Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Victory fires Juventus up to fifth

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/result-victory-fires-juventus-up-to-fifth_259953.html

 
Nov 29, 2015
 
Juventus secured a fourth successive Serie A win by beating Palermo 3-0 to move up to fifth in the table this evening.

Mario Mandzukic made the breakthrough with a header five minutes into the second half, before Stefano Sturaro and substitute Simone Zaza scored late on to clinch the win.

Much of the first half was dominated by the visitors as they controlled the tempo without stretching the Palermo defence on too many occasions, but they were close to an early opener when a Juan Cuadrado cross just evaded Mandzukic at the back post.

It was a sign of what was to come in a frustrating opening 45 minutes for Massimiliano Allegri's side, who were rarely threated by Palermo on the break.

Leonardo Bonucci should have handed the lead to his side when poor marking allowed him to meet a corner with a free header, but he could only send the ball wide of the post.

Juventus returned from the interval with a quicker tempo to their attacking play, and their front two unlocked the Palermo defence as Paulo Dybala, who was returning to Palermo for the first time since his summer exit, drifted out wide to deliver an inviting cross which Mandzukic headed home at the back post.

Palermo enjoyed a spell on top after falling behind, but they struggled to cause problems for the Juventus defence, with Alberto Gilardino often being left isolated.

The win was secured in the final minute of normal time as Juventus took advantage of a tiring Palermo side to double the lead through Sturaro, who collected Paul Pogba's pass before firing past Stefano Sorrentino.

Two substitutes combined to pile more misery on Palermo in stoppage time as Zaza linked up with Morata on the edge of the box before surprising Sorrentino to find the bottom corner with a low strike as Juventus moved six points behind leaders Inter Milan.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Zaza: 'Juve top three in Jan'

http://www.football-italia.net/76456/zaza-juve-top-three-jan?

 
Nov 29, 2015
 
Simone Zaza said the Juventus target is “to be in the top three in January” after a fourth consecutive victory in Palermo.

The Bianconeri moved into fifth place with tonight’s 3-0 win at the Stadio Barbera and are just three points off Roma.

“Our objective is to climb up the standings,” Zaza told Mediaset Premium.

“We set the target to be in the top three in January and at the midway stage of the season. We want to continue winning.”

The ex-Sassuolo striker scored with the last kick of the game after Mario Mandzukic and Stefano Sturaro goals, but did not particularly celebrate.

“I’d prefer to play more and score more goals, obviously, but I’ve never complained and I won’t start now. I am enjoying the moment and looking forward to the next.

“The veterans in the squad made themselves heard during difficult moments, we youngsters listened and you can see the results.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Allegri: 'Mandzukic stats clear'

http://www.football-italia.net/76457/allegri-mandzukic-stats-clear?

 
Nov 29, 2015
 
Max Allegri said Mario Mandzukic’s “numbers speak for him” after Juventus secured a 3-0 win in Palermo.

They notched up a fourth consecutive Serie A victory and showed no signs of slowing after a midweek Champions League win over Manchester City.

“It was a good performance in terms of intensity, especially coming so soon after a difficult challenge with Manchester City,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“November has been very good for us and we recovered some essential points in the Serie A table.”

The Bianconeri are now in fifth position, just four points adrift of Roma, although Sassuolo can leapfrog them with a win over Fiorentina tomorrow.

For the second game in a row, Mandzukic was chosen to start instead of Alvaro Morata and opened the scoring.

“Morata is a first choice player, he just needs to improve his condition at the moment and be left free of pressure.

“Mandzukic won the Champions League, he played for Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. He might not be the classiest player with the best technique, but he has characteristics that are useful for this team.

“He gave his contribution, the numbers speak for him. Obviously he prefers these crosses to the back post, but he works for the team and holds the ball up.

“Dybala is playing better as a support striker connecting the midfield and centre-forward, as he has great technique, while Mandzukic like Morata tends to attack space in the box. Depending on the moment and the characteristics of the game, I choose between these various elements.

“This squad is capable of learning several different systems and approaches, but we still have lot that can be improved.”

Napoli-Inter is tomorrow night, so a draw would take Juve closer to the top of the table.

“I am looking at the fact we have Lazio coming up and they will be furious at recent results, so extra determined and ready to throw everything at us.

“At this moment we can see the team has improved physically, we are sharper and can change tempo at the right times. The only problem today was that we gave the ball away too cheaply.

“When I said that I didn’t like the air around Juventus this summer, it was because some people felt as if four years of Serie A domination meant we could just walk on to the pitch and win.

“We struggled with that for a month and a half, then everyone realised we have to fight hard and work to win every single point.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Ballardini: 'Palermo lost confidence'

http://www.football-italia.net/76458/ballardini-palermo-lost-confidence?

 
Nov 29, 2015
 
Davide Ballardini saw Palermo “lose confidence and that must never happen” in their 3-0 defeat to Juventus.

Mario Mandzukic broke the deadlock after 54 minutes, but Stefano Sturaro and Simone Zaza goals only came in the final stages.

“I don’t think the result reflects the game, as for 60 minutes Palermo put in a strong performance,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“After their goal we tried to create something, but it was difficult because Juve are deadly on the counter-attack. We didn’t have the solidity necessary against teams like this.

“We lost confidence and that must never happen. We used up a lot of physical and psychological energy in the first hour and had nothing left to react after the goal. We know that the fixtures where we can get points are coming up.”

Palermo did not manage a single shot on target, despite fielding Gaston Brugman, Franco Vazquez and Alberto Gilardino.

“We do not play three strikers, as Brugman is a defender and Vazquez a support forward. Everyone has to work for the team and in the first half we did keep it tight.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Palermo 0-3 Juventus: Player Ratings

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/palermo-0-3-juventus-player-ratings/?

 
Nov 29, 2015
 
Palermo remain just two points off the relegation zone in Serie A as they lost 3-0 to Juventus at the Stadio Renza Barbera on Sunday night.

Though the Bianconeri dominated the first-half, they failed to find the breakthrough as the Rosanero stifled them. However, it wasn’t long until the Serie A champions took the lead, as Mario Mandzukic rose high to meet Paulo Dybala’s cross in 53rd minute. Stefano Sturaro also capped a fine performance with a goal to seal the win in the 89th minute. Stefano Zaza added a third in stoppage time to add some gloss to the scoreline.

 

Palermo

Stefano Sorrentino – 6 – Unlucky - The former Chievo goalkeeper couldn’t have done anything to stop Mandzukic’s goal and he stood up to whatever Juventus threw at him despite letting in three goals.

