive) this season. Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez is expected to play according to various reports, but Conte is exercising caution up until kickoff:

I’ve got a slight doubt as far as the midfield’s concerned, as there are two players who could do with a rest, Pogba and Marchisio. Tevez didn’t train yesterday and we’ll continue to monitor him both today and tomorrow, I’d never pick a player who hobbles onto the pitch.

http://markting10.nl/

Mirko Vucinic has been relatively ineffective since suffering a knock over the international break, but is in running neck-and-neck with Fabio Quagliarella for a starting berth:

Vucinic? As I explained before the derby, he came back from international duty with a heavily bruised knee which prevented him from running normally and subsequently brought on this problem with his heel bone. He’s better now and is available for tomorrow. I’ll decide whether he features or not.

Hopefully, Tevez’s gruesome ankle injury has received constant treatment from the wizards at Vinovo (seriously, Ciro: Why? You’re a striker. Why tackle someone from behind?). Still, it would be far better for Carlos to miss this match than to reinjure or aggravate the ankle and sit out even longer. We’re desperate, but not that desperate.

http://markting10.nl/

Whoever starts the match, Conte should be able to rely on his starting XI to rise to such an occasion in front of an adoring crowd.

We can forgive the Copenhagen draw, maybe even laugh about it, if Juve handle their business with Galatasaray.

And it’s been a tense season so far — we need a laugh.


A Hungarian Affair (Watch Out, Pogba!)

Champions League officials are usually unknown quantities, compared to their domestic counterparts.

Whereas every Serie A match features an arbitro saddled with good or bad history, allowing us to either dream of a smooth, free-flowing match or brace ourselves for some abominable outrage, we rarely know what to expect from a Continental referee.

http://markting10.nl/

As far as Wednesday evening’s official, Hungarian Viktor Kassai, is concerned, our knowledge is limited to one recent high-profile match — and an event more recent expulsion of one of our own.

As Juventus.com notes, Kassai has never presided over a Juventus match. However, he is used to handling immense pressure on the biggest football stages, having worked the Barcelona-Manchester United 2011 Champions League final at only 36 — still the record for the youngest referee to oversee a “title-deciding game” (which I imagine encompasses the World Cup final as well). Even a night in the compressed, intense atmosphere at Juventus Stadium will be small stakes next to that.

Unfortunately, his sole, tangential encounter with all things Bianconeri was his expulsion of Paul Pogba last March in France’s 1-0 loss to Spain. Paul received two yellow cards, the last being a very generous call (thanks to a very big flop by Xavi). Pogba was understandably unhappy and ironically applauded Kassai as he left the pitch. Right or wrong, Paul might want to be on his best behavior on Wednesday: A referee may need thick skin, but a short memory isn’t required.

http://markting10.nl/

Kassai’s linesman will be György Ring and Vencel Toth, who should be in a metal band if they’re not already. The fourth official will be Robert Kispal, who I’m guessing will periodically hold up the Ironic Applause Meter.


Know the Enemy (We Know Two Very Well…)

Loath as we may be to empathize with the plight of an old enemy, we must admit that Roberto Mancini has stepped into a very difficult situation.

He will be coaching Galatasaray against Juventus in a fixture crucial to his club’s Champions League future — and he met his players for the first time on Monday.

His remarks at the press conference (via Juventus.com) reveal a man who cheerfully has very little idea of the task ahead:


http://markting10.nl/

For me it will be quite strange, because I met the squad for the first time yesterday and I don’t have a magic wand.

Of course, the last time we dealt with Mancini, he was leading a Farsopoli-enhanced Inter to domestic “glory” (that even hard to type ironically). But the intervening years, in which Roberto represented Italian football abroad at Manchester City, have perhaps softened the antipathy, and Mancini attempted to further repair relations by maintaining his boyhood love for La Vecchia Signora:

Making my return to the Champions League against Juventus is a wonderful thing for me, and I think that any controversy that might have occurred in the past has now disappeared, not least because I myself was born a Juventus fan and remained so right up until I was 13 or 14.

We’ll come up against a great team, who have improved a great deal over the past two years thanks to Antonio Conte’s efforts. It will be very hard for us.

