Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Polish ref for Juventus-Malmö

Sep 14, 2014

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak has been assigned to the Juventus-Malmo Champions League tie.

The Bianconeri begin their European campaign on Tuesday evening in Turin.

They will face Swedish side Malmo and UEFA have chosen Polish referee Marciniak.

Juve are in Group A along with Malmo, Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Preview: Juventus vs. Malmo

Sep 14, 2014

Swedish side Malmo start their maiden Champions League group stage with a trip to Italian champions Juventus on Tuesday evening.

The 2013 Swedish champions won three qualifying matches to reach the group stages for the first time since the 1990/91 campaign, while their only previous European experience came in the 2011/12 Europa League, when they finished bottom of their group.

Indeed, Malmo are Sweden's first group stage representatives since Helsingborgs appeared in the 2000/01 competition, but they face a difficult opening match against the current Serie A holders.

Juventus, who are two-time winners of the competition, finished third in their group last season before dropping into the Europa League, where they made the semi-finals, before losing to Benfica.

Juve's European home record in recent seasons has been strong, however, remaining unbeaten in their last seven games, winning three times in the process, while they reached the quarter-final stage of the competition in the 2012-13 campaign.

The home side are expected to be without the services of key midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, who are both injured, while summer signing from Real Madrid Alvaro Morata is also a doubt with a knee problem.

Carlos Tevez could also miss out with a thigh injury, leaving Sebastian Giovinco as the main option to partner Fernando Llorente in a forward position.

Summer signing from Manchester United Patrice Evra is also expected to feature for Juve in a wing-back position.

Malmo, meanwhile, are expected to be without both Simon Thern and Piotr Johansson. Skipper Markus Rosenberg will lead the line, with Enoch Kofi Adu also due to start.

Recent form

Juventus: WWWWW

Malmo: LWWLD

Possible starting lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Caceres, Evra; Marchisio, Pogba, Pereyra; Llorente, Giovinco

Malmo: Olsen; Concha, Tinnerholm, Konate, Helander, Halsti; Adu, Forsberg, Eriksson, Thelin; Rosenberg

Sports Mole says: 2-0

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

A troubled fantasy? Looking at
Juventus and the Champions League

Sep 15, 2014

The 2013-14 season ended with Juventus breaking records that you don't expect to be beaten again in the foreseeable future. A tally of 102 points significantly higher than what any Serie A team ever reached before, and a whole season gone without a single point dropped at home in the league. Astonishing numbers that made 2013-14 a season that will be remembered for a long time to come.

With all this taken into account, the season still ended by stirring controversy between Juventini on whether it was successful or not. A big segment of Juventini found the failure on the European stage hard to swallow, local success no matter how big was a compensation deemed not enough.

Putting things into context, 2013-14 was Antonio Conte's third season at the helm. In his first, he earned Juve back its position on the top of Italian football after years of post-calciopoly struggles. An achievement that made him receive plaudits from Juventini all around the globe, in their eyes the x-captain who came back to save their club from its misery was the ultimate superhero. In the second season, Conte successfully confirmed Juve's position on the top of Italian football winning the league with relative ease. This 2012-13 season saw Juventus make its comeback to the Champions League with a participation that promised great things to come. Juve bossed a group that included title holders Chelsea and a quality Shakhtar side with a series of very convincing performances. Qualifying top of the group, Juve "manhandled" Celtic in the last 16 stage with an annihilation of 5-0 on aggregate. Their journey eventually ended in the quarters against a Bayern Munich side that went on to win it all in a very impressive fashion. A positive season for Juventus by all means.

The wild fantasy of Juventini expected the fairy-tale to continue from here; Conte, who got us back from our lowest, will take us all the way to the highest. Juventus got into 2013-14 as massive favourites in Serie A, no team was genuinely expected to compete with them. Napoli who tried to play the anti-Juve role fell short quite early in the season, while Roma under the new Rudi Garcia regime performed superbly throughout but never managed to truly threaten what was from the beginning Juve's scudetto. This was the season Juve were expected to step it up in Europe though, unfortunately the reality failed to suit the narrative.

Juve couldn't make it through to the knock out stages, finishing third in a group that included Galatasaray and Copenhagen, teams that belong to levels below Juve's aspirations. A lot was blamed on luck after the game in Istanbul which was played in ridiculous weather conditions, in truth Juve had themselves to blame more than anything else. Managing to gain only two points from playing Copenhagen away and Galatasaray at home was a failure enough to make any excuse invalid. What made it all more frustrating is the two games against Real Madrid, the team which went on to win the Champions League. Juve didn't look inferior to Real Madrid during any moment of the 180 minutes despite playing for 45 minutes with a man down. Juventus got "relegated" as a result to the Europa League, reaching the semi-finals where they got knocked out by Benfica after another disappointing draw at home. This is what you call underachieving.

Heading into the summer, the uncertainty was there within the club just like it was between the fans. With Juve's best players focused on the World Cup with their respective national teams, media had names like Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba linked with moves away from Turin. What no one expected came only two days into Juve's preseason preparations, Antonio Conte handed in his resignation adding to the environment's uncertainty. The news fell as an absolute shocker on everyone that has to do with Juventus. Lots of rumours started coming up with everyone speculating trying to guess the reasons behind Conte's decision. Massimiliano Allegri was hired as a replacement, and the summer was concluded with Juve keeping all their star players and with a number of acquisitions made to increase the quality of the squad overall.

Unsurprisingly, the series of events at the club weren't received with great content by the Juventini masses. Now that the situation settled and the season kicked off with two impressive performances which showed we've maintained the level we were on last season, positivity is starting to spread. Allegri is proving to be smart enough not to ruin what Conte built, while his more direct approach and tactical flexibility might prove to be the way for us to conquer the next level. Juventus still stand today as favourites for the upcoming Serie A season despite Roma's efforts to close the gap. Especially that the squad is more equipped to fight on several fronts with the clearly increased quality of depth. Last season a number of factors contributed to see us underachieve in Europe, there is no reason to believe this will be the case this time as well.