Ajiaz Struna – 4 – Weak - Unlike Lazaar, Struna was much more conservative in his runs forward but his performance was marred by his poor defending which allowed Mandzukic to beat him in the air to score.

Edoardo Goldaniga – 5 – Naive - Goldaniga was strong in the first-half despite his passing being rather aimless, but as Palermo pushed forward late on he became exposed.

Giancarlo Gonzalez – 5.5 – Wayward - Gonzalez was a rock in opening 45 minutes as he helped organise his defence to deal with mounting pressure exerted by Juventus. In the second-half the Rosanero’s defender lacked positional discipline, often pushing out needlessly.

Achraf Lazaar -5- Rubbish - The left-back provided Palermo with some much needed width but his end product was often poor, as Alberto Gilardino was fed scraps.

Oscar Hiljemark – 5 – Lacking - One of Palermo’s better players this season failed to have an impact for much of the game and he was rightly substituted in the second-half.

Mato Jajalo – 5.5 – Painful - Strong in the tackle, Jajalo was an effective cog in Palermo’s midfield as he stifled the play of Paul Pogba, but he did lose his defensive awareness late on.

Ivaylo Chochev – 5 – Tireless - Like the rest of the Palermo midfielder he worked hard, but lacked the guile needed to conjure up some chances for his strikers to take advantage of.

Gaston Brugman – 4 – Obvious - The Uruguayan midfielder worked hard but consistently was wasteful in possession as Palermo failed to break down a stubborn Juventus defence.

Franco Vazquez -5- Swarmed - Vazquez was starved of the ball and therefore failed to really have an impact. The Bianconeri targeted him throughout and he rarely had a second on the ball.

Alberto Gilardino – 4 – Useless - The former AC Milan striker missed a decent chance in the first-half and couldn’t get into the game. He was substituted halfway through the second-half.


Substitutions

Robin Quaison -5- Dire - Made no impact after coming on and he was often wasteful in possession rather than showing patience.

Alexander Trajkovski -5- Unlucky - Like Gilardino, Trajkovski failed to get any service with his best opportunity ending in a failed bicycle-kick.

Andrea Rispoli -6- Justified - Was stronger defensively than Struna but couldn’t have any impact going forward.


 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Quiet - Buffon was untroubled for most of the game and it was a rare sight to see him actually touch the ball during the match, either with his hands or feet.

Andrea Barzagli – 7 – Rock - Rarely troubled in the first Barzagli organised his defence well and was strong in distribution like his fellow centre-backs.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Good - Though his distribution and defending was strong throughout the match, Bonucci missed a brilliant chance from a corner in the first-half which could have proved costly.

Giorgio Chiellini – 7 – Rugged - The Italian’s distribution was key in starting attacks. His defensive work was also impressive as Palermo failed to break down the Bianconeri.

Juan Cuadrado – 5.5 – Poor - In the first-half the Colombian was rather erratic in his play. Overall, Cuadrado was ineffective due to the doubling up Palermo did to him.

Stefano Sturaro – 7 – Aggressive - Sturaro offered vitality and endeavour all night as he was given licence to get into advanced positions. He was also strong going back as he hassled and harried the likes of Vazquez. He capped his fine performance with a goal just before full-time.

Claudio Marchisio – 7 – Composed - Like always, Marchisio provided balance in the midfield and positional awareness often dropping back to cover for likes of Chiellini and Bonucci. Furthermore, his passing provided a footing for many Juventus attacks.

Paul Pogba – 6.5 – Inconsistent - The Frenchman lacked a bit of discipline as he was booked within the first 30 minutes. Moreover, Pogba drifted in and out of the match and much of what he tried failed to come off. However, he did provide the assist for Stefano Sturaro’s goal.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Driven - Evra was always eager to get involved and often found himself in good positions but was let down by his end product which rarely beat the first defender.

Mario Mandzukic – 7 – Powerful - Absent in the first-half, the Croatian showed great aggression to give The Old Lady the lead 10 minutes into the second-half before he was perhaps harshly substituted.

Paulo Dybala -6.5- Mercurial - Like Mandzukic, Dybala couldn’t really affect the game in the opening 45 minutes, but in the second-half he delivered a fantastic cross to set-up the opener.


Substitutions

Alvaro Morata – 6.5 – Impactful - Linked up well when he came on but couldn’t get himself a goal. However, the Spaniard did manage to set-up fellow substitute Zaza for the third.

Stephan Licthtsteiner – 6.5 – Reliable - As usual he was strong defensively but also eager to get forward after he came on for Cuadrado.

Simone Zaza – 7 – Opportunist - On for just 5 minutes but he did manage to grab a goal in stoppage time with a fine finish.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus 3 - Palermo 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/30/9815024/juventus-palermo-2015-serie-a-round-14-final-score-result-initial-reaction

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
There are parts of Mario Mandzukic's game that aren't the most glamorous. Sometimes he can disappear for minutes on end without even making the slightest of impact on the offensive end. He will work his tail off pressing the opposition, but sometimes that doesn't always equate to the main reason why he's on the Juventus roster — scoring goals.

He's dealt with the heat in the media in the last month or so. There's certainly been a lot of talk around here about just how much he's misfired to start his Juve career. But this is what he's done over last month or so: Six starts in all competitions, four goals scored.

That's good, right?

We're starting to see the Mandzukic that is the kind of player Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici hoped they were getting when they signed him from Atlético Madrid this summer — and that was evident once again with his go-ahead goal in Juventus' 3-0 win over Palermo on Sunday night. And if it's becoming as simple as "Get a cross into Mario and he'll take care of the rest," then so be it. Paulo Dybala certainly proved that to be true, serving up an absolute gem of a cross from the left wing that Mandzukic headed home early in the second half to put Juve in front.

Mandzukic is producing. And he's producing consistently for the first time all season.

Throw in late goals from Stefano Sturaro — who's had himself a pretty damn good week, if you ask me — and Simone Zaza, and Juve's trip to the Renzo Barbera was a pretty resounding success. They needed to get through a pretty meh first half of play, but once they figured things out, then it was full steam ahead.

The end result was a solid win in a game they had no business not picking up all three points in.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We’re in good physical shape and the results help you to work better. Important progress has been made by the team."

Just like Mandzukic's play, it might not be the prettiest at times, but this team is getting better as the midway point of the season gets closer and closer. It's clear in how they're now able to shake off a so-so opening 45 minutes. And it's even more noticeable in where they are now in the standings. Don't look now, but Juventus are up into fifth in the Serie A table and only three points behind fourth-place Roma.

Not bad considering how this season started. Not bad at all.

 

Random thoughts and observations

Juventus had four shots on goal. Three of them were goals.

