Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 7981]

ATLETICO 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

-

A. Turan 74'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Vicente Calderón - Madrid
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juanfran: Atletico haven't
achieved anything yet

The Rojiblancos full-back was tentatively pleased with how they saw off the threat
from the Italian champions but stressed the hard Champions League work is far from over.

Oct 2, 2014

Juanfran has warned Atletico Madrid haven't "achieved anything yet" after defeating Juventus 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Spanish champions got up and running in this year's competition courtesy of Arda Turan's late strike, extending their impressive home record and recovering from their defeat at Olympiakos in their opening group game two weeks ago.

Diego Simeone's men avoided defeat in European action at the Vicente Calderon last season and inflicted Juve's first defeat of the campaign on Wednesday.

However, the experienced Juanfran, who supplied the assist for Turan's goal, has warned there is still room for improvement after a scrappy contest.

"It was a very passionate game against one of the best teams in Europe. We played really well and we deserved the victory," he told reporters.

"Juve are a great team. We still have a lot of work to do; we still haven't achieved anything yet.

"Before the game we said that Juventus were a great team. Their plan was to play long balls and our plan was the same as always: to work hard and keep working hard all game.

"The fact we didn't concede any goals says a lot about our team."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

[Socrates 7981]

ATLETICO 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

-

A. Turan 74'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Vicente Calderón - Madrid
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus as good as Real
Madrid and Barcelona - Simeone

The Argentine says the Italians are one of the best teams around
after witnessing them at first hand on Wednesday evening.

Oct 2, 2014

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone believes Juventus are on a par with Barcelona and Real Madrid after guiding his side to a 1-0 win over the Serie A champions in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Turkish midfielder Arda Turan scored the only goal of the game in the 74th minute at the Vicente Calderon stadium to hand Massimiliano Allegri's side their first defeat of the season.

But Simeone, whose Atletico side won the Spanish title last season to end Barca’s and Real's 10-year duopoly, was impressed by Juventus.

"For me they are at the level of Madrid or Barcelona," said the Argentine.

"Watching the videos over and over, they are one of the hardest teams I have seen to attack or cause damage against.

"They have two magnificent strikers, full-backs or wingers that attack and defend, brilliant players in midfield and an enormous goalkeeper that everyone knows."

Wednesday's result leaves every team in Group A tied on three points after Malmo shocked Olympiakos 2-0 in Sweden.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

[Socrates 7981]

ATLETICO 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

-

A. Turan 74'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Vicente Calderón - Madrid
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Atletico Madrid vs. Juventus: Lessons

Learned from Champions League Game

Oct 2, 2014

"It is a final, as is the next La Liga game against Valencia, and then the game against Espanyol," said Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, per ESPN, before his team faced Juventus at the Vicente Calderon.

The mantra was repeated continually last year, as his team reached the Champions League final and won the La Liga title.

Like on those many occasions, it wasn't technically a final, but it was a very important match for a side that had lost their opening game of the competition.

Juventus had a fantastic start to the tournament as they beat Malmo 2-0.

They have underachieved in recent seasons, with the feeling that they are now in their best shape to make a real impact.

Here are the lessons learnt from their encounter:


Koke Is Ready for the Next Step

The Atletico Madrid midfielder has shown his ability in the last two years as both a No. 10 and when placed out wide.

With Gabi missing through an ankle injury and Mario Suarez out of form, it was a huge night for the playmaker as he dropped deeper into a central position.

The strength of Juventus' midfield is common knowledge, and even though Koke's side had less of the ball he was the standout player in this area.

Arturo Vidal still looks short of match fitness, and Paul Pogba was a figure of frustration, as he failed to influence the game.

Koke completed more passes in the attacking third than any other player and created three goalscoring opportunities in a very tight contest, via FourFourTwo Stats Zone.


Juventus Can Concede Goals

The Italian's back three has still to be breached in Serie A this season; along with the win over Malmo they stood at six matches without conceding.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon hasn't been called upon that regularly, and the veteran had a fairly quiet night once more.

He will be disappointed, then, that his clean sheets record has come to an end.

The cross from Juanfran was inch-perfect, but there was no pressure on the cross, and the full-back had plenty of time to pick his spot.

With the system utilised by Massimiliano Allegri and his predecessor, Antonio Conte, it seems the most probable way to score against them is via crosses into the box.


Mandzukic's Presence Alone Causes Problems

The big Croatian started the match wearing a protective face mask after fracturing his nose in his team's defeat at Olympiakos.

It lasted barely a quarter-hour, as Mario Mandzukic ripped the guard from his head.

Against three physical defenders, the forward made a constant nuisance of himself and relished the battle.

Leonardo Bonucci singled him out for some special attention at one stage, but there was no sign of any moaning about the situation.

His attempted backheel caught the fingertips of Arturo Vidal in the penalty area, but any appeal was quickly waved away.

There wasn't much service into him, and most of the passes he received were in wide areas by the halfway line.

However, his presence caused problems, and it was his diagonal run that gave Arda Turan the space to score the only goal of the game.


Turan Scores Important Goals

Arda Turan is a fantastically gifted individual, and his work rate is superb.

If there was one criticism of the Turkish international heading into this season, it's that he doesn't score enough goals.

He hasn't hit double figures since he arrived in Spain, although he did reach the figure twice for Galatasaray.

However, Turan does score decisive goals. He was on target in the semi-final win over Chelsea last term and grabbed the winner in the Madrid derby recently.

This was another prime example of Turan taking responsibility for his side on the big occasion.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

[Socrates 7981]

ATLETICO 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

-

A. Turan 74'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Vicente Calderón - Madrid
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Atlético Madrid 1-0 Juventus:
Bianconeri stumble in Madrid

Juventus' winning streak was ended at Vicente Calderon as Atletico Madrid won
1-0 after a cagey match and another Diego Simeone-inspired victory for the home side.

Oct 2, 2014

When the traditional Zurich draw for the group stages put together the first pieces of the 2014-2015 Champions League jigsaw, this match was seen as the group A finale. Last season’s surprise runner-up, Atletico Madrid, were placed next to Juventus, Olympiakos and Swedish debutants Malmö. On paper, the two teams that have just locked horns seemed to be one class above the others and were expected to battle for the first spot, promising to spark some fireworks in their meetings.