If Conte was the one to hold us from the bottom to where we are, Allegri has now the chance to take us that one more step we've always aspired for. It's said that a man's worth can't be greater than his ambition. Football clubs are no different, thus Juve's ambitions should never see limits. With another Champions League season kicking off for Juve on Tuesday night against Malmö, the Juve fairy-tale can still continue, a bit of added drama will only make the end happier.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus-Malmo Preview:
Can Allegri succeed where Conte failed?

The Bianconeri have won Serie A for the last three seasons
but struggled to replicate their form on the European stage.

Sep 15, 2014

Juventus' quest to transfer their Serie A exploits to the Champions League will continue when they take on Malmo in Group A.

Despite winning the Italian title in each of the last three seasons, the Turin giants have failed to make an impact in Europe's premier competition recently.

Although they made it to the quarter-finals in 2012-2013, Juventus were frustratingly eliminated in the group phase last time out - meaning it is now 11 years since they reached the last four.

They will be hoping to flip the script this year under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri, who has enjoyed a perfect start having taken the reins following the much-loved Antonio Conte's shock resignation.

A 1-0 season-opening away win at Chievo was followed up by a 2-0 triumph over Udinese.

That Juventus have begun so well is even more impressive in light of their mounting injury problems. Arturo Vidal (thigh), Andrea Pirlo (hip) and Giorgio Chiellini (calf) all missed the weekend's game - while Andrea Barzagli (Achilles) was an unused sub - and it remains to be seen if any of them return on Tuesday.

Juventus, who are two-time winners of the competition, will also be without Roberto Pereyra as he serves a one-match suspension.

The game represents a historic occasion for not just Malmo, but Swedish football overall.

Indeed, Malmo - who were beaten by Nottingham Forest in the 1978-79 European Cup final - are the first Swedish representatives in the competition proper since 2000-01.

Malmo's last appearance was in 1990-91, when they reached the second round before losing on penalties to Dynamo Dresden.

They have not had an easy passage to the group phase this year, having been forced to come through a rigorous qualifying campaign. The Swedes won three ties, beating FK Ventspils 1-0 on aggregate, taking down Sparta Prague on away goals following a 4-4 draw and overcoming FC Salzburg 4-2.

Malmo are already a long way into their domestic campaign, with 23 games having been played.

Age Hareide's side currently top the pile in the Allsvenskan, sitting five points clear of an AIK side who have a game in hand. However, they have managed just one win in their last four league games.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juve to assess Pirlo, Vidal

Sep 15, 2014

Juventus will today further assess Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, with a view to their availability for next weekend’s meeting with Milan.

Pirlo has been out of action since late pre-season with a hip injury, whilst Vidal sustained a thigh injury whilst on international duty last week.

The Bianconeri are set to put both players through assessment today to better understand their recovery schedule, with the hope of having one or both in line for at least limited availability next weekend against Milan.

Neither player is seen as likely to be risked for Tuesday’s Champions League group stage opener with Malmo, nor will Andrea Barzagli.

Giorgio Chiellini is expected to displace Angelo Ogbonna in defence for the midweek European match, having missed the weekend through suspension.

Against the Swedes, Max Allegri will be without Roberto Pereyra through suspension.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus v Malmo FF: Preview

Sep 15, 2014

Juventus are desperate to avoid a repeat of last season's slow start to the Champions League when they embark on their latest European campaign on Tuesday, according to defender Patrice Evra.

The Turin giants, who kick off their Group A fixtures against Swedish side Malmo at the Juventus Stadium, failed to win any of their opening four games last year and, with just one triumph in six matches, failed to progress to the knockout phase.

Juve have an equally tough group this term, with Tuesday's rivals joining them in a pool that also includes 2014 runners-up Atletico Madrid and Greek giants Olympiacos.

Evra, who joined the Serie A champions in July after eight and a half years at Manchester United, believes a strong start to the group stage is vital.

``Our aim is to do much better than last season,'' the French left-back said to www.juventus.it. ``We have great players in the team and we want to have a starring role.

``It is important to get off to a good start.''

Juve, who are looking to win their fourth straight Scudetto and a first under new coach Massimiliano Allegri, have started the new season with two wins from two league games.

And Allegri, who replaced Antonio Conte at the helm over the summer, has also set his sights on a European adventure.

``We want a competitive team that can do well at home and abroad,'' he said. ``We want to go as far as possible in the Champions League.''

The hosts will be bolstered by the return of defender Giorgio Chiellini, who missed Saturday's 2-0 triumph against Udinese through suspension.

However, midfield pair Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are sidelined through injury.

Kwadwo Asamoah will replace Robeto Pereyra in midfield, with the Argentinian player serving a one-match ban, while Fernando Llorente will partner Carlos Tevez in attack.

Malmo, meanwhile, will be playing in the Champions League group stage for the first time.

The Swedish champions, coached by Age Hareide, have targeted a third-place finish in the pool - a position that would guarantee them a spot in the Europa League knockout phase.

Despite their lack of experience, Hareide, whose side won three qualifying games to reach this stage, is unwilling to rule out his team's chances.

``The important thing now is to not settle for just taking part,'' he said. ``We want to compete and do the best we can.''

The visitors will be without defender Ricardinho and midfielder Simon Thern through injury.

Hareide's side will be looking to raise their game from recent league showings, having been held to a 3-3 draw at Hacken at the weekend after previously losing 2-0 at Djurgarden. They still lead the Swedish Allsvenska by five points, however.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus' Target for the 2014/15 Champions League
Season Is the Quarter Finals

Sep 15, 2014

It has been a strange summer for all connected with Juventus. The reigning Italian champions saw Antonio Conte walk out on the second day of pre-season training, losing the man perhaps most responsible for their return to dominance.

The coach had overseen three incredible years on the domestic front, ending each of his seasons on the bench by lifting the Serie A title. In winning those successive crowns, the 45-year-old managed to end the malaise that had blighted the club in the post-Calciopoli era.

Yet Conte was unable to deliver a similar level of success in Europe, with the club perhaps even appearing to regress in the Champions League during his tenure. His first campaign was without continental competition altogether, before making a splash by reaching the quarter final stage in 2012-13.