Don't make Max angry. Nobody likes when Max is angry.

Does it seem like Allegri might be figuring some things out with his squad? The consistent amount of wins are obviously the biggest change from September and October, but this is now resembling a team with a plan rather than one that has a bunch of new pieces to it. Allegri has definitely been able to adjust things to what suits his team best. And while there is certainly more work to be done and plenty of room to improve, I feel like there's a reason to be optimistic again. Much moreso than in the first few weeks of the season. That's why patience in these situations is vital.

Gianluigi Buffon didn't have to make a save even though Palermo had 11 shots. Stealin' checks again.

(He's also got three straight shutouts in all competitions. Pretty sure he doesn't mind that one bit.)

Paulo Dybala is good.

Sturaro's last two appearances might be his two best in a Juventus jersey. He has been such a standout on the defensive end that Juve haven't missed a beat in the absence of Sami Khedira. Sure, he's not the best when it comes to passing, but that run he made on his goal reminded me of another Juventus midfielder that he's been lining up next to in recent games. He came from out of nowhere and was the backend of a wonderfully created team goal.

I like Patrice Evra, I really do, but if you're going to play somebody like Mario Mandzukic more often than not these days, don't you think having a left back like Alex Sandro in there to drop dimes all game long would be the better option? At this point, I think it's pretty easy to say that Sandro is the better option when it comes to contributions on the offensive end of the equation. And as he proved against Manchester City, it's not like Sandro is a slouch on defense, too.

So this is Allegri's decision, not ours. But it's definitely one to pay attention to with Alex Sandro showing that he's the real deal at left back.

Claudio Marchisio is so quietly brilliant it's scary sometimes. There's nobody I'd rather have holding down the center of Juve's midfield right now. He's been great this season.

No Paul Pogba against Lazio on Friday thanks to his yellow card in the first half. If there's no Khedira available, it's going to be interesting to see where Allegri goes with his squad selection. Marchisio will play, obviously. Same goes for Sturaro with the kind of impact he's made over the last week. But the midfield is the hardest hit by injuries right now without a doubt, so the options available to Allegri are definitely not as fruitful as they were entering the international break.


POLL

Who's your Juventus Man of the Match against Palermo?

35% Stefano Sturaro (128 votes)
27% Claudio Marchisio (101 votes)
20% Mario Mandzukic (73 votes)
10% Paul Pogba (36 votes)
8% Simone Padoin (28 votes)
1% Andrea Barzagli (4 votes)

370 votes total

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus defeat Palermo, assume
fifth place in Serie A table

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432134/palermo-juventus/report?

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
Reigning champions Juventus continued their climb back to the upper reaches of the Serie A table by beating Palermo 3-0 at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The Bianconeri, who have won the title four times in a row, started the season with back-to-back defeats and have been struggling to make up for lost time ever since. Results in Europe and at home suggest the tide has turned.

Palermo managed to frustrate them until Mario Mandzukic broke the deadlock after half-time. Stefano Sturaro and substitute Simone Zaza confirmed the outcome with late goals and Juve were able to celebrate a fourth straight win.

Massimiliano Allegri's men found their Sicilian hosts - themselves restricted to a couple of half-chances - immovable before the break, with Mandzukic and former Palermo favourite Paulo Dybala going closest to notching.

The Croatian got his head to Dybala's pinpoint cross nine minutes after the restart and Stefano Sorrentino was finally beaten, although he would keep Juan Cuadrado from finding the inside of his near post after the hour.

With time ticking away, the Rosanero visibly tired and Sturaro duly stole into the box to turn home Paul Pogba's through-ball.

Zaza then made an instant impact from the bench, smashing home a daisy-cutter following his clever one-two with Alvaro Morata.

The string of wins propels Juventus into fifth place and to within six points of league leaders Inter Milan, who could be replaced by Napoli should they lose to the Azzurri at the Stadio San Paolo on Monday night.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Morata will become a key
player for Juventus - Allegri

The former Real Madrid forward started on the bench for the win
over Palermo, but coach Massimiliano Allegri lauded the Spain international.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/11/29/17856792/-?

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised Alvaro Morata and backed the forward to become a key player for his side.

The Spain international came off the bench to set up Simone Zaza's late sealer in a 3-0 win at Palermo in the Serie A on Sunday.

Despite much talk surrounding Morata's future and a potential return to Real Madrid, Allegri said the 23-year-old could become a Juve star.

"In contrast to last season, when he was behind Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente in the pecking order, Alvaro is one of our first-choice strikers this year," Allegri told his post-match news conference.

"His assist for Simone Zaza’s strike was a sign of what he is capable of and he’ll become a key player for Juventus."

Morata's square pass for Zaza set up the 93rd-minute goal, after Mario Mandzukic and Stefano Sturaro had also struck in the second half.

The win was Juve's fourth straight in the league and lifted them into fifth in the table after a slow start to the campaign, and Allegri is pleased with the progress his team have made.

"The boys played very well, particularly in terms of all the energy they put into the performance," Allegri added.

"We might have taken the lead in the first half, but then we scored those three great goals after the break.

"We prepared for this match on Friday and the players are quick learners, which is very important.

"The team has made some notable steps forward of late. We've stepped up physically, we’re using the ball much better and we’re more compact."

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus vs. Palermo: Final score 3-0, Bianconeri
jump up into fifth with fourth straight Serie A win

A tale of two halves and other clichés — Paulo Dybala
and Stefano Sturaro shine as Juventus hit Palermo for three.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/30/9815424/palermo-juventus-2015-serie-a-round-14-final-score-recap-result?

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
When things are going well, you don’t do anything to make them better. Max Allegri kind of adhered to this and only made two changes to the winning side that started against Manchester City, with Patrice Evra and Juan Cuadrado coming in for Alex Sandro and Stephan Lichtsteiner. Considering how demanding the wingback role in a 3-5-2 formation is, the Swiss Express probably welcomed the rest, but Sandro might have wanted to continue at left back after his recent exploits.

Prior to this encounter, Palermo had lost the last six matches played against Juventus without scoring a single goal. The Bianconeri travelled to Stadio Renzo Barbera on the back of a rare three-game winning streak in all competition — i.e. the first and only one of the season — and morale was high, so the trend could only continue. However, it took an entire first half of little vision and efficiency, very reminiscent of the latter times Antonio Conte was still shouting his lungs out from the Bianconeri dugouts, for Juventini to finally break the deadlock.