They did not disappoint, but the fireworks were not quite what we expected.

As always, tactics was the big debate before the game. How will Juventus’ backline stop the powerful Mario Mandzukic? Will the Bianconeri be able to turn to advantage their superiority in midfield and how will they cope with the high-pressing game style of Atletico? But this game was not all about tactics. Diego Simeone managed to infuse again his gladiatorial temperament through the ranks of his players, running alongside them at the edge of the pitch and inciting the crowds to support their team. He’s been way more proactive than his counterpart Max Allegri, whose careful approach was reflected by his lacklustre side.

The home fans present on Vicente Calderon made sure Juventus’ biggest test of the season so far takes place in an atmosphere which resembles the inferno. The result? I would assume it’s not really a passing mark, but the Old Lady will get a re-sit two months from now in Turin. Despite dominating possession, Juventus were not clinical enough and couldn’t create too much throughout the game, missing that cutting edge on the final third. Atletico’s high pressure gave Bianconeri few options and even less space to dictate the play, hence the lack of chances; but some creativity should have emanated regardless what the opponent had done and here is where Andrea Pirlo’s absence was really felt.

However, it is a loss from which Juventus can learn a lot. In the end, we are talking about the team that won last year’s La Liga title and was just seconds away from a historic double in the Champions League final. The Old Lady is still first in the group and has just played arguably the most difficult match from this phase of the competition. Qualification should still be relatively easy secured, but Allegri has to figure out why it didn’t work for his team tonight and sort things out sooner rather than later. The next big game against Roma is just around the corner.


MATCH SUMMARY

There was very little action in a first half marked by tension and countless interrupting of play, where neither team took any risks, with Juventus having a sterile possession of the ball. Leonardo Bonucci received an early yellow for an elbow on Mandzukic in the 12th minute.

The Croat was the first to test Gianluigi Buffon after 25 minutes, with a powerful shot from 20 yards out, when Arturo Vidal needlessly complicated himself and lost possession just outside the box. The shot wasn’t placed well enough and Buffon parried it away to safety.

Shortly afterwards came Juventus’ response through Paul Pogba, who found a bit of space near Atletico’s penalty area and tried to find the far corner with a placed shot, only for the ball to fly wide of the post.

Juventus imposed a higher tempo at the start of the second half but chances failed to occur. As the midfield was packed with players from both teams, Simeone decided to make his first change shortly after the break, introducing Antoine Griezman for Saul, a change which made Atletico more present on the counters.

On the hour mark, after one of the countless crosses the Spanish side tried, a deflected ball hit Martin Caceres hand in the penalty area, but referee decided against pointing to the spot and waved play on, despite the vehement protests of the home side.

Atletico's urgency on crosses for their Croat target man paid off eventually and with 15 minutes before full time, Arda Turan scored the only goal of the game. The Turk took Stephan Lichtsteiner’s face at the far post to turn home a ball delivered by Juanfran.

Allegri reacted immediately after the goal, replacing Caceres with Roberto Pereyra, and shortly thereafter Arturo Vidal with Alvaro Morata, but it turned out to be late. The Bianconeri pressed for the equalizer goal with no success, as Atletico broke the play whenever had the chance, and the away side had to return to Turin without any points.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon: 6.5 The club captain was only tested by Mandzukic’s first-half shot and dealt with every cross confidently. There was nothing he could have done to prevent the goal.

Caceres: 6.5 Having just recovered from injury, he was one of the best performers of the night, winning most of his aerial duels, except the one that lead to the goal, though he can’t be blamed for it.

Bonucci: 6.5 Received a silly yellow card early on, but looked steady at the back.

Chiellini: 7 Had the most touches of the ball (108) and this says a lot about Juventus’ game. Played a great first half and managed to block Raul Garcia for most of the game.

Lichtsteiner: 6 Lost his man on the goal and had no impact on Juventus’ attacks whatsoever. Below-par performance from the Swiss.

Vidal: 6 Looked lethargic on the ball and played quite a few wrong passes. It wasn’t the best night for the Chilean, who didn’t show any of his trademark runs behind the defenders.

Marchisio: 6.5 Quiet game for the deep-lying playmaker. Was forced to play several long balls which lead to nothing, but had the best pass accuracy from the team.

Pogba: 6.5 Created Juventus’ only chance in the game, but was often left frustrated, committing lots of fouls. Couldn’t impose his physical presence in an extra-crowded midfield.

Evra: 6 Was often caught in an advanced position, especially at the goal when Juanfran had enough time to prepare his cross. Didn’t create anything in attack either.

Tevez: 6.5 Tried a few individual actions but was dispossessed too often. The Argentine had no space to link-up with Llorente.

Llorente: 6.5 Although he kept trying to hold up the ball and create space for teammates, the Spaniard had no attempts on goal or key passes. It was another frustrating performance from him.


Subs

Pereyra: 6 Came in for the last 15 minutes with no effect.

Morata: 6 Replaced Llorente 10 minutes from time, but only to receive a yellow card.

Giovinco: N/A Introduced with little time left to play. Got booked


Coach

Allegri: 6.5 The Italian made a typical cautious approach to a game where Juventus had to prove they belong to Europe’s best and a draw would have been a good, fair result for him. Juventus was unlucky to concede such a cheap goal with just 15 minutes left to play, which gave Allegri little time to react. However, he couldn’t mount players to push for a goal when needed, as there was chaos on the pitch near the end of the game.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

[Socrates 7981]

ATLETICO 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

-

A. Turan 74'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Vicente Calderón - Madrid
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Massimiliano Allegri dismisses Arrigo
Sacchi claims Juve played for draw

Oct 2, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri dismissed claims his side played for a draw at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night, suggesting critic Arrigo Sacchi had been "watching a different game."

Juve, who have a 100 percent record in Serie A, lost 1-0 to Atletico in the Spanish capital as Arda Turan scored the only goal of the game.