Once there however, he was simply overwhelmed by eventual winners Bayern Munich, the German outfit overrunning an ill-equipped Bianconeri side. Even the 4-0 aggregate scoreline failed to fully surmise the comprehensive nature of the Bundesliga giants across the two-legged tie.

Last season saw Conte’s Juventus failed to improve, eliminated at the group stage despite a comfortable-looking draw. Paired with Real Madrid, La Madama expected to progress ahead of either Galatasaray or FC Copenhagen, yet managing just one win in four matches against that latter pair.

Dropping into the Europa League provided some respite, comfortable wins over Trabzonspor, Fiorentina and seeing them into the semi-final. There, with a final to be held in their own stadium awaiting, the Bianconeri were once again given a lesson, this time by a rampant Benfica.

Having looked on as they collapsed, Massimiliano Allegri arrived in Turin knowing he's facing a difficult task in taking over from Conte. Speaking at his inaugural press conference (h/t UEFA.com), the new coach vowed to win over “skeptical” supporters with “good results, hard work, respect and professionalism.”

Moreover, he displayed an understanding that the Champions League was the one area where he could surpass Conte’s achievements on the Juve bench. He went on to tell reporters his intentions, adding:

Juventus are still the favourites in Italy, while there are many other big clubs playing in Europe. We have to be one of the best eight in Europe, I will try to get the best out of my players and will adapt to their characteristics.

It is perhaps that statement that leads to the conclusion that the quarter final must be the aim this term, despite an expectant fanbase demanding much more. Progressing that far would not only represent a major improvement on last term, it would provide the belief that there is much more to come from this current incarnation of Juventus.

That could prove important not just to those filling the stadium each and every week, but also the men currently pulling on those famous black-and-white stripes. There are a number of high-profile players within the squad who need to see such improvements quickly, with questions mounting over their futures.

Chief among them are Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, two men around whom there was intense speculation all summer, such as this from Anthony Chapman of The Express. The two midfielders are vital to Juve’s continued success, driving the team forward with the undeniable quality and ability discussed in depth here.

It will also prove the managerial credentials of Allegri, a man who arrived tainted by last year’s failure at Milan, but determined to prove he deserves his current position. Further still, success in Europe would once again establish the club as one of the continent's finest clubs, and a name to fear once again.

Former boss Marcello Lippi—who led the Bianconeri to Champions League glory in 1996—believes that is the only way his former club can compete with other elite sides. Speaking earlier this summer, he told Perform (h/t Goal.com) that Juventus “are now aware of their strength and they need to continue their growth at international level."

That must begin this season, and reaching the quarter-final stage should be the minimum aim of Italy’s grand Old Lady. With the likes of Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo joining rising stars like Pogba and Vidal, she certainly has the men in place to show her the way.

The time has come for Juventus to deliver.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: No easy games in Europe

Sep 15, 2014

Max Allegri says Juventus must keep focus on Malmo as ‘there are no easy games in Europe’, and again dismisses importance on the formation.

The Bianconeri start their Champions League campaign for the 2014-15 season at home to the Swedish side very much favourites to win, but with their Coach cautious, particularly in facing a Pressroom asking today about the quarter-finals as an objective.

“I believe that Juventus currently have the objective closest to them, which is to win this game, which will certainly not be easy,” Allegri has responded to reporters this afternoon.

“In Europe there are no easy games, all the teams play to get a result, because it is a very short competition, where you are not permitted to manage the outcome, where you can only try to win games.

“We have a group that is apparently simple, but even last year that was the case and Juventus were eliminated. This demonstrates that in Europe the group defined as easy isn’t always.

“Malmo are a team that are definitely ahead of us in terms of condition, because their championship is further ahead.

“They are a well organised team, who have physicality and speed as strengths, so we need to play a very careful game with great technique, with great speed and always having good defensive security.

“Tevez? He is fine, he had a good game [against Udinese], so tomorrow he will be available.”

Malmo are debuting at this stage of the Champions League, in UEFA’s initiative to ensure more Leagues are represented in the tournament proper.

“It’s important that there are teams here who have won their respective league titles and UEFA are correct.

“Everyone has the right to participate in the Champions League.”

The 47-year-old was asked if there would be a balancing act between Serie A and Europe.

“In football nothing is prohibitive although in Europe it is very difficult. Saturday the new signings have also done well and this will allow me to better manage energy in the season.

“We have to sustain every match at the same level regardless of the players used.”

Juve’s start to the season has been strong, and Allegri was asked if this was expected progress or ahead of schedule.

“I have found a group conscious to the fact that for after three years of consecutive wins it would be difficult to confirm again.

“The team has made themselves available and today we are playing pretty well, although there is room for improvement. If we improve as individuals, we will improve as a team.

“3-5-2 formation tomorrow? In the end, the system of play, whatever it is, is the interpretation that the Coach gives to it. Ours is a team that can improve and this does not depend on the formation.

“Tomorrow I will decide based on the condition of the players available.”

Allegri was asked his opinion on why this Juventus hasn’t yet impressed in the Champions League.

“From the outside, in the past year the group has been good, but they have paid for episodes. This is a great club, a great team, that should aim to be equal with the biggest in Europe, reaching the last eight.

“It will not be easy, we start from tomorrow, realising that the approach to Europe is different to that in Serie A.

“What are the differences? The games are different because the teams that you face always play to win. There is less tactics and more speed and you have to be good at reading the game.

“Am I more an Italian or European Coach? I would say Italian because in Europe I have not yet won anything. I still have to do a lot better with my team.”

[Socrates 7971]

FOURFOURTWO

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Vidal and Pirlo to miss Malmö meeting

Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo are making
progress in their injury setbacks, but will not face Malmo.

Sep 15, 2014

Chile international Vidal missed Juve's 2-0 Serie A victory over Udinese on Saturday with a persistent knee problem, while midfield partner Pirlo sustained a hamstring injury at the end of August.

Coach Allegri revealed that Vidal could return in time for the Serie A champions' clash with Milan on Saturday and Pirlo's fitness is set to be assessed at the end of this week.

"We hope to have Arturo Vidal back with us for Milan on Saturday," Allegri said at his pre-match news conference. "Pirlo's coming on well. He'll up his workload and we'll give him another look over at the end of the week."