It wasn’t particularly enjoyable until the point Mario Mandzukic stopped wandering around the pitch purposelessly, though only for roughly five seconds, and headed in the opener. You could argue this is what most goal poachers do during games, but the Croatian has a special and very irking way of proving to be a lethal striker. But at least half of the goal had Paulo Dybala written on it. All eyes were on the Argentine striker as he made his first return on the island of Sicily since his €32 million + bonuses summer move to Juventus, and he didn’t fail to impress. Hence the few boos and whistles coming from the home tifosi as Dybala was being subbed off. Bastards.

You couldn’t help notice how easy football became and how confidence surged after Juventus took the lead — an altogether different team took to the pitch, very similar to the one that outplayed City in midweek, when the early advantage did the trick. Continuing and, most importantly, trying to start games with the same frame of mind will be crucial to this slowly hike towards the Serie A table. Juventus have been very mature and solid in the centre of the park and especially at the back after the last international break, which is pretty much the reason for the good run.

Several positives to build on from here — all rise for Stefano Sturaro — and if it wasn’t for Paul Pogba’s yellow card, the evening would have been perfect. The Frenchman will miss Friday’s trip to Stadio Olimpico where a completely out of form Lazio (and that man Allesandro Matri) await. We all know what it means if Sami Khedira and Mario Lemino are not fit until then. Simone Padoin will bless our evenings with his presence once again.


MATCH SUMMARY

The hosts started out with a high tempo trying to catch Juventus off their guard, but Allegri’s players were disciplined at the back and managed to soak up the early pressure without too many problems. After 15 minutes of football, Mandzukic came a few inches away from meeting Cuadrado’s cross and sending the ball into the open net.

The Bianconeri completely controlled possession in the following minutes but only shyly approached Stefano Sorrentino’s goal and weren’t able to create any important scoring chances. Contrary to the game’s direction, it was Alberto Gilardino who caused some panic inside the visitors’ box just before the half hour mark with a shot from angle which flew past the far post.

Leonardo Bonucci missed a huge opportunity to open the scoring in the 34th minute when he leaped over the opposite defence following a corner kick taken by Dybala and failed to hit the target with a free header from just over six yards. A few minutes later, Dybala doubled up Bonucci’s miss with a header directed off target from a decent position.

Another corner kick caused confusion inside Palermo’s area but none of the Bianconeri could take a shot on goal, with Sturaro blocked in the last moment by the defence. The ball was cleared away and referee Paolo Valeri sent the two teams to the locker rooms for half time.

HALFTIME STAT: Mandzukic had fewer touches (11) than anybody on the pitch. Including. Both. Goalkeepers.

SECOND (and equally frustrating) HALFTIME STAT: There wasn’t a single shot on goal.

The second half started in a similar fashion as it ended — decent intensity, but very little end product. The hosts had appeals for a penalty waved off by Valeri after a challenge from Andrea Barzagli, while Pogba tried his luck from distance but couldn’t hit the target.

As any tifoso already knows, football is not all about stats and Mandzukic proved it once again as he responded in big style to his incredibly poor first half, scoring Juventus’ opener in the 54th minute. Dybala’s initial delivery from a corner was cleared away but his second cross was perfect and the Croatian striker muscled his way inside the area before powering the header past Sorrentino.

Both teams came close to scoring in the 66th minute. First Chiellini did great to block Gaston Brugman inside the 6-yard box and then Cuadrado tested Sorrentino on the counter with a powerful strike at the near post.

The Bianconeri played out the rest of the game perfectly, giving Palermo no chance to get any close to Buffon’s goal.

In the 89th minute, Sturaro received the ball at the edge of the box from Pogba and after a brilliant control with his left foot, slotted it coolly past Sorrentino to double the lead.

Juventus hit Palermo again in the last minute of injury time. Having replaced Dybala a few minutes earlier, Simone Zaza combined with Alvaro Morata inside the area before sending a low shot at the near post that left Sorrentino reaction-less. The host were saved from the misery of restarting the game as Valeri blew the full-time whistle.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon: N/A Didn’t have to make a single save. Still amazing, though.

Barzagli: 6.5 Some good tackles and interceptions to thwart attackers. Linked-up well with Sturaro and Cuadrado.

Bonucci: 6.5 Solid, just as his fellow defenders. Missed a great chance to score in the first half.

Chiellini: 7.5 Great performance, making well-timed challenges in crucial moments.

Cuadrado: 6 At the heart of most of the first-half actions. Lacked the final touch tough. Replaced by Lichtsteiner in the 68th minute.

Sturaro: 7.5 Another solid display — worked his way effortlessly up and down the pitch and rounded it off with a well-deserved goal.

Marchisio: 6.5 Took complete charge in the centre of the park, distributing the ball accurately.

Pogba: 6.5 Covered a wide area in midfield and ineffectively looked for the goal with long shots several times. Decent assists.

Evra: 6.5 Some very spirited charges down the flank. Sound defensively.

Dybala: 7.5 Often dropped deep to see more of the ball and create chances. Really good deliveries from set-pieces and a great assist.

Mandzukic: 6.5 Useless in the first part, but made up for it with the goal, with his only good touch of the game.


Subs

Morata: 6.5 Replaced Mandzukic in the 67th and despite trying a lot for himself, managed to assist Zaza's goal.

Lichtsteiner: 6 Came in with 20 minutes left to play and had little involvement.

Zaza: 7 Replaced Dybala in the 84th minute. Good composure to score the third goal.


Coach

Allegri: 7 Resurrected the team at half time and made the right subs at the right time.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Zamparini: ‘Dybala needs right balance’

http://www.football-italia.net/76463/zamparini-%E2%80%98dybala-needs-right-balance%E2%80%99?

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
Juventus’ Paulo Dybala needs ‘balance between power and pace’ according to Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini.

The Rosanero chief spoke about his former prodigy after the two sides met in Serie A last night, when the Bianconeri came out 3-0 winners.

Dybala left Sicily to join the Old Lady in the summer and Zamparini praised him as ‘world-class’ with a ‘great temperament.’

“In the first half I didn’t see a great Juventus - But then they have Dybala and Mandzukic and we don’t,” Zamparini said to Radio Anch’io lo Sport.

“Reading the papers today, they seem to have torn us apart. But it wasn’t like that. It’s clear that when they have the ball, Dybala or other players make the difference.

“I was sure Dybala would do well with Juventus. He has a great temperament, before signing a contract with us he’d want to read it all beforehand.

“Here is a world-class player, at Palermo he only had Vazquez to speak the same footballing language.