Former AC Milan boss Sacchi accused the Italian champions afterwards of being too negative, leading Allegri to hit back on Mediaset telelvision as the pair held a heated discussion

"Either you were watching a different game, or I've seen a different one," Allegri replied. "You and I have two different footballing philosophies. We were trying to limit Atletico's strengths by controlling the ball. We had a lot of possession."

Sacchi asked if the possession game equated to playing for a draw, to which Allegri said: "No, we played to win. We just didn't manage it.

"We played a good game technically and didn't concede much. It wasn't easy because they defend well and don't give you much room. We had three or four big chances in the first half and we just got a few passes wrong."

On the eve of the game, the Juve coach had said it was "in the club's DNA to play to win matches" and that they would never settle for second best.

In order to do that in Europe, though, they need to gamble a bit more, according to captain Gianluigi Buffon.

"It was an even game where we didn't create a great deal, but we didn't play badly either," he said. "We could have got a draw out of it, but now we've got to look at how we can improve away from home, where we need to cause a few more problems than we are doing. We've got to be more daring, even if we then take into account that we risk conceding more. Then we'll see where it gets us in the end."

The defeat did not deprive Juve of top spot in Group A -- thanks to goal difference -- with Atletico, Malmo and Olympiakos also having picked up three points from their first two matches.

Juve travel next to Piraeus to face Olympiakos before hosting the Greek side in November. A trip to Malmo follows before the Old Lady end their group-stage campaign at home to last season's runners-up Atletico.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

[Socrates 7981]

ATLETICO 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

-

A. Turan 74'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Vicente Calderón - Madrid
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus beaten but not scarred

Juventus suffered a first defeat of the season, going down in Madrid.
Luca Cetta assesses the loss and looks ahead to the showdown with Roma.

Oct 2, 2014

If it was football you were after on Wednesday evening, the Estadio Vicente Calderon was not the place to dish it up. It served a battle which at times resembled a football match, but its trademark was a final tally of 49 fouls – the most in the competition since 2009. Yet with two sides desperate to win, committed to the cause and not willing to give an inch, something of this nature was to be expected. It came down to the minute details, with Arda Turan able to get ahead of Stephan Lichtsteiner and steer Juanfran Torres’ cross past Gianluigi Buffon.

For Giorgio Chiellini it was an unjust result: “We leave here with regrets, as we deserved at least a point.” In truth, not a whole lot separated the two sides. Last season’s runners-up displayed the same spirit and determination prevalent throughout Diego Simeone’s reign, their harassing and hurrying restricting the Bianconeri to five attempts – none of which troubled Miguel Angel Moya.

That inability to get Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez into dangerous positions made for an uphill battle once Juve fell behind. Captain Buffon felt Juve had to be bolder: “We have to improve in order to create more opportunities. We probably had to be braver to go for the victory.” Massimiliano Allegri said afterwards he was wary of counter-attacks and asked his players to be patient in possession – a feature this season – but they could not impose their will against a ferocious Atletico side.

The Turin outfit did as Arrigo Sacchi suggested pre-game and ‘brought the battle to them’, Allegri’s men eager to take full advantage of Atleti’s loss in Greece a fortnight ago. But Turan’s goal leaves the group wide open, with all four clubs on three points thanks also to Malmo’s win over Olympiacos.

And as Chiellini noted after the match, what happens next time out against the Greeks will shape the group. “We knew the group would be very balanced, now in three weeks we have an important trip to Athens that will say a lot about what we can do in this group.” Atletico’s loss in Greece proves it won’t be easy. Juve have also lost their last three away matches in this competition.

Turan’s goal was significant in that it was the first time the Old Lady had conceded this season following six clean sheets, leading to a first loss. Buffon had not picked the ball out of the net in Juve colours since April. And as he reminded, every detail is vital in this competition: “It was a very even game. In this competition, though, the small details are decisive.”

Before thinking about Olympiacos, there’s the small matter of Sunday’s top of the table Serie A showdown. Only goal difference separates Juve and Roma with both enjoying blistering starts. The Giallorossi will be brimming with confidence after Tuesday’s impressive performance in Manchester and bring an entirely different plan of attack to the table. From the bruising battle in Spain, Juve now face a fluid Lupi side eager to secure an early psychological blow in the Scudetto race – and they’ll do so with a day less rest. It’s a big test too for Allegri and the first of this nature during his time in Turin. How he reacts to the loss will be as of much interest as that of the players’ reaction.

Should Juve triumph it will be their 22nd consecutive home victory in Serie A, a new outright record. They currently share the mark with Bianconeri predecessors of 1946-47 and Il Grande Torino a season later.

To continue the winning start the Old Lady will need to quickly recover in mind, body and spirit to face the different – but equally difficult – challenge that awaits. How they bounce back will tell us much about the squad and the man leading them.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

[Socrates 7981]

ATLETICO 1 - 0 JUVENTUS

-

A. Turan 74'

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - 08:45 P.M.
Estadio Vicente Calderón - Madrid
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Massimiliano Allegri with Much to Prove
After Atletico Madrid Defeat

Oct 2, 2014

It is now October, but his presence on the bench remains almost as jarring as the neon-green kit his team sported last night. Massimiliano Allegri was appointed coach of Juventus on July 16, yet it still seems strange to see him in charge of the Turin giants almost four months later.

Part of that juxtaposition is his recent history with Milan, while the remainder is certainly due to the name of his predecessor. Antonio Conte was as synonymous with Juve as the famous black-and-white stripes they traditionally sport, and lead them to unprecedented success over the last three seasons.

In ending each of those campaigns by winning the Serie A title, Conte's three consecutive crowns was a feat even Giovanni Trapattoni and Marcello Lippi never managed. In taking over from the former club captain, Allegri was clearly attempting an unenviable task, stepping in for a man so beloved by fans of La Madama.

His first five games went better than even her most ardent supporters could have hoped. Five wins, five clean sheets, and 12 goals scored, strikes which even included the end of Carlos Tevez's widely discussed Champions League drought.

Yet as the referee blew the full-time whistle at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday evening, it felt as if Allegri's real test had just begun. The previous 90 minutes had seen the team labour to a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, a drab match playing out before an underwhelmed audience.

He will not be the last coach to see his side undone by Diego Simeone's Spanish champions, particularly in their own stadium. Last year's losing finalists are consistently able to impose their will on games and are never intimidated, either domestically or on the continent as their incredible 2013-14 campaign conclusively proved.