Juve start their UEFA Champions League Group A campaign at home to the Swedish champions on Tuesday and Allegri will be determined to succeed where Antonio Conte failed last season, by guiding his side into the knockout stages.

The Turin giants should possess too much quality for Malmo, but Allegri stressed the importance of not taking the underdogs lightly.

"Juve need to try and remain at the level of the top European clubs, but for now the minimum aim is getting out of the group," he added.

"The most immediate target is winning tomorrow's game. There are no easy encounters in Europe.

"The group may seem easy but nothing is ever straightforward in the Champions League. Malmo are a very quick and physical side."

Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini is also set to feature after missing the start of the domestic season through a combination of suspension and a calf complaint.

And the Italy international is itching to get involved, saying: "I'm in good shape and available for tomorrow's game.

"There's plenty of enthusiasm in the camp and around Turin. We want to do well in the Champions League."

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Malmo are in better shape than Juventus - Allegri

The coach believes the Swedish champions' early start to the season will benefit them,
but insists his side should be aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Sep 15, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri believes Juventus' first Champions League opponents, Malmo, are in better condition than them.

The reigning Serie A champions have been drawn in Group A alongside Malmo, Atletico and Olympiacos, and Allegri's men host the Swedish side in their opening match of the competition on Tuesday.

And Allegri believes his team are at a disadvantage, having played just two league games so far this season, compared to their opponents, who are top of the Swedish league after 23 games.

"Malmo are certainly ahead of us in terms of their condition," he the coach told reporters. "They are organised so we're going to have to be very careful and very quick, and be very secure in defence.

"I think Juve have a side competitive enough to go far in both the league and in Europe. We know it's very hard to win in Europe, but nothing is impossible."

The 47-year-old added that his side should be aiming to get into the quarter-finals of the competition.

"Juve were knocked out in the group stage last season, but they played well. Sometimes you don't get what you deserve. Juve are a great side and they need to aim towards the last eight, but the objective for now is to get through the group.

"In Europe you come up against teams who play to win, so there are less tactics and more pace and so you've got to read the game differently. I've not won anything in Europe yet and this is the fifth year I'm involved so I've still got a lot to do and I hope to do that with Juventus."

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus expect tough Malmo challenge, says Giorgio Chiellini

Sep 15, 2014

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini was not wanting to get ahead of himself as the Bianconeri look to get it right in Europe against Malmo on Tuesday.

The Serie A champions are desperate to go further in Europe this season than they did last time around, when they were knocked out in the group stage, and two disappointing results against Scandinavian opponents have stuck in his mind.

Juve picked up only a 1-1 draw with Nordsjaelland in their 2012-13 campaign and although they recovered that time to reach the last 16, at the expense of Chelsea, they never recovered from a 1-1 draw at Copenhagen last term.

"We don't expect it to be an easy game at all," Chiellini said at a news conference in Turin. "We saw that in recent years against Copenhagen and Nordsjaelland, and that's the kind of football we expect Malmo to play. We know what we can only win if we put in all our desire, attention and respect for our opponents."

That said, Chiellini insists Juve cannot put all their eggs in the Champions League basket, and that finding the right balance is their biggest challenge.

"It would be stupid to sacrifice the league for a European cup," Chiellini said. "Real Madrid had to wait so many years to win their 10th, which they invested so much into getting. I don't think we need to sacrifice."

Coach Massimiliano Allegri concurred, saying he feels he has a good enough squad to "go far both in the league and in Europe."

Juggling the two competitions is not going to be easy, but Allegri has high hopes.

"We know it's very hard to win in Europe, but nothing is impossible," said the former AC Milan coach. "The main objective is to have the whole squad available to keep the level high in all our games, to try to get results in the league and in the Champions League.

"Juve have the conviction that we can reach the quarterfinals, but first we've got to win this which is not going to be easy as there are no easy games in Europe, where sides always play to get a result. Our group may seem easy, but it was the same last year and Juve were eliminated, so that shows it's not easy to get through."

Allegri can at least count on Carlos Tevez, who has not scored in Europe in over four years, but opened his league account in the 2-0 win over Udinese on Saturday. Chiellini is also back after missing Italy's trip to Norway and Saturday's game at the Juventus Stadium, but Roberto Pereyra is suspended.

"With him out, I've got to think of a different option in midfield and maybe Kwadwo Asamoah will move inside," said Allegri. "But we've got plenty of options."

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

‘Let's be champions also in Europe’

Sep 15, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci has issued a rousing call to arms for Juventus to replicate their success at home on the European stage.

It came in the defender’s latest post on his official website in which he gives his thoughts on the start of the Serie A season and on his team's desire to also do well in the Champions league.

“Good morning to all. If a good day starts with the morning, this championship will be nice and tough seeing how the other teams are going besides us and Roma,” Bonucci has posted.

“This is most stimulating in that I fervently believe that a champion team has only one obligation - and it's that of repeating!!!

“Now, there's the Champions league!! An important Champions League where we have only one objective this year - BEING PROTAGONISTS LIKE IN ITALY!!!

“Atletico has taught us how in this regard. Therefore, I want to say we will put in all of ourselves until our last drop of sweat.

“Then it will be the field which decides whether it will or won't be Juventus!!! So, may the best team win and FORZA JUVE ALWAYS!!!”

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus-Malmö FF Statistical Preview

Sep 15, 2014

Missing Players

Arturo Vidal
Andrea Pirlo
Roberto Pereyra
Andrea Barzagli

Simon Thern
Piotr Johansson


Team News

JUVENTUS

Arturo Vidal, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo are all expected to miss out for Juventus.

Andrea Barzagli was an unused sub in the win over Udinese, but may not be risked here.

Roberto Pereyra is suspended and could be replaced by Simone Padoin in what should be Massimiliano Allegri's only change from the weekend.


MALMÖ FF

Simon Thern and Piotr Johansson are expected to miss out for Malmo here.

Malmo are the first Swedish representatives in the competition since the 2000/01 season.


Match Facts

Malmo FF have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 7 matches in the Champions League (including qualifiers)


Prediction

Juventus will be looking to better their performance in the Champions League following their group stage exit last season. Massimiliano Allegri knows he has to better predecessor Antonio Conte in Europe's elite competition in order to be considered a success.