“He’ll do very well at Juventus. His bulging muscles? If you become too muscular, you then lose speed. After many years of football I see these things, you must be balanced between power and pace.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Paulo Dybala leads rejuvented
Juventus to win over Palermo

http://www.espnfc.com/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2734199/paulo-dybala-leads-juventus-to-win-over-palermo

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
After defeating Palermo 3-0 in the Stadio Renzo Barbera, a well-balanced Juventus demonstrated growth and improvement to send a signal to the rest of Serie A. Now four points off the third Champions League spot, and having won four games in a row, Monday's giornalaccio rosa dello Sport headline "Juventus have returned" is not far from the truth.

Deployed in a 3-5-2 formation and having just endured a tough midweek Champions League fixture against Manchester City (a 1-0 win), few knew what to expect from the Bianconeri this weekend. Indeed it was Palermo that seemed the most interested in gaining the lead at the start of the match, demonstrating intensity and tactical organisation that belied their position just above the relegation zone.

However, while Massimiliano Allegri has been keen to downplay the importance of a formation, even he must acknowledge that his chosen shape made life easier for his men considering the Sicilians' decision to play a diamond midfield.

With Juventus given free licence to roam down the wings, perhaps more should have been expected from the likes of Juan Cuadrado whose audacious dribbling skills and incredible movement seemed incapable of making the difference from wing-back. Once again fans were treated to his raw ability, but there is so much the Colombian must learn if he is to be an asset to big club. For one thing, his decision making can verge on the appalling, while he also frustrates with how often he slows down a move.

It is perhaps for this reason Allegri has preferred Stephan Lichtsteiner to start in the past few games. The Swiss may not boast the same level of skill, but his tactical intelligence offers his teammates options and they trust that when he has the ball, he will usually make the right decision -- even if his execution is not always perfect.

With Palermo keen to shut down spaces in the centre of the pitch, this was the perfect game for Cuadrado to make the difference, to exploit the flanks and make a case for more game time. However, the task of a wing-back is far from easy and the duality of the role demands perfection and discipline. Perhaps the role is too challenging for the Colombian who needs a certain level of freedom to express himself.

Where Cuadrado erred, Paulo Dybala delighted. Back in his old stomping ground, the Argentina striker had a wonderful game. Intelligent, eager and wonderfully technical, his growing understanding of the Bianconeri way is facilitating the team's offensive game. Creating more chances than any other player on the pitch, Dybala has now been directly involved in nine of Juve's 20 goals this season, scoring six and assisting three.

Heeding Allegri's advice, the forward is working on his weaknesses to best service the needs of the collective unit. Adept at uniting the forward line with the midfield, he's slowly becoming too valuable to bench, needing only one perfect pass or, on this occasion, one perfect cross to help his side to victory.

With Allegri often singling out the youngster for praise, the manager's faith in another forward is also making a difference. Mario Mandzukic has struggled to adapt to his new club, failing to score the goals required of him since moving from Bayern this summer. Indeed, by early November, he only managed 0.27 goals per game for the Old Lady -- a far cry from the 0.55 he managed in Germany.

However, as a player more renowned for his hard work than excellent technique, the Croatian is excellent at working on behalf of the side, holding the ball up and sacrificing himself for the team. As such, Allegri has worked on offering Mandzukic the right circumstances to extract the best out of him. Scoring in two consecutive matches to ease the pressure, the striker is growing in confidence and proving that when a team plays to his strengths, he can score the important goals. Determination and mental fortitude have ensured it is he, rather than Alvaro Morata who has been chosen to lead the line.

The Spaniard knows how to make the difference in the big games, not only by scoring but by working for the unit, tracking back and helping his teammates. However, when it comes to the smaller games, Morata appears nonchalant and plays with a certain level of entitlement, failing to give 100 percent. It is that type of attitude that contributed to the team's terrible start to the season.

Juventus are not a side that require a hero who scores audacious goals to serve his own individual needs, but a team player who contributes to the perfection of a collective unit and the sooner Morata realises this, the better.

What is good to see is that the majority of the team now think this way. The Palermo win was the fourth in four Serie A matches, with three consecutive clean sheets in all competitions. A little more time will give Juve the opportunity to perfect their game and, after that, they may well be unstoppable.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

PALERMO 0-3 JUVENTUS
SERIE A MATCH REPORT

Mario Mandzukic, Stefano Sturaro and Simone Zaza scored the goals for Juventus in a 3-0 of Palermo.

http://www.juvefc.com/palermo-0-3-juventus-serie-a-match-report/?

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
Entering this game with a semblance of form and confidence after despatching Man City mid-week and our recent results – if not our performances – improving domestically Allegri decided to stick with the 3-5-2 swapping only the wide men. In came Evra and Cuadrado for Lichsteiner and Sandro.

Setting themselves up in a diamond formation in the middle, Palermo came out the traps with eagerness and belief. The first ten minutes were even if not finding the home side in the ascendency, yet no major chances were created. After which we began to impose ourselves upon proceedings, working the ball left then right then left then right, hoping to make inroads through the open flanks.

Whilst we were in control, we were not making many chances, forced to bypass the middle of the park and fling balls into the box or hope that Cuadrado could beat his man and create a goal scoring opportunity. For himself or others.

We improved after the break, mainly through attrition. Palermo became less composed, sat back and waited for the faltering counters, of which, only a chance for Giardino registered as any real threat. It took a wonderful cross from Dybala to open the scoring; the giant Mandzukic – whose movement was decent throughout – forcing the issue at the back post for 0-1. After which confidence grew in the ranks. A flurry of half chances appeared yet it wasn’t until very late on with Zaza and Morata showing fresh legs that we made the most of our technical superiority.

0-3 seemed a little harsh on Palermo yet we deserved the victory with a composed, ultra solid showing. It bodes well to see us regaining solidity at the back with a well earned clean sheet and to continue this undefeated cycle, which now stretches back to the 1-0 loss to Sassuolo in late October. One defeat in twelve, creeping up the league table, progression in Europe. The future looks much more pleasant than a month back.


5 Positives

1. Stefano Sturaro – A bright spark in midfield for the second game in a row. The kind of strong tackling, ball winning midfielder you need when you’re missing a certain Chilean from seasons past. His crosses were pretty special as well, not to mention that brilliantly taken goal – All in all, a player who is becoming a firm favourite while making a strong case for his inclusion in the next few matches.

2. Mandzukic scores – Leave him alone in the box and he’ll try his best to bully defenders. Give him a decent cross, some actual quality service, and he’ll make something from the chance. Two games and two goals in a row, you can see why Allegri prefers to start him alongside Dybala.

3. Another win – Four wins in a row and Juve are up to 5th in the league. A month ago, we were in twelth and people were calling for Allegri to be axed. Two very tough games ahead of us, but theres a certain momentum building with this team, backed up by the kind of confidence that comes from scoring three goals without reply.