If there is no shame in conceding such a narrow defeat to Atletico, what matters now is how Allegri lifts his team, a situation he has yet to face since landing in Turin. The coach will know the importance of an instant return to winning, particularly for a team that has so rarely tasted defeat.

That need to rebound immediately is even more pronounced this week, joint-leaders Roma visiting Juventus Stadium on Sunday in a tie which could ultimately decide the destination of the Scudetto. The Bianconeri will need a positive result, for a number of reasons, each as vital as the next to their quest for even greater glory this term.

Three points against the Giallorossi would not only give them a serious advantage in the title race, but it would serve notice that they remain the team to beat on the peninsula. Given that both Juve and Roma seem to routinely beat Serie A’s other sides, it would also allow them some breathing room as they prepare for their next Champions League outing.

More than both those factors however, is what a win there would mean for Allegri as he continues trying to win over a fanbase still hugely skeptical about his appointment. The coach himself identified Europe as the one place where he could improve upon Conte’s remarkable record, a matter discussed in detail here.

The ease with which they overcame Malmo in their first Group A fixture gave credence to those hopes, particularly as they had previously struggled against fellow Scandinavian sides Nordsjaelland and FC Copenhagen. Yet now, having lost in their first real test, the pressure on Allegri to deliver in Europe will be greater than ever and he will come under even greater scrutiny.

He is perhaps fortunate the toughest task of this pool is now behind him, and can prepare for back-to-back fixtures against Olympiakos knowing two wins would almost guarantee passage to the knockout stage. The Serie A schedule has also been kind, with four of their next six matches coming against the lowest-placed sides in the league; Empoli, Palermo, Sassuolo and Parma.

With the squad boasting more depth than in previous years, the coach should comfortably be able to rotate and rest players during that spell and still achieve the required results. Massimiliano Allegri clearly knows what is expected of him, but the time to prove he belongs at Juventus has now arrived.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group?ICID=MP_TN_166

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Rocchi to whistle Juve-Roma

Oct 2, 2014

The referees for Week 6 of Serie A have been confirmed, with Gianluca Rocchi awarded the clash between Juventus and Roma.

The two sides meet at Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening both with 100 per cent records after five rounds of Serie A and widely seen as the two candidates to win this year’s Scudetto.

For the key game of the round, Florence native Gianluca Rocchi will officiate, on from arbitrating Arsenal’s Champions League match with Galatasaray in midweek.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina-Inter has been handed to Paolo Tagliavento and Napoli-Torino will be handled by Davide Massa.


Week 6 referees

Piero Giacomelli - Verona-Cagliari

Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni - Milan-Chievo

Nicola Rizzoli - Empoli-Palermo

Dino Tommasi - Lazio-Sassuolo

Daniele Doveri - Parma-Genoa

Massimiliano Irrati - Sampdoria-Atalanta

Maurizio Mariani - Udinese-Cesena

Gianluca Rocchi - Juventus-Roma

Paolo Tagliavento - Fiorentina-Inter

Davide Massa - Napoli-Torino

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Roma chief Pallota bullish
ahead of Juventus showdown

The American has taken great encouragement out of his side's 1-1 draw at Manchester City
and is optimistic about the Giallorossi's chances of getting a good result in Turin.

Oct 2, 2014

Roma president James Pallotta is heading into Sunday's top-of-table clash at Juventus with high expectations, declaring that his side "can compete with the best in the world".

The second-placed Giallorossi have not secured a Serie A win over the Old Lady in Turin since January 2010 but go into the match in good form.

Rudi Garcia's side had won all their games this season before Francesco Totti's goal secured an impressive 1-1 draw at Manchester City in the Champions League in midweek.

Meanwhile, Juve slipped to their first defeat of the season at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's trip to the Juventus Stadium, Pallotta said: "The result will depend on many factors, but we can compete with all the teams in the world.

"If you consider that immediately after the goal [we conceded] in Manchester we reacted with great pride, it makes me hope for the best.

"This is the team we have been trying to build for over three years now, with all the leaders and with Rudi."

Both teams have perfect league records heading into Sunday's match and are tied together at the top of the table on 15 points.

Juve lead on goal difference, as they are yet to concede in five Serie A matches this season.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Tacchinardi: Juve impressed me

Oct 2, 2014

Alessio Tacchinardi liked what he saw from Juventus at Atletico Madrid and backs the team’s strength in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri were frustrated in the Spanish capital and came away with a 1-0 defeat from the second round of Champions League group stage action last night.

Whilst scrutiny has fallen on the fact the team were defeated, one of their former midfield men sees the positive.

“I am on Allegri’s side, as I liked the team that I saw at the Calderon,” Tacchinardi, who won the 1996 Champions League with the Old Lady, has told Tuttomercatoweb.

“Atletico are very good at not allowing their opponents to play, instead making the most of their defensive strength.

“Criticism is often determined by the result, but I think that the development of the game itself has to be taken into account.

“Atletico are a team that have stopped even Barcelona and Real Madrid, have won La Liga and reached the final of the Champions League.

“The victory of Simeone’s men came from their only offensive move up the field. The Argentine Coach was good to realise that in an open game they would have lost.

“A drew would have been fairer? Yes. Juve have played as usual, but in front of them was not Cesena, Udinese, Atalanta or Milan.”

Fernando Llorente’s goalless start to the season has come in for questioning too.

“To date, the only striker to score is Tevez, if we exclude the goal from Morata in the 3-0 at Atalanta. Llorente last year proved to have a slow start at an athletic level, but is nevertheless working for the team. In any case, yesterday was awfully difficult to break that defence.

“Can Tevez, Morata and Llorente co-exist? I believe that with a diamond midfield in a 3-4-1-2 that it is feasible, because Morata has characteristics that are different to those of Llorente and Tevez.”

Tacchinardi reflected on where this Juventus side really are in Europe this term.

“Yesterday, Simeone said something important, that Juventus are the strongest team in the group.

“This is not a lie, he’s an old fox, but is aware that this Atletico is not the same as last year, but that Juventus are also not the same as the one eliminated by Galatasaray last year.