Malmo currently top Sweden's top tier, but are on a poor run of form having won just 1 of their last 4 league games. Åge Hareide will be looking for a much-improved performance from his players when they travel to the Juventus Stadium.

However, the hosts should be able to kick off their Champions League campaign with a win.

Prediction: Juventus 3 - 0 Malmo FF

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus list 21 for Malmo

Sep 15, 2014

Juventus have named a 21-man squad for their first group stage match of the 2014-15 Champions League against Malmo.

Max Allegri is once more able to call upon the recovering Alvaro Morata, whilst Giorgio Chiellini returns from injury and suspension in defence.

As expected there is no Andrea Pirlo or Arturo Vidal just yet, whilst Andrea Barzagli also drops out of contention, having been an unused substitute at the weekend.

Roberto Pereyra also misses out through suspension.

This afternoon Coach Max Allegri and Giorgio Chiellini faced the media ahead of tomorrow evening’s match.


Juventus squad to face Malmo: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Asamoah, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Mattiello

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Vidal and Pirlo to miss Malmo clash

The Juventus duo are recovering well but will miss the Champions League
clash with the Swedish champions, while Giorgio Chiellini is fit to start.

Sep 15, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo will miss Juventus' Champions League clash with Malmo because of their injuries.

Chile international Vidal missed Juve's 2-0 Serie A victory over Udinese on Saturday with a persistent knee problem, while midfield partner Pirlo sustained a hamstring injury at the end of August.

Coach Allegri revealed that Vidal could return in time for the Serie A champions' clash with AC Milan on Saturday and Pirlo's fitness is set to be assessed at the end of this week.

"We hope to have Arturo Vidal back with us for Milan on Saturday," Allegri said at his pre-match news conference. "Pirlo's coming on well. He'll up his workload and we'll give him another look over at the end of the week."

Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini is set to feature after missing the start of the domestic season through a combination of suspension and a calf complaint.

And the Italy international is itching to get involved, saying: "I'm in good shape and available for tomorrow's game.

"There's plenty of enthusiasm in the camp and around Turin. We want to do well in the Champions League."

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

‘Juventus tired against Udinese’

Sep 15, 2014

Malmo Coach Age Hareide has claimed that Juventus were 'tired' towards the end of their game versus Udinese on Saturday.

The 60-year-old tactician has added that Italy's later start to their domestic campaign could be an advantage for his Swedish outfit when they face off in their Champions League encounter on Tuesday evening.

“Juventus have only just started their season and this could be an advantage for us,” Hareide has told reporters in his pre-game conference.

“We've seen them play and we noticed that they were a bit tired towards the end against Udinese.

“We've got two of the best forwards in Swedish football and this could help us.”

Max Allegri warned the Bianconeri in his own Press conference that there are ‘no easy games in Europe’, but his counterpart suggests that won’t really make the Italians cautious.

“Juve will think this is the easiest game for them and that the Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid games will be their hardest.

“So we're here to try to cause them problems. I think that if you want to be a good player, you've got to know how to play in different positions and Malmo's idea of football is teamwork, as we showed against Salzburg.

“We don't want to get stressed about things, we want to take our chances.”

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Rosenberg: Pressure all on Juve

Sep 15, 2014

Malmo forward Markus Rosenberg says that the ‘pressure is all on Juventus’ ahead of their Champions League meeting on Tuesday evening.

Speaking at the UEFA pre-match Press conference, the 31-year-old says the Swedes are looking forward to their group stage debut.

“It is obvious we are happy to be playing a match like this,” Rosenberg reflected.

“We will play with great enthusiasm and happiness, without thinking about anything else. In a match like this, the pressure is all on Juventus.”

But he cautioned that, for his teammates, this will be a match like no other.

“This will be the biggest experience for any players at Malmo so far. They play a very physical football and I’ve already played in many countries and in Italy, it’s extreme.

“But my experience in Europe is good so I'm pretty confident.

“The best way to develop as a player is when you play against the best sides, and when you face a team like Juventus, you are motivated to do your best.

“It's always difficult to play a Champions League game.”

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

UEFA Champions League Preview:
Juventus vs. Malmö — The Euro trip begins

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus haven't made things easy on themselves in the beginning of the Champions League group stage the past couple of years. That's as much of a secret as Antonio Conte having some of the best hair plugs in all of Italy. There's last season's inability to completely qualify for the knockout round thanks to frustrating draw after frustrating draw. And even though they made it to the quarterfinals two years ago, it's not like they got out of their group in a textbook kind of manner.

Luckily for Max Allegri and his squad, they have two things going for them in this year's group stage.

There's no Danish team to bug the hell out of us all for two group-stage matches.
There's no long trip to Turkey or Eastern Europe where the field might be covered in snow by the time Juventus arrives in town.
That sound you probably hear right now is the collective sigh of Juventus supporters remembering there's no trip to Denmark and/or Turkey during the group stage. (And don't remind me about that field in Istanbul last December. That was incredibly stupid.)

Instead, Juventus opens their Champions League fixture list at home, the same place where they picked up a 2-0 win over Udinese on Saturday. Their opponent? Swedish champions Malmö, who are looking to make some noise in a group that also features one of last season's finalists, Atlético Madrid. We shall talk about Atléti and Diego Simeone at another time, though. Tuesday night is all about Malmö coming to Turin.

Oh, and also about Juventus trying to get three points in their Champions League group stage opener for once.

Do the Juventus players need to come out and make a collective statement at home against a team they should beat 11 times out of 10? Maybe.

But at the very least, those same Juventus players need to do exactly what they didn't do in back-to-back years under Antonio Conte in the Champions League — win their opening game and start the group stage out on the right foot.

GOOD NEWS

Juventus are at beautiful home stadium, in front of their own crowd, and playing the minnows of the group. If there ever was an equation to start the Champions League group stage with three points, I'm pretty sure this is it.