4. A clean sheet – Three clean sheets in a row and we’re up to third in the ranking for fewest goals conceded. Whisper it *looks like Juve might be back*

5. Allegri – Another game, another perfecty deployed team and a well excuted game plan. He knew he had it right from the start, the team started to click into place as the game wore on and before you know it, we’re 3-0 up and Simone Zaza is scoring. Well done Mister !


Statistics

Man of the Match: Stefano Sturaro

Flop of the Match: N/A

Corners: 7

Pass Accuracy: 88%

Shots on Target: 4

Total Shots: 16

Ball Possession: 59%

Formation: 3-5-2


Lineups

Palermo:
Sorrentino; Struna (Rispoli 74), Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Hiljemark (Quaison 60), Jajalo, Chochev; Brugman; Vazquez, Gilardino (Trajkovski 66)

Juventus:
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado (Lichtsteiner 68), Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic (Morata 66), Dybala (Zaza 83)

Ref: Valeri


Poll

Who was your man of the match against Palermo?

Sturaro 51%
Marchisio 15%
Dybala 23%
Pogba 5%
Mandzukic 5%

Buffon 0%
Cuadrado 0%
Barzagli 0%
Bonucci 0%
Chiellini 0%
Evra 0%

Votes 39

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri
impressed by his side's November form

http://www.espnfc.com/juventus/story/2734565/allegri-impressed-by-juventus-form-in-november

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he has been impressed by his side's form in November, a month that has seen them climb to fifth in the league and book their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Sunday night's 3-0 win at Palermo was Juve's fourth straight league victory and fifth in six games, a strong turnaround following a start to the season that saw them take just nine points from their first eight games and land up in 12th place at the end of October.

In his post-match comments, Allegri reflected on a run of form he knew was going to arrive sooner or later, just as he was convinced that his side were not entirely out of the Scudetto race after just two months of the season.

"It's something I had always believed in," he told the club website.. "I knew we could make up ground. It's been a glorious November."

At the same time, Allegri said that the Bianconeri cannot afford to sit back and relax now, with ground still to be made up if they are to celebrate a fifth straight Serie A title success.

"The season's still long and we're still a long way from the summit," he added. "You need a balanced view. Let's just enjoy this win now, aware that we've got a difficult game ahead of us against Lazio.

"If you want to recover well, then you've got to be in good shape. We are now in a good physical condition and the results are helping us to work better. The team has made great progress and now they know when to accelerate and when to control the ball and be compact.

"We came into [sunday's Palermo game] after a match in which we had used a lot of energy, against [Manchester] City, so we did a great job tonight. The lads have had a great November, recovering points in the league and going through in Europe and now we are preparing for Friday."

No side has ever recovered from the deficit they had after two months of the season, but some Juve players believe a fifth straight Scudetto isn't unrealistic given their form and recent history.

"We just lacked continuity at the start of the season, but we've found that now," said Simone Zaza, who netted their second goal in Sicily on Sunday night.

"It's not impossible for us to win the league and we said this even when we were having problems, and we can confirm it now. We've just got to try to win every remaining game."

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0 - 3

Mario Mandžukić (54')
Stefano Sturaro (89')
Simone Zaza (90'+)

MATCHDAY 14
Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

PALERMO 0-3 JUVENTUS
SERIE A PLAYER RATINGS

Juventus dominated Palermo to win 3-0 with goals from Mandzukic, Sturaro and Zaza. Here’s our player ratings.

http://www.juvefc.com/palermo-0-3-juventus-serie-a-player-ratings/?

 
Nov 30, 2015
 
Some positives, other than the result…No more injuries. Dominating defensively. Taking our chances. Other than which, I still find absence of cohesion, I cannot yet judge any form and if we have any serious ambition of climbing the table towards the summit, we need a set system, we need Morata implemented, we need Sandro starting more, we need Lichsteiner surpassing Cuadrado’s fancy footwork leading to little and more than anything else, we need Sami Khedira fit to offer some much needed steel to the midfield, the engine room.

A deserved result, against a weak side. Far sterner tests are coming.


Gigi Buffon 6.5 - Had very little to do and looked as fresh at the finish as he did at the start. I am still not keen on his role as Capitano, yet his experience and love for the club place him presently above any other possibilities.

Andrea Barzagli 7.0 - Booked when it seems another committed anything resembling a foul, other than which was superb. We really are immensely strong with his leadership and intelligence in a back three. He is approaching his finest form, as are several others, and its his inclusion in the 3-5-2 which brings me and likely his colleagues confidence.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - A definite change in Big Leo this term. Whether directed or personal, only time will tell, for I am accustomed to seeing him bring the ball out of defence in a back three, presenting a libero element in our back line to support the midfield and play the ball long often. However, there is very little of either presently. Is this coached? Or due to the lack of confidence which surely comes from a defensive unit which has been shipping far too many goals due to clumsy errors? Missed a perfect chance with a header from close range. Regardless, Big Leo kept things simple and did well enough.

Giorgio Chiellini 7.0 - No silly mistakes, supported the attack when possible, tackled well, won everything in the air. Finding form. At last!

Juan Cuadrado 6.0 - Useless defensively, and average in the final third. The Colombian enjoys taking his man on, yet his distribution and end product in general require either more options or a more steely focus. When tasked with picking up possession deep, we do not see his best. Tried hard to make things happen, but too many bodies in the box to pick out the killer pass and whilst he passed his marker plenty of times, he had nowhere to go. Perhaps should be reserved for a 4-3-3.

Stefano Sturaro 7.0 - Battled hard as always, found a couple of chances in his typical last second style and held the midfield together with his back tracking and covering. Always eager to drive forward, Stefano is proving a very positive signing. Took his goal superbly.

Claudio Marchisio 6.0 - Il principino suffered from the congested midfield and found it hard to produce anything worthwhile offensively, yet was always looking and stuck to the nitty gritty with professional zeal. With Sturaro still learning his movement and Cuadrado naturally settling into a RW role, Claudio was forced to remain fairly deep throughout, shielding the defence and attempting to recycle the ball between the flanks or on those rare occasions, through the middle. Still moving up the gears. I am content to simply see him playing and remain fit. A vital cog, even when seemingly quiet.

Paul Pogba 6.5 - Grew into the game as it progressed. A couple of long range efforts which on another day would have troubled the keeper. A handful of wonderful passes, yet I cannot help but expect more of the gallant gall. I do not think we will see the best of him, or the team as a whole, until/unless Khedira is fit for a lengthy period. Played his part beautifully in the second goal, other than which was always a bother for Palermo. Capable of so much more.