“To not advance from the group would be a failure for this Juventus.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Bonucci Looking Ahead To
Juventus’ Clash With Roma

Oct 2, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci is keen to turn his attention to Sunday’s Scudetto clash against Roma following Wednesday night’s Champions League disappointment.

Juventus were defeated 1-0 by Atletico Madrid in a high tempo clash at the Estadio Vicente Calderon, but the Italian defender is eager to put the result behind him.

“Too bad. Everything remains in balance,” he wrote on his Twitter account.

“Now head to Sunday.”

Juventus face Roma in a top of the table clash at the Juventus Stadium, with both teams having won all their Serie A matches so far this season.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Pallotta: Roma can play everyone

Oct 2, 2014

James Pallotta has enthused at Roma’s reaction at Manchester City and says ahead of facing Juventus the team can compete with anyone.

The Giallorossi played out a 1-1 draw at the City of Manchester Stadium on Tuesday evening in the second round of the Champions League group stage.

It was a performance from team and fans alike that has their President still enthusiastic today.

“I’m proud of the section of Roma fans who were in Manchester. They have been a great assistance for the 90 minutes and to see them filled my heart,” Pallotta has reflected on Roma Radio.

“This is what we have been trying to do for over three years now, on the part of the all the directors and now with Rudi, and to think that the other evening we were missing some major players - it has been really important.

“If you think that immediately after the goal from Manchester City, with great pride we reacted immediately with the chance from Maicon and the other opportunities, and this gives me hope for the better.”

The match with City has come just before a key Serie A clash at Juventus this coming weekend.

“The result will depend on many factors, but we have the knowledge that we can play with all the teams in the world.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Chiellini: 'Juve did well in Madrid'

Oct 2, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini insists Juventus put in a “good” performance against Atletico Madrid and are ready for Roma.

The Bianconeri were beaten 1-0 in the Champions League last night, despite keeping 62 per cent possession at the Vicente Calderon.

“Fundamentally the negative result remains, but I think Juve put in a good performance against Atletico,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We expected them to take that attitude and tried to ensure they created as few chances as possible, controlling the ball, not allowing counter-attacks and trying to find spaces between the lines.

“In my view it was the performance of a great team and if it had ended in a draw then nobody could’ve complained.”

That was the first goal Juventus have conceded all season and on Sunday they host joint Serie A leaders Roma.

“It will be an important game, as the two strongest teams in Italy are going to face off. Roma are not just Francesco Totti, as they have important players all through the squad and we have the utmost respect for them.

“It is going to be difficult and important, but not decisive, because we are just at the start of the season.

“We want to do well and expect a very balanced game where incidents will be decisive.”

Roma were also in action this week in the Champions League, earning a 1-1 draw away to Manchester City.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Morata doubt for Juve-Roma

Oct 2, 2014

Martin Caceres dislocated his shoulder against Atletico Madrid, while Alvaro Morata is in doubt for Juventus-Roma.

The Bianconeri returned to Turin overnight after their 1-0 Champions League defeat.

The club released a statement following the training session, which saw Andrea Barzagli again rested due to problems with the right ankle that underwent surgery.

This continuing pain has prompted them to organise a specialist consultation for the Italy defender.

Caceres dislocated his shoulder during the Atletico Madrid match, but club medics were able to pop it back into place on the touchline and he was substituted soon after.

Alvaro Morata came on as a late substitute and felt a muscular twice at the back of his right thigh.

Tests today showed no lesions, but there is a modest elongation of the muscle in the right buttock.

The ex-Real Madrid striker’s condition will be monitored to decide whether he is available for Sunday’s big Serie A game against Roma.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Chiellini: Roma not just Totti

The Giallorossi skipper made headlines by becoming the oldest Champions League goalscorer
in midweek but the Bianconeri defender knows that there is more to Rudi Garcia's side.

Oct 2, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini says that Juventus will not make the mistake of concentrating solely on stopping Roma captain Francesco Totti in Sunday's Serie A showdown in Turin.

The 38-year-old Totti is currently the toast of Europe after becoming the Champions League's oldest goalscorer courtesy of his sublime finish in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

However, Chiellini is well aware that Roma - who, like Juventus, have made a perfect start to the Serie A season - have a number of world-class talents within their ranks.

"Roma are not only Totti," the defender told Sky Sport Italia. "There's the utmost respect for them. The Giallorossi have a quality squad, with great players.

"We have both started well in the league. It will be a balanced game in which small details will be decisive.

"We will try to control their star players and put them in difficulty, knowing that we have the weapons to do just that."

While Roma maintained their undefeated start to the 2014-14 season by drawing at City, Juventus lost their unblemished record on Wednesday, losing 1-0 to Champions League rivals Atletico Madrid.

However, Chiellini does not believe that the defeat the Vicente Calderon offers Roma any sort of blueprint on how to beat the Bianconeri.

"Sunday's game will be completely different," the Italy international argued. "Atletico and Roma have almost the total opposite characteristics.

"It won't be a decisive game [in the Serie A title race] either, because we're only at the start of the season. That said, it's clear that we want to do well.

"We want to regain our title in Italy and hope to do something more important on a European level."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Cáceres & Morata injured during
Juventus' loss to Atlético Madrid

Oct 2, 2014

It wouldn't be the day after the game unless there was news about somebody being injured, right? Well, no matter how you feel about it, there's injury news regarding two members of Juventus' Spanish-speaking contingent.


From Juventus' official website:

Martin Caceres was able to take part in the warm-down after suffering a dislocated right shoulder during the defeat to Atletico Madrid.

On the other hand, Alvaro Morata underwent an MRI scan after pulling up during yesterday's game. Although the tests ruled out any muscular damage, they did reveal that the 21-year-old has suffered a slight strain of the right gluteus.

His condition will be assessed over the next few days to see if he is fit enough for Sunday's game with the Giallorossi.


There were rumblings that Cáceres — who was shown trying to work out the kinks in his shoulder before being subbed off — was indeed injured Wednesday, thus contributing to the reason why Max Allegri made a change after Atlético took a 1-0 lead on Arda Turan's goal. After the game, Allegri confirmed Cáceres injured his shoulder, but didn't say to what exact extent, essentially saying he was "worried" about the injury. As you can see above, there's no timetable for how long it may or may not take Mr. Long Socks to recover from dislocating his right shoulder.