Another irony regarding tonight’s match concerns Mancini’s reunion with his former charge, Carlos Tevez. You’ll remember that they famously fell out for a few months last season, though Roberto has had nothing but kind words for him since. That hasn’t changed:

I’m happy to be meeting him again after just four months because we always had an extraordinary relationship and we won three titles together at Manchester City. He’s a great player and I don’t think he’ll pull out because of an ankle injury.

http://markting10.nl/

Now enough about Mancini: It’s time for the main event.

Felipe Melo had a strange career at Juventus, mostly owing to the fact that he was very strange himself. Admittedly, his tenure in Turin coincided with an infamously frustrating period in the club’s history (the DYBC — Dark Years Before Conte). Still, Felipe managed to do his fair share of frustrating, spoiling superior performances with raw, underwhelming ones, getting sent off for petulant behavior, and — the low point and kiss of death — bickering with fans.

For his part, Felipe is content to remember Juve fondly, despite — or because of — the bad times:

Of course I’m still fond of Juventus because I spent two years here in which we also suffered a bit, and when you go through an experience like that you become emotionally attached. Now, though, I just want to do whatever’s required to help Galatasaray.

When I was at Juve I never held back, and everyone knows that I always wore my heart on my sleeve in every game. I’m happy for my ex-team-mates because they’ve won a lot in these last two years, but saying that I hope to put in a good performance and bring home three points.

http://markting10.nl/

It’s easy to forget that his permanent move from Juventus was only sealed before this very season, though he never seemed close to returning from exile-on-loan. And even though Melo never invoked the wrath of the tifosi on the level of, say, Jonathan Zebina, it’s nevertheless indicative of his uneasy rapport with the fans that no one ever took to the streets to petition for his return.

Still, here’s hoping that the home crowd will afford a classy, benign reception for an ex-Juventino who was the wrong man at the wrong club, at the worst of time.


Turkish Encounters in Turin

Juve have hosted Galatasaray twice before. Both fixtures were the opening match in the group stage of their respective year, and both were galvanizing Bianconeri victories.

The first took place during the 1998-99 campaign, in which Juve ultimately lost in the semifinals to Manchester United by a single goal. From the official site:


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Marcello Lippi put out a strong team that included Didier Deschamps, Edgar Davids, Filippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero, but it was a difficult evening for Juventus in truth.

One of the most breathtaking goals of Inzaghi’s career – a wonderful overhead kick on the turn from distance – meant the Bianconeri started well, but the sending off of Angelo Peruzzi severely complicated things.

A man down for the best part of an hour, Juve were unable to hold off the Turks’ pressure, and Hakan Sukur got an equaliser. Things got worse when Umit Davala (now Galatasaray’s assistant manager) put the visitors in front, but with Juve needing a heroic recovery, in the end Alessandro Birindelli rose to the challenge with a powerful header into the back of the Galatasaray net from a free kick.

Several years later, the two clubs would meet again, when our beloved bandiera would rescue three points from a stubborn Turkish side:

The two sides came together for a second time at the Stadio delle Alpi in 2003-04, when their clash once again began the season’s European campaign.

http://markting10.nl/

And just like five years previously, it was a touchline battle between Lippi and opposition manager Fatih Terim. The Italian did as before and sent out a strong line-up, including current captain Gigi Buffon, but it was again Hakan Sukur who proved Juve’s foil.

The all-time Turkish Super Lig top scorer got the goal for the visitors, but it was in vain because of the brilliance of Del Piero, who stuck away two stunning goals either side of Sukur’s to secure the Bianconeri’s first three European points that year.

Spells of suffering punctuated by moments of sublime quality. Sound familiar these days?

We could do without the suffering this time around, but we need the quality now more than ever.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Line-ups: Juventus-Galatasaray

Oct 2, 2013

Carlos Tevez has shaken off an ankle injury to start with Paul Pogba, as Juventus host Roberto Mancini’s Galatasaray.

http://markting10.nl/

The Champions League Group B game kicks off in Turin at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). The Bianconeri have one point after their 1-1 draw away to Copenhagen, while the Istanbul club lost 6-1 to Real Madrid.

That result and a contract dispute prompted Galatasaray to fire Fatih Terim and Mancini signed a three-year contract on Monday, so this will be his debut on the bench.