Patrice Evra 7.0 - Extremely solid defensively and offered what he could going forward. His mentality is wonderful. Rarely gives the ball away, has an impressive awareness of who is around him, still a brilliant asset in his twilight years. Does he give us less offensively than Sandro? Undoubtedly. Yet he locks down the flank in the defensive phase. At least when playing against a diamond midfield. Sturdy and comfortable throughout.

Mario Mandzukic 7.0 - His movement is improving alongside his sharpness. Given Morata’s recent showings, I agree with Allegri in that the croatian offers more assurances. Took his goal splendidly. Forced a decent save from the keeper with another effort and seems to be developing cohesion within the side. His experience is vital to our chances. And until Morata appears much improved, I repeat; he deserves to start ahead of the spaniard. I think that is 4 goals in his last 5 starts. Which is encouraging.

Paulo Dybala 6.5 - Learning to play between the lines. Delivered the perfect cross for the opener. Fizzed about all over the final third, seeking the ball, looking for openings. He needs to improve physically, other than which, I cannot move past his quality to carve apart the resolute palermo defence which broke the deadlock.


Substitutes

Alvaro Morata 6.5 - Helped with the 2nd and 3rd goals, yet otherwise seemed a lost soul. Needs to find his rhythm, or to score a couple. Either his head or his body seems out of kilter.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.5 - Bustling along the right flank with perhaps more potency than Cuadrado. Great to see him fit and on the field, fighting for every ball, bombing forward at any opportunity.

Simone Zaza 7 - Not much time to impress, yet impress he did, forcing his way into an opening and finishing with composure. Continues to remind me of Vialli!

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Khedira in contention for Lazio

http://www.football-italia.net/76511/khedira-contention-lazio?

 
Dec 1, 2015

Sami Khedira will reportedly return to Juventus training today, meaning he could be ready to face Lazio on Friday.

The German midfielder has been struggling with a thigh injury after the international break, and has not played for the Bianconeri since the 3-1 win at Empoli.

However, this morning’s Corriere dello Sport reports that Khedira will return to training at Vinovo today, meaning he may be ready to face the Biancocelesti at Stadio Olimpico.

It’s good news for the Old Lady, as Paul Pogba will be suspended for the match, which will see Massimiliano Allegri’s side try to take a fifth-successive Serie A win.

A victory would see Juve close the gap to the top of the table to four points, at least temporarily.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus decisive for Pioli?

http://www.football-italia.net/76520/juventus-decisive-pioli?

 
Dec 1, 2015

Lazio Coach Stefano Pioli must get a result against Juventus on Friday to save his job, reports suggest.

The Biancocelesti have taken just one point from their last five Serie A games, and have lost five of seven games away from home.

Following a Coppa Italia final and a third place finish last season, it has been a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for the Aquile.

While publicly the club continues to insist that Pioli’s position is not up for discussion, giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports that talks have been taking place behind the scenes.

The newspaper states that the visit of the Bianconeri on Friday is crucial, and a defeat could see the tactician given his marching orders.

The Old Lady are on a four-match winning run, and Lazio have not beaten the Turin giants in Serie A since December 2003, as well as losing in the Coppa Italia final and Supercoppa Italiana to Max Allegri’s men in their two most recent meetings.

Should President Claudio Lotito decide to pull the trigger, giornalaccio rosa believes there are three names in the frame.

Former Udinese Coach Francesco Guidolin is thought to be admired by Lotito and sporting director Igli Tare, with the belief that he is able to oversee a long-term project.

Two former players are also thought to be in the frame, in the shape of Cristian Brocchi and Simone Inzaghi.

The former is currently Coach of Milan’s Primavera side, and could come in alongside Marcello Lippi, who would act as a technical director.

Inzaghi, meanwhile, has achieved good results with various categories of Lazio’s youth team, and would represent a low-cost appointment, given he is already on the books.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Dybala Believes Match Against
Lazio Will Be Difficult

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/juventus-forward-believes-match-against-lazio-will-be-difficult/?

 
Dec 1, 2015

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala believes his side is finally starting to play well, but warns his teammates that their upcoming match with Lazio will be difficult.

The Bianconeri started their campaign in poor form; but having won their last five matches in all competitions they have climbed to fifth place in Serie A, and currently sit at the top of their Champions League group, having qualified for the next round with a game to spare.

“I think we are finally playing matches the right way,” the striker explained to Sky Sport Italia.

“We are playing with a high pace and we are not underestimating any team.

“Lazio will be a difficult match.

“When any team plays against Juventus they have extra motivation to go out and try to win.

“We have to play well and in the best way in order to bring home three more points.”

The 22-year old Argentine joined Juventus over the summer following the departure of Carlos Tevez, and has scored six goals for his side in just 13 appearances including a stunning game winning strike against AC Milan.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Ravanelli: ‘Lazio lack motivation’

http://www.football-italia.net/76564/ravanelli-%E2%80%98lazio-lack-motivation%E2%80%99?

 
Dec 2, 2015

Fabrizio Ravanelli previews Lazio-Juventus, insisting the Biancocelesti must find their “motivation”.

Both sides had difficult starts to the season, but while the champions are on a four-match winning run, Stefano Pioli’s side did not win in the month of November.

“These are two teams who are equipped to get to the top,” Ravanelli, who played for both sides, explained to LaLazioSiamoNoi.

“They’ve both had problems, Juventus are starting to solve them, Lazio have had fluctuating performances.

“The Biancocelesti have great players who can fight for the Champions League places, but they’ve yet to find their identity.

“It seems that there’s not the same unity and motivation, and that has affected this great Lazio squad. It’s not easy to find the reason.

“Lazio in Europe have that experience and determination which can give the squad enthusiasm and a higher level of character. They find the motivation to reach the goals which have been set.

“There are a lot of games to play in the League, and they can recover, but the squad isn’t finding that consistency and character to achieve important results.”

It has been suggested that a defeat in this match could spell the end for Aquile Coach Pioli, does Ravenelli think that’s the case?

“I hope not, Pioli is a great Coach. You can’t put all the blame on him. Pioli is finding it hard, but there’s still time to work.

“He’s a great Coach and great connoisseur of football. Lazio gave great performances last season, they achieved important objectives with him on the bench.”

Finally, the former striker offered advice to Lazio, believing that they shouldn’t try to sit-in against Juventus.

“Lazio will have to employ great pressing, great intensity and great motivation,” Ravanelli predicted.

“I don’t think Lazio can wait for Juve, they’ll have to attack them. They’ll have to press well and smother the Bianconeri with their intensity.

“Only in that way can they challenge a great team. Little details will shift the balance in such an important match.