There is, however, a rough timetable for just how long Morata will be evaluated for before a decision is made about his status. The general consensus is that the 21-year-old Spaniard is in danger of missing Juventus' showdown with Roma on Sunday. And the way Fernando Llorente is currently playing, that's not exactly the best of news. We'll see just how "slight" this "slight strain" really is, though.

In conclusion: Injuries are stupid, and need to stop happening.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus Must Reach Max Drive

Oct 3, 2014

When Juventus defeated AC Milan on matchday three, Massimilano Allegri had passed his first Serie A test of the season. However, just like when taking a driver’s ed. test, there is a written and practical component. AC Milan was a big test on paper, but Roma will represent Allegri’s first big test on the field.

Beating AC Milan was relevant in name only. The Rossoneri are no longer the team they were four years ago when Allegri led them to a Scudetto, and let alone the one they used to be under Carlo Ancelotti. On Sunday, Allegri will have to take on Roma, considered both a big name and a serious rival on the pitch.

The matchday six Serie A clash will mean a lot more for Allegri than it will for Juventus. Just as it was the case against AC Milan, Juventus will enter with the confidence of the champions. It will be up to Allegri to step up and match that status. Therein lies the real test, as Allegri had a tendency to underperform in such big games.

During his three-and-a-half-year stint with AC Milan, Allegri only registered seven wins against the top clubs. If we accept that the Italian top four has historically been comprised of Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, and Roma, then Allegri’s results only amounted to a 33% win ratio. So far Allegri stands at a perfect 100% and will be eager to safeguard that statistic.

Allegri’s tactical acumen has often been questioned, which has sometimes been something of an overblown criticism. After all, his nomination as Best Serie A Coach of the Year in 2008/09 with Cagliari and in 2010/11 with AC Milan by his peers would suggest he isn’t as hopeless as some might suggest.

Conversely, Allegri’s greatest failing has always been his approach to big games. Allegri has too often been tentative, risk-averse, and reactive. His aforementioned results against the top Serie A clubs hint at his cagey disposition. In 2010 with AC Milan, when he won the Scudetto, Allegri collected 10 points out of a possible 18 against the top three. In the next season, when he finished second, he collected seven points out 18. When AC Milan finished eighth in the next year, Allegri registered only five points. In the half season before his sacking, he was winless in his three confrontations against top-three opponents, only managing a draw against Roma.

In terms of raw numbers, we can explain the regression by the increasingly depleted side every year he spent at the San Siro. But Allegri is now at the helm of the three-time Scudetto champions, and boasting of the best squad in Italy; the Juventus stadium won’t stand for a swagger-less performance against their biggest Scudetto rival.

Some of Allegri’s bad habits already surfaced in Juventus’ midweek Champions League clash against Atletico de Madrid. Juventus probed and controlled the game but failed to reach for that extra gear. Although Allegri was satisfied with the performance, he was far too reactive as it was Diego Simeone who took the initiative in the second half to try and win the game. Gianluigi Buffon himself surmised that Juventus “had to take more risks” if the Bianconeri were to compete with the elite.

Allegri won’t be able to replicate former Juventus coach Antonio Conte’s drive an passion on the sidelines. However the Juventus fans won’t accept less of the courage and bluster from their team regardless of who the coach is. This will be Allegri’s biggest test against Roma and, in order to pass it, he will have to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at it.

The goal: max points and a Max performance.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus V Roma – Preview: Early Season

Scudetto Battle Between Serie A’s Best

Oct 3, 2014

Juventus will play host to Roma at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening in what is an early season Scudetto battle between Serie A’s top two sides.

The Bianconeri and the Giallorossi will put their early season perfect records on the line in a match that will provide an early litmus test both sides as they look to be the clear favourites to land the title this campaign.

Juventus enter the match with a perfect defensive record, having conceded zero goals in five league matches. Their perfect defensive record in all competitions came to an end in disappointing fashion during their mid-week 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in a match where the Bianconeri once again showed their limits in Europe.

Roma, who have only conceded one goal in the Serie A, enter the match off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw away to Manchester City in a match where captain Francesco Totti became the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history (38 years and 3 days) by sending er cucchiaio past a helpless Joe Hart.

Last season saw the Turin side win both encounters, with the first match ending in a clear 3-0 victory at the Juventus Stadium in a match where Daniele De Rossi and Leandro Castan sent off, though Antonio Conte has since left the Bianconeri bench to be replaced by Massimiliano Allegri.

The Bianconeri also picked up a late season 1-0 win at the Olimpico thanks to a late goal by journeyman Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, though the match did not have Scudetto implications as the Turin club had already secured their 30th crown.

Heading into the match Allegri has a few injury concerns to worry about as Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres and Alvaro Morata are in doubt for the match though they are expected to be called up to the squad. Caceres’ injury concerns means Angelo Ogbonna is expected to get the start.

Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone and Romulo are out with the latter undergoing hernia surgery last Tuesday.

However Allegri will be able to call upon Carlos Tevez, as the Argentine has gotten off to a great start with seven goals in his first six matches in all competitions this season.

On the other side Rudi Garcia is likely to start Lukasz Skorupski as Morgan De Sanctis pulled up lame before their match against Manchester City.

Juan Iturbe has recovered after his calf injury and is expected to battle with Alessandro Florenzi for a spot in the starting lineup.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Kostas Manolas are expected to start at the heart of the defence as Davide Astori and Leandro Castan remain out. Kevin Strootman, Federico Balzaretti, Marco Borriello, Salih Ucan and Daniele De Rossi are all out as they nurse injuries.


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus – Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Roma – Skorupski; Maicon, Yanga Mbiwa, Manolas, Cole; Nainggolan, Keita, Pjanic; Florenzi, Totti, Gervinho

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Why Alessandro Florenzi Is the 1
Roma Player Juventus Would Love to Sign

Oct 3, 2014

AS Roma returned to European football’s top table this term, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in four seasons. Even so, Francesco Totti believes he firmly belongs among the game’s elite, responding to a press conference question (h/t Guardian Sport) over which teams in Europe would not want him in their starting XI with a terse “few of them.”