BAD NEWS

The injuries to important players are still present. No Andrea Pirlo nor Arturo Vidal starting in the midfield. Andrea Barzagli, who was on the bench for Saturday night's win over Udinese, has not been called by Allegri as he continues to rehab from heel surgery. Luca Marrone is also out injured, while Roberto Pereyra — who played well in his first official start as a Juventus player — is suspended thanks to a card he picked up during his Udinese days last season.

At least Giorgio Chiellini is all but certain to start against Malmö, but more on that in a little bit.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Carlos Tévez and the personal Champions League bugaboo.

Do you remember the last time our dear Carlitos scored a goal in the Champions League? Not in Europe, just in the Champions League? It was back in 2009 when Tévez was still with Manchester United. That was the season United made it all the way to the final, eventually losing to Barcelona in Rome. There has been a lot of talk since then — even during his first season with Juventus — about Tévez and the lack of goals in Europe's top club competition. Some of it was hushed when he scored against Benfica in the Europa League last year, but until he scores in the Champions League, the chatter will continue. I would like nothing more than to see Carlitos score a goal tomorrow night and just put a finger up to his mouth. "Shhhhhhhhh!"

2. How Juventus deals with the quick turnaround after Saturday's win.

It's always a thing to talk about, but especially so when it's so early in the season and they've played all of about 90 or so minutes following a two-week international break. Did Malmö manager Age Hareide notice this? You bet he did.

"Juventus have only just started their season and this could be an advantage for us. We've seen them play and we noticed that they were a bit tired towards the end against Udinese."

(Source: Football Italia)

In a way, what Hareide said at his pre-match presser is exactly on point. Juventus have played two games this season, that's it. And, to add to his point, those two games have been separated by two weeks. You can argue that the core of Juventus' starting lineup tomorrow night will have just come off international duty and we're sitting around, and you would be correct. But this is the first time, as a team, Juventus have had to deal with a 72-hour turnaround from one match to another.

3. Kwadwo Asamoah, wingback or central midfielder?

Allegri brought up a certain Ghanian midfielder at his pre-match press conference. This is what he had to say:

#Allegri: "@Asabob20 could play as one of the three central midfielders tomorrow. I’ll assess my midfield options today.” #JuveMalmo #UCL

Ah, so cagey, Max. But yet so intriguing at the same time. With Patrice Evra's arrival, Juventus have a legit backup at the left back/wingback position for the first time in years. Because of that, it gives Allegri a lot more flexibility in the midfield. With Vidal injured and Pereyra suspended, this could be the time for Allegri to go with what we've wanted to see ever since Asamoah was signed — Kojo as a central midfielder. Not only would a Asamoah-Marchisio-Poigba midfield be a very good one with skill alone, it'd also be one hell of an energetic group of

4. The fitness level of Giorgio Chiellini.

We have yet to see Giorgio this season — for both disciplinary and injury reasons. All indications point toward Chiellini making his return to the starting lineup Tuesday night. It will be the first time we've seen Chiellini on a field for club or country since he was getting chomped on the shoulder by Luis Suárez. Since then, he has had to sit out Juve's first two games because of a three-match suspension that carried over from last season and then a minor muscular injury that made him pull out of Italy's training camp last week. How fit is he?I don't know. But he's ready to play. And you know whenever Giorgio Chiellini steps onto the field, there will be a multitude of crazy tackles with limbs flying everywhere.

5.Juventus starting off on the right foot.

So you're playing at home and have a team everybody expects you to beat coming to town. What do you do? No, the answer is not "Record 20-something shots, 10 of which get saved, and end up with a frustrating draw." Juventus were able to overcome their inability to beat the group's minnows both times around in Conte's first Champions League campaign, but not last season. With Malmö coming to Turin, there's only one acceptable result — a win. Why? Because Juventus is better, for one. And because Atlético Madrid is right around the corner. Juve is the favorite to win in one of these games, and I'm pretty sure all of you guys and gals can figure out which one it is.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Evra; Tévez, Llorente

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 ON THE WEST COAST

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus v Malmo FF: Preview and Projected Lineups

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus are coming off of a second straight Serie A win to hold a place at the top of the Italian table only two weeks into the new race for the Scudetto. Confidence is high and the current Italian champions are expected to be the favorites over their Swedish opponents.

Patrice Evra will make his first UEFA Champions League start in a Juventus uniform while the Italian side will be without several stars in the form of absent veteran midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal as well as defender Giorgio Chiellini. Andrea Barzagli is a late decision while Roberto Pereyra is suspended.

Malmo FF currently sits atop of the Swedish Allsvenskan table with five points clear over second. They come off a loss and a draw in their last two results and will be hoping to impose themselves early in their away match in Turin. However, they are not expected to have much bite against the Bianconeri.

The Swedish giants will be without two stars in injured Simon Thern and Piotr Johansson. It is going to be a tough test for the visitors and they are likely to struggle against the strong Italian side.


Predicted Score: Juventus 3 – 1 Malmo FF


Projected Lineups

Juventus: Buffon: Caceres, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichsteiner, Padoin, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Llorente.

Malmo: Olsen: Concha, Helander, Konate, Tinnerholm; Forsberg, Adu, Halsti; Eriksson, Rosenberg, Thelin.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Hareide: No Pressure For Malmo Against Juventus

Sep 16, 2014

Malmo coach Age Hareide insists his side will head into their Champions League clash against Juventus ‘with no pressure’.

The Scudetto holders host the Swedish champions on Tuesday evening, to which the Bianconeri are expected to win comfortably.

“We have no pressure on us, we calm, we only have a great enthusiasm,” Hareide told reporters at a press conference.

“Juventus have just started their season and the second half against Udinese we saw a tired team.

“We are already used to playing every three days, we will focus primarily on the physical condition and our courage.”

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus V Malmö: Bianconeri Set
To Begin Champions League Campaign

Sep 16, 2014

The most prestigious club competition in European football makes its long awaited return this week and Serie A champions Juventus will be looking to improve on their showing in previous years this time around, beginning on Tuesday as they host Swedish side Malmö.

Both sides are the champions of their respective countries, however, Juve will no doubt be expecting to claim all three points to kick start their European campaign for another season. The Scandinavian side currently sit top of the Swedish Allsvenskanliga with 49 points from their 23 games played, five points clear of second placed AIK.