Ex-Fiorentina, Inter and Manchester City Coach Mancini admitted it was a “happy coincidence” his first game should be on Italian soil against Juventus and his former City star Tevez.

http://markting10.nl/

There were fears Tevez would not be able to play tonight after he emerged from the Turin Derby with a swollen and bleeding ankle, but he has shaken off that problem to take his place in the starting XI alongside Mirko Vucinic.

Andrea Pirlo returns following a rest against Torino, so Pogba pushes Claudio Marchisio on to the bench.

Galatasaray are without Hamit Altintop and Eray Iscan, but Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba are fit to start.

Ex-Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo and former Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera also step out in Turin.

The Istanbul side have not won in their 10 visits to Italy, picking up just four draws. They played Juventus twice in Turin, earning a 2-2 stalemate in 1998-99 and losing 2-1 in 2003-04.


JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Tevez

Juventus bench: Storari, Ogbonna, Peluso, Isla, Marchisio, Llorente, Quagliarella


GALATASARAY: Muslera; Riera, Chedjou, Semih Kaya, Eboue; Felipe Melo, Selcuk Inan; Bruma, Sneijder, Hakan Balta; Drogba

Galatasaray bench: Ufuk Ceylan, Gokhan Zan, Sabri Sanoglu, Engin Baytar, Burak Yilmaz, Umut Bulut, Amrabat.

[Socrates 8022]

JUVENTUS - GALATASARAY

October 2, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

HT 0-1: Drogba shocks Juventus

Oct 2, 2013

Didier Drogba pounced on a defensive howler to give Galatasaray a shock half-time lead at the Juventus Stadium after Mirko Vucinic limped off.

http://markting10.nl/

Carlos Tevez shook off an ankle injury to start with Mirko Vucinic, while Andrea Pirlo returned after he was rested for the Turin Derby. Galatasaray sacked Coach Fatih Terim due to a 6-1 defeat to Real Madrid and a contract dispute, so Roberto Mancini made his debut just two days after signing a three-year contract. Having barely even met the squad, he dropped Burak Yilmaz in favour of lone striker Didier Drogba, ex-Inter man Wesley Sneijder and former Juve flop Felipe Melo. Hamit Altintop and Eray Iscan missed out.

The pressure was on Juventus to win after a surprise 1-1 draw away to FC Copenhagen, but it was a relatively cagey start. Paul Pogba attempted an audacious overhead kick from Arturo Vidal’s cross, but barely made contact with the ball.

Gigi Buffon needed quick reactions and used his foot to deny a Drogba strike at the base of the near post, as the ex-Chelsea man was going to score from the tightest of angles. Bruma also tested Buffon, though this smother was simple.

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Vucinic ran on to a wonderful Pirlo ball over the top, but stumbled and then collapsed clutching the back of his leg. The Montenegrin limped off for Fabio Quagliarella, while in the same move Semih Kaya also picked up an injury.

Quagliarella could easily have won a penalty with practically his first touch, as he prodded a Tevez pull-back wide from close range due to a shove in the back by fellow substitute Gokhan Zan.

Tevez and Stephan Lichtsteiner shots were charged down in the box, as the Bianconeri began to pile on the pressure.

http://markting10.nl/

However, just as Juve seemed ready to find the breakthrough, it was Galatasaray who opened the scoring. Leonardo Bonucci’s dismal backpass was intercepted by Drogba and Buffon came tearing out, but the Ivorian kept his cool to deposit into an empty net. It was Drogba’s third career goal past Juventus and for the fifth time this season conceded the first goal.

Tevez fought back immediately, his scorching strike on the turn whistling just wide, but Sneijder also volleyed well over from a promising position. Kwadwo Asamoah’s powerful effort was straight at ex-Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and Quagliarella did the same when redirecting Lichtsteiner’s cross from point-blank range.


Juventus 0-1 Galatasaray (Half-Time)

Scorers: Drogba 36 (G)


JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic (Quagliarella 26), Tevez

GALATASARAY: Muslera; Riera, Chedjou, Semih Kaya (Gokhan Zan 25), Eboue; Felipe Melo, Selcuk Inan; Bruma, Sneijder, Hakan Balta; Drogba

Ref: Kassai (HUN)