Even so, it is hard to imagine which current member of the Giallorossi would best fit into the Juventus team they face this weekend, so strong are the options available to the Turin giants. Totti might struggle to break up the Fernando Llorente-Carlos Tevez partnership which works so well, while even Daniele De Rossi would find space hard to come by in a talent-laden Bianconeri midfield.

The qualities and suitability of Juan Manuel Iturbe were discussed in this previous column, Juve unfortunate to see the winger opt for a move to the capital over the summer. With Gervinho in a similar mould and La Madama even more solid than Rudi Garcia’s men defensively, finding a Roma player she should covet becomes increasingly arduous.

Massimiliano Allegri seems certain to alter Juve’s 3-5-2 shape eventually, preaching the value of flexibility in an interview with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport before the campaign began. He told the famous pink paper (h/t FourFourTwo) that he wanted “to be able to switch between two formations, even in the same game.”

Perhaps it is in that search for versatility that brings us to Alessandro Florenzi, the Roman who has been with the club since childhood. Aside from a season-long loan, he has grown up wearing the Giallorossi shirt, and is visibly proud each time he is called upon to represent his hometown side.

He has proven adept in a number of positions both in attack and midfield, while also playing as a full-back during his time in Serie B with Crotone. No matter where he has been deployed, the 23-year-old has displayed a keen tactical awareness, playing with an intelligence which has always belied his young age.

This term has seen him make just two starts thus far, yet he has proven decisive for Garcia even in that limited playing time. A man-of-the-match performance against Cagliari saw him net one goal and create the other in a 2-0 victory, while this past weekend he followed it up with another goal in a win over Hellas Verona.

His first strike saw him climb into the stands to celebrate with his grandmother; an act Antonio Conte called “a really beautiful gesture,” in an interview with RAI (h/t Football Italia). The Italy coach is well aware of Florenzi’s quality, restoring him to the Azzurri line-up after being unfortunate to miss out on a place at the World Cup.

There is still room for improvement in his all-round game, with the above image courtesy of Squawka.com highlighting a number of them. His dribbling remains a concern, and his passing is often a little less accurate than it perhaps should be.

Stats site WhoScored.com shows Florenzi has averaged just 22.4 passes per game, completing them at a rate of 78.6 per cent. Yet for all his minor flaws, he remains a thrilling prospect and a player capable of breaking open a game against even the most resolute of opponents.

Excellent whether fielded wide in attack or in a more central role, he weighed in last term with six goals and six assists, a vital member of a side transformed following the arrival of Garcia. "Florenzi plays well whether he starts or comes on as sub,” the coach told reporters this past weekend, per Goal.com. “He puts his strength and talent at the service of the team.”

Like many of Europe’s finest clubs, the Bianconeri would be lucky to call upon a player as gifted and versatile, and he would dovetail perfectly with Allegri’s desire to switch between formations at will. If they could take just one member of the Roma squad, Juventus might just wish to steal Alessandro Florenzi from their title rivals.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Bonucci: Juventus know Roma's weak points

The defender acknowledged that Rudi Garcia's men have numerous qualities
but pointed out that the Bianconeri have beaten them before and can do it again.

Oct 3, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci says that Juventus are intent on exploiting Roma 's "weak points" in Sunday's Serie A showdown in Turin.

Both sides have won all five of their league games to date, while the Giallorossi are coming off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw with Champions League rivals Manchester City in midweek.

Juventus, by contrast, lost 1-0 at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night, but Bonucci is bullish about the Bianconeri's chances of beating Roma, pointing out that they defeated Rudi Garcia's men home and away last season.

"Roma's ball possession is their strong point and with Gervinho they manage to break the rhythm of the game," the defender said in an interview with Tuttosport .

"However, for all the great qualities that the Giallorossi have, like any squad, they lack something.

"They have their weak points and we will have to try to take advantage of those. We have stopped them before."

Juve have won three Serie A titles in a row, with last season's success coming with a record-breaking haul of 102 points.

However, Bonucci insists that the Bianconeri's thirst for domestic success will not wane this term - despite the summer departure of coach Antonio Conte and subsequent appointment of Massimiliano Allegri.

"The situation is different than in past years when we needed a slap in the face to wake us up and make us feel hungry," the centre-half explained.

"Throughout this season there will be the desire to show that we are even stronger than before despite the changes.

"That was the goal that we set at the beginning of the season."

Juve's eagerly-awaited meeting with Roma in Turin is scheduled to kick off at 18:00CET on Sunday.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Twenty-one years on and still
nobody can stop Totti - Vucinic

The Montenegrin has admitted that if he were a coach he would have no clue
how to go about nullifying the seemingly evergreen Roma captain.

Oct 3, 2014

Mirko Vucinic is glad that he is not in Massimiliano Allegri's shoes this weekend as the Juventus coach has to achieve something that nobody has managed in 21 years of trying - stop Francesco Totti.

The Bianconeri welcome Roma to Turin on Sunday for a mouth-watering match between the only two sides left in Serie A with 100 per cent records after five rounds of action.

All eyes are on the 38-year-old Totti, who made his Roma debut in 1993 and yet underlined his enduring class by becoming the oldest player ever to score in the Champions League with a sumptuous finish in a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday night.

Vucinic believes that it is imperative that Juve nullify the threat posed by the Giallorossi captain if they are to prevail, but admits that containing the forward has always been easier said than done.

"For 21 years everyone has been trying to stop Francesco - and nobody has managed it," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"Luckily, I'm not the [Juve] coach and don't have to go up against him. Otherwise, I would really be in trouble."

Vucinic is, of course, a former team-mate of Totti's, having spent five years at the Stadio Olimpico before joining Juve in 2011.

The Montenegrin won two titles under Antonio Conte in Turin and says that the coach's decision to stand down this summer was a blow for the Bianconeri.

However, Vucinic has been mightily impressed with the way in which Allegri has almost seamlessly taken control.

"Conte had a huge impact on this Juventus team," the Al Jazira striker mused. "But now, we can also see the mark of Allegri.