Unlike the Italian side, Malmö had to face qualification for the Champions League and came through ties against FK Ventspils, Sparta Prague and Austrian champions FC Salzburg en route to the group stages. In qualifying for the group stages, Malmö have achieved something no Swedish side have done since the 2000/01 season.

It is no secret that the main priority for Massimiliano Allegri this season is to impose the club on the latter stages of the Champions League, having seen Antonio Conte struggle to do so in the last three seasons. Granted, the club reached the quarter-finals in 2012/13 but have seen themselves eliminated prematurely in the last two seasons. It has been 11 years since the Bianconeri made it to the semi-finals of Europe’s most elite club competition and that is something Allegri will be determined to change.

The Old Lady come in to this game with maximum points from their opening Serie A fixtures, having beaten Udinese and Chievo without conceding a goal. Albeit against inferior opposition, but the feat is still impressive considering the injury problems facing Allegri’s men.

Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini all sat out the Udinese match with injury problems, and they are unlikely to make a return midweek. Andrea Barzagli is still on the road to regaining full fitness and wasn’t included in the matchday squad. Roberto Pereyra will miss the game through suspension, which will force Allegri to make at least one change to his starting eleven selected in both Serie A fixtures this season.

While Malmö will be looking to mark the 50th anniversary of their first European match with a win, their form has not been as impressive of late. Although they sit five points clear at the top of the Swedish Allsvenskanliga, they have managed to win just once in their last four domestic games.

Should they manage to see out the remainder of the season as leaders, they will become the first team to retain the Allsvenskanliga since Djurgårdens IF in 2003. The key man for Juve to watch out for will be club captain Markus Rosenberg, who has found the net 10 times in his last 11 appearances in all competitions.


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra: Tevez, Llorente.

Malmö (4-3-3): Olsen; Concha, Helander, Konate, Tinnerholm; Forsberg, Halsti, Adu; Eriksson, Thelin, Rosenberg.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus vs. Malmo Preview

Sep 16, 2014

Malmo will make their UEFA Champions League debut on Tuesday when they travel to Turin to take on Italian giants Juventus at the Juventus Stadium.

The Bianconeri are strong favourites to join last year's finalists Atletico Madrid in the second round of the tournament, and they'll expect nothing less than a convincing win against the Swedish minnows.

Massimiliano Allegri is yet to drop points in his first season coaching the Italian champions, and he'll want to start the Champions League group stages in the same way as Juventus have started their domestic campaign.


Preview

Malmo came back from a two-goal deficit at BK Hacken to secure a 3-3 draw and preserve their lead at the top of the Swedish Allsvenskan standings, as closest competitors AIK are five points back.

The Swedish champions lost to Djurgarden on the previous matchday, but Juventus fans shouldn't expect to see a team in crisis on Tuesday—Malmo pummeled Red Bull Salzburg on their way to the Champions League group stages, and they more than deserve their spot among the elite.

The Bianconeri haven't been at their best on the European stage in the past few seasons, and they won't forget their dreadful showing against Nordsjaelland, a club with a similar profile as Malmo.

As reported by Goal's Stefan Coerts, Beppe Marotta told the club's website the squad needs to learn from past mistakes:

We now have a proven group of players that, in recent years, was undone by a lack of experience. I think what happened last year will help us to not repeat the same mistakes again.

Having said that, we must be aware of our club’s history and remember that qualification is certainly attainable. We're satisfied with the outcome of the draw.


Juventus often looked uninspired and almost lazy against supposedly weaker opposition under Antonio Conte, and one of Allegri's main goals will be to do better on the European level than his predecessor.

The Italian told Sky Sports he's not at all surprised his team has started the season well, and that he wants his players to learn to control the tempo of the game better, via Goal:

I am absolutely not surprised we've started the season so well. This squad has physical and technical qualities which mean we can do a lot better.

We must improve on how to control the tempo, as we cannot always go at 100 miles per hour or at 10 miles per hour. Playing every three days we have to learn more control to avoid wasting energy.


The fixture against Malmo could be the perfect example of that. Backed by one of the most vocal crowds in all of football, the Bianconeri will have a tendency to rush forward and put pressure on their opponents immediately.

In years past, Juventus would often score early and sit back, content to knock the ball around. Malmo put four goals past Salzburg in two matches—banking on them not to convert a single chance would be a risky choice.

Giorgio Chiellini has yet to feature for the club in 2014-15, and he will likely be a game-time decision. Andrea Pirlo isn't expected to be fit in time, and replacement Roberto Pereyra will be suspended following a booking in his final European match for Udinese.

Arturo Vidal likely won't be risked against the Swedes, which could open the door for Kwadwo Asamoah. A regular under Conte, the Ghanaian was converted to a wing-back but has always been at his best in the centre of the pitch.

For the visitors, Guillermo Molins, Simon Thern and Ricardinho remain unavailable due to long-term injuries.

While it's easy to foresee Malmo digging in and playing Juventus conservatively, the Swedes didn't get this far by playing it safe. Expect them to do what they do best: Push bodies out wide and give star forward Markus Rosenberg plenty of looks at goal.

Juventus have looked very solid defensively early in the 2014-15 season, but their efficiency in front of goal has been lacking. The Bianconeri need to get better at closing out matches, so Allegri will have them pushing for goals early and often.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri vs Conte - will Juventus flop again in Europe?

The Bianconeri re-established themselves as Italy's top team under Antonio Conte
but disappointed on the continent - will things be different under Massimiliano Allegri?

Sep 16, 2014

By Mark Doyle

There is a story that when Juventus arrived at their team hotel for last summer's pre-season meeting with LA Galaxy in Los Angeles, Antonio Conte was immediately perturbed by the potential for distraction. The problem, as far as the then coach was concerned, was the number of beautiful, young women loitering in the lobby. Consequently, he spent the next two nights residing in the hotel room so as to ensure that his players did not succumb to the temptations of the city's world-renowned nightlife.