"It's not easy to take a team moulded by a coach as great as Conte and continue to win. But Allegri is doing just that."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Morata: Juve-Roma like El Clasico

Oct 3, 2014

Alvaro Morata has reflected on a warm welcome at Juventus, tough Italian defences, availability to play anywhere and learning tactics.

The young Spaniard is three months into his Serie A venture with the Bianconeri following a summer transfer from Real Madrid, and sat down with the club’s in-house television channel to discuss life so far.

First on the agenda, however, was an update on his fitness ahead of Sunday’s League match with Roma.

“Yes I feel good,” Morata has told JTV, in response to a small issue in training yesterday.

“I am always improving, I am already available and I have a lot of desire to make the game on Sunday.”

The 21-year-old was asked about his welcome to the club so far.

“For me, it’s really an honour and pride to wear this shirt. I could not be more pleased with how I have been welcomed, by the club and all the fans, all the niceties and greetings that fans have given me, even when I walk along the street, go into restaurants, they are all amazing really.

“Thank you for the confidence you have given me and that you have placed in me.

“Happy to be here? Yes, I am very pleased to have come here. As I have said many times, I feel at home, I have not been at unease in the change in environment.

“Everyone has been so nice to me, this is one of the best clubs in Italy and in Europe and this for me is amazing.”

On the pitch, Morata has netted once for Juve, in last weekend’s win at Atalanta.

“Certainly the defences in Italy are very much more prepared than in other countries. It is very difficult to score here because the Italian defences are really good.

“Of course, I was not prepared, but I am always improving to work to my best.

“My best position? It’s a question that would be better for the Coach, and I will just say that I really love to play, so for me the important thing is to be useful to the team.

“If they tell me to play in a role, I prepare for that, as it is important that the team wins and that I am always useful for the team.”

Morata also considered his work up this point with Massimiliano Allegri.

“Things are very good with the Coach. The truth is that he talks to me a lot and to my teammates. We work a lot on tactics.

“For me it is a new thing, they are teaching me new techniques and the whole team helps me out.”

On the weekend’s eye-catching fixture, Morata was asked if Juve-Roma could be considered on a par with El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“They are similar games because you are dealing with teams that are both clearly contending to finish first and in both cases things are always tense, always needing to be absolutely focused.

“We know it will be an important game and then, in any case, we will do our utmost to win.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Preview: Juventus vs. Roma

Oct 3, 2014

Both Juventus and Roma will go into their top-of-the-table clash in Serie A on Sunday evening looking to protect their 100% record.

Juventus, under the guidance of boss Massimiliano Allegri, have strung together five victories without conceding a goal in what has been a strong start to the defence of their title.

Roma, meanwhile, have also won five matches in a row, with just the one goal being conceded at Parma just over a week ago.

However, the two Italian giants came up short in Champions League action in midweek, with Juventus falling to a 1-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid and Roma securing a 1-1 draw at Manchester City.

Allegri is unlikely to make many alterations to his starting lineup, but Alvaro Morata is pushing for a start ahead of Fernando Llorente.

Roma coach Rudi Garcia must decide whether to recall Mattia Destro after the forward could only earn a place on the bench at the Etihad Stadium.

Recent form

Juventus: WWWWL

Roma: WWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Chiellini, Caceres, Bonucci; Lichsteiner, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Evra; Tevez, Llorente

Roma: Skorupski; Maicon, Manolas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Cole; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan, Florenzi; Totti, Gervinho


Sports Mole says: 1-1

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Roma Goalkeeper De Sanctis Set
To Miss Juventus Match

Oct 3, 2014

Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis is set to miss the Giallorossi’s top-of-the-table clash with Juventus in Serie A as he struggles to recover from a thigh injury.

The veteran shot-stopper was forced to sit out the midweek Champions League draw at Manchester City and was unable to train this morning at Trigoria meaning that he is unlikely to be able to start the game on Sunday.

Sky Sport Italia report that the 37-year-old is still feeling pain when he kicks the ball as a result of a right thigh issue he suffered during the 2-0 win against Hellas Verona last weekend.

23-year-old Lukasz Skorupski could deputise for De Sanctis at the Juventus Stadium should the first-choice goalkeeper not recover in time.

The Polish goalkeeper made his Serie A debut in the 1-0 loss to Juve in the penultimate game of last season.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 7981]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Garcia: Juve a big test, but…

Oct 3, 2014

Rudi Garcia admits facing Juventus will be a big test, but calls for balance and asserts that his Roma will demonstrate their strength also.

The Lupi travel out to Turin on Sunday evening for a top-of-the-table clash with the Old Lady, with both teams seeking to maintain 100 per cent starts to the League campaign.

“It is a big test, even if it is only on the sixth round of the season,” Roma Coach Garcia has conceded in conversation with Le Figaro today.

“There are still a lot of points up for grabs. It is too early to make a final judgement.

“We know that this is a top team but I think that we are going to demonstrate that we also are.

“As captain of the boat, I make sure that everyone stays balanced. There is a lot of passion here and it is said that this can sometimes be to excess, in both the good and bad sense.

“It is understandable from our supporters, who are extraordinary and who can be taken by the moment, but our team needs to stay focused.”

It has been a positive week for the Giallorossi, following a 1-1 draw earned in the Champions League away to Manchester City.

“The team showed personality, with a great state of mind. Against Manchester City, one of the richest clubs in the world, it is great. It gives us yet more confidence.”

Garcia says he is thinking long term with the capital club.

“I strongly believe in the club’s project. James Pallotta wants to make Roma one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

“It will take time because Rome was not built in a day, but I believe that we have the means to compete with the best when our new stadium is realised, that is to say in three seasons from now, 2017.

“I had the honour of being the first to coach at Lille’s Grande Stade and I hope very much to be the first Coach of Roma at their new ground, a kind of modern Colosseum which should allow the gladiators, our players a field for fantastic expressionism.

“I feel like an adopted child of this city. I know that the results are significant and have allowed for this rapprochement between the fans and myself. Today I feel very well integrated, accepted by everyone.

“I want to give the best of myself to win the titles that this club deserves, which for me they have not won enough of in their history.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111