The tale may well be apocryphal but it does, at least, perfectly convey the lengths to which Conte was prepared to go in order to control his players – both on and off the field. Of course, it was Conte's sense of professionalism and autocratic nature that had completely reinvigorated Juventus. He took a club in complete disarray, after two successive seventh-placed finishes in Serie A, to three consecutive Scudetti. His achievements in Italian football cannot be underestimated.

Upon taking charge of Juventus in 2011, he immediately excommunicated expensive signings such as Milos Krasic because they did not conform to what he wanted in a player. This incredibly strong-willed and single-minded ability to restore order to a chaotic, despondent and divided dressing room is precisely why he already looks like the right man to get Italy back on track after an embarrassing first-round exit at Brazil 2014.

However, Conte's rigidity was also viewed by many as the reason why Juventus failed to replicate their domestic success in continental competition. Although, his initial plan was to play an adventurous 4-2-4 formation upon taking charge in Turin, he quickly switched to a 3-5-2 – and immediately reaped dividends.

It was the right system for the right set of players. Shorn of prolific forwards for the first two years of his tenure, Conte's system brought the best out of his strongest department – his midfield. Juventus won their first two titles because of an outstanding engine room and solid defence. It is no coincidence that his midfield contributed over half of Juve’s goals during their 2012-13 season.

By that stage, Juve had become an unbeatable force in Serie A – literally. They went the whole 2011-12 campaign undefeated. They could even have triumphed in Europe the following year had they not run into Bayern Munich, one of the most complete teams the Champions League has ever seen. Before being taken down by the Bavarians in the quarter-finals, Juventus had been undefeated and had effectively eliminated Chelsea with a resounding 3-0 win over the reigning champions in Turin before topping their group with a 1-0 success away at Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, Juve were dismantled 4-0 on aggregate by Bayern. There had been no shame in that, of course, and Juve thought that the shrewd addition of two fine strikers in Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente would give them the requisite firepower to win in Europe.

Bayern, though, had provided everyone with the blueprint for beating Juventus: pressurising playmaker Andrea Pirlo and nullifying before then exploiting the space left by their wing-backs. Consequently, while they were unlucky to have had to play Galatasaray on a disgracefully poor pitch in what was effectively a play-off to reach the knockout stage of the 2012-13 Champions League, by that point it was already well-known that Juve could be easily nullified. They were too predictable, too one-dimensional, too committed to Conte’s tried-and-trusted 3-5-2 formation.

Change was clearly required – and Conte knew it. However, when it came to deciding upon where and how Juve needed to strengthen this summer, he found himself in disagreement with the club’s directors over transfer targets. His departure came as a shock given he had committed himself to the Bianconeri until 2015 one year previously but, in hindsight, we should have seen it coming. Conte wanted total control. He was not given it. A parting of the ways was thus inevitable. What was surprising, though, was that Juve turned to Massimiliano Allegri, who only six months previously had been sacked by rivals AC Milan. The fans were not impressed.

However, Allegri's appointment does, at least, offer some grounds for optimism. He did, after all, win Milan a title in his first season in charge, in 2010. Secondly, he oversaw four Champions League campaigns during his time at San Siro – and the Rossoneri made it out of the group stage with squads of incrementally decreasing value on each and every occasion.

Thirdly, and most importantly, Allegri is intent on teaching Juve to play in another way. Yes, he has a preferred system, 4-3-1-2, but he is not married to it. "I often say '4-3-and then up front we'll see!' It depends on the characteristics of the players. But I have the good fortune to only have to teach only one system here, because the other [3-5-2] is already memorised."

For better or for worse, Allegri is very different to his predecessor. Conte wanted to control everything his players did. He wanted to create a sense of unity, which is why staff and coaches always are together. Already under Allegri, players are free to eat before the coaching staff – or even alone. The point is greater freedom – on and off the field.

Allegri wants Juventus to achieve the tactical fluidity that Conte always craved but never attained, even being able to switch positions within games. "I believe that it's a great luck to have the chance to alternate between two systems, even in the same game. There will be moments in the season when we’ll play with three at the back and others in which it will be better to go with four."

Whether Allegri can pull off such tactical versatility remains to be seen (he has persisted with 3-5-2 in the opening two Serie A games this term, both comfortable wins over Chievo and Udinese, but is expected to gradually change formation - particularly in the Champions League). The results of his two-pronged approach are unpredictable. But then, that is the whole point. As Allegri says, "Juve are coming off three exceptional years but everyone knows how they play. They need variety. The players have the characteristics to change."

Now let's see if their results in Europe change, too ...

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus still bear the scars of last year, says Chiellini

The Italy international has warned his team-mates that they cannot afford
to underestimate Malmo if they are to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Sep 16, 2014

Giorgio Chiellini has stressed that Juventus have not forgotten about previous disappointing Champions League campaigns and has made it clear the Serie A champions will take things one step at a time in European club football's elite competition.

The Turin side were eliminated in the group stages last season as they had to settle for third spot in their group behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray and Chiellini is eager for them to learn from their mistakes ahead of their Group A opener against Malmo on Tuesday.

"We’re not expecting an easy win by any stretch of the imagination. We know that it’s going to be a tough game," Chiellini said at a press conference.

"We still bear the scars of last year and two years ago, from the results against Copenhagen and Nordsjælland.

"I think Malmo will be quite similar to those teams, given the likeness in the brand of football they play and their geographical proximity.

"Rather than focusing on having to prove ourselves or erasing the disappointment of last season, we need to try and surprise people and achieve something big."

Atletico Madrid meet Olympiakos in the other Group A encounter.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

-

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Asamoah in place of Vidal

Sep 16, 2014

Max Allegri is expected to stick with the 3-5-2 formation for Juventus’ opening Champions League night against Malmo.

Kwadwo Asamoah is expected to play in central midfield for the Bianconeri, as both Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo will miss the game through injury, while Roberto Pereyra is suspended.

Asamoah sat out Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Udinese, but is expected to return to the side in a three-man central midfield, along with Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba.

Patrice Evra will remain at left-wing-back, with Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right, whilst defence is expected to see Giorgio Chiellini displace Angelo Ogbonna and sit alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Martin Caceres.

Fernando Llorente is expected to partner Carlos Tevez up front.


Probable Juventus XI to face Malmo:

Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Evra; Tevez, Llorente