“It’ll be the team that first takes the lead that wins the match.

“The suspension of Paul Pogba? Of course it matters a lot, he’s a player who can change the balance of a match.

“He’s a big loss for Juventus, but the Bianconeri have others who can do well. We must also see if some injured players will recover.

“They’ll always be a team who rise to the occasion.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Marchisio: ‘Lazio are dangerous’

http://www.football-italia.net/76568/marchisio-%E2%80%98lazio-are-dangerous%E2%80%99?

 
Dec 2, 2015

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes Lazio’s crisis will make them even more dangerous on Friday.

The Bianconeri travel to Rome to face Stefano Pioli’s side, who failed to win a Serie A game in the month of November.

“It’s always a difficult match, beyond the periods a team can go through in the season,” Marchisio told JTV.

“In fact, when going through less positive periods like Lazio are, you should always worry. Especially when you have a chance to make up for it with a game like this against Juventus.

“So we know we’re definitely preparing for a difficult game. We have two days more to work and recover, we’re preparing well because we want to keep doing what we’re doing.”

There are a lot of new faces in Turin this season after a summer of change, and Marchisio praises the new arrivals.

“They knew they were joining a group which had been together for four years and who were coming off a Champions League final.

“So with great results and great results at the European level, there was great availability from all of them, great lads.

“There wasn’t one in particular, they all made themselves available immediately, because we went straight from a Supercoppa win in China, with great enthusiasm straight to a period of real difficulty which could have have left us in the lurch.

“Not just in terms of results, but especially in terms of the dressing room and the team. Instead there was a great response, particularly in the dressing room.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus sweat on Khedira fitness

http://www.football-italia.net/76574/juventus-sweat-khedira-fitness?

 
Dec 2, 2015

Juventus are sweating on the fitness of Sami Khedira, as Massimiliano Allegri faces a midfield emergency.

The Bianconeri face Lazio on Friday night, looking to continue a run which has seen them take four Serie A wins in a row.

However, Paul Pogba is suspended for the trip to Rome, with Hernanes, Kwadwo Asamoah, Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina injured.

Khedira has been struggling with a thigh injury, but is aiming to be fit to face the Biancocelesti on Friday.

However, Tuttomercatoweb reports that the German international is still not 100 per cent fit, and will face a fitness test at Vinovo tomorrow.

If Khedira is not ready to play, Coach Allegri would only have Claudio Marchisio, Stefano Sturaro and Simone Padoin at his disposal in midfield.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Lulic suffers crushed finger

http://www.football-italia.net/76581/lulic-suffers-crushed-finger?

 
Dec 2, 2015

Lazio wing-back Senad Lulic is at risk to face Juventus on Friday after requiring surgery on a crushed finger.

A statement from medic Roberto Bianchini this evening confirmed Lulic “injured the fourth phalange in his right hand following an accident outside the training ground.

“The athlete is currently in the operating theatre to resolve the lesion caused by crushing.”

It’s not clear how this happened or whether Lulic will be ready to play Juventus in a crucial Serie A match on Friday evening.

Dusan Basta also missed training today due to a muscular issue, but is given the all-clear to resume tomorrow.

Ravel Morrison, meanwhile, resumed training today after reportedly walking out on the side last week without permission.

He had a meeting with director of sport Igli Tare today.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Lazio vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594765-lazio-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

 
Dec 3, 2015

Travelling to Rome, Juventus’ season comes full circle on Friday evening as they take on the same Lazio side they defeated back in August. Both teams have endured difficult times since that clash in Shanghai, suffering a series of bad results that left many questions over the collective potential of each side.

The Bianconeri have now seemingly put their woes behind them, winning their fourth consecutive Serie A fixture with last weekend’s victory in Palermo. With that match and the win over Milan sandwiching their Champions League tie with Manchester City, they have also now kept three clean sheets in a row.

With seven goals and three assists to his name already, Paulo Dybala has been central to Juve’s resurgence, but he was quick to praise the effort of the whole team as he spoke to Sky Italia this week, per the club’s official website:

We’re playing in the right way at the moment. We’ve approached all of the matches in this little run with the same rhythm while taking nothing for granted from our opponents and that consistent mindset is bringing us good results.

There were big changes to the squad relative to last season so it's natural we started slowly. We're all working hard to put the boss' plans into practice: we'll get to where we want to be at the top of the table by all pulling together in the same direction.

Having already climbed up to fifth, the Bianconeri have a chance to put real pressure on the sides above them if they can beat Lazio, a team devoid of confidence and cohesion.They look nothing like the confident and well-organised unit that rose to third place last season, failing to win any of their last five fixtures.

But Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri is taking nothing for granted, noting that the current form of the Biancocelesti is likely to make them a more dangerous opponent when his men step out at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I am looking at the fact we have Lazio coming up and they will be furious at recent results,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia), adding that they will be “extra determined and ready to throw everything at us.”

 

Probable Formations

 

Lazio: (4-2-3-1):
Federico Marchetti; Dusan Basta, Santiago Gentiletti, Mauricio, Stefan Radu; Lucas Biglia, Marco Parolo; Antonio Candreva, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Felipe Anderson; Filip Djordjevic

Unavailable: Stefan de Vrij, Stefano Mauri, Eddy Onazi (all injured)


Juventus (3-5-2):
Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio, Stefano Sturaro, Alex Sandro; Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Kwadwo Asamoah, Hernanes, Simone Padoin and Roberto Pereyra (all injured) Paul Pogba (suspended)


Player to Watch

If Lazio are to enjoy success against the Bianconeri, they will need Lucas Biglia to be on top form in central midfield. The Argentinian is the one player in Stefano Pioli’s squad who can compete with the likes of Claudio Marchisio in the Juve side, and the home side will need all his experience here.

Biglia is the club’s second-highest scorer, weighing in with four goals and one assist in nine Serie A appearances thus far. He is also their most accomplished passer, statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com showing he has completed 86.1 percent of his team-high 69.4 attempts per game.

The same source also highlights his excellent defensive effort, noting his averages of 3.4 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game. His form has attracted a host of European clubs, with giornalaccio rosa World reporting Inter, Real Madrid and Liverpool are believed to be pursuing the 28-year-old.


Key Battle

If Biglia will need to be on form, Lazio will also hope to see Felipe Anderson return to having the kind of impact he had last term, with the Brazilian playing way below that level so far in 2015/16.

He may lead the side with four goals, but he has yet to consistently recapture the lightning-quick counter-attacking style that was such a feature of his—and indeed the team’s—play in the previous campaign.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
1 - Stephan Lichtsteiner has scored his first goal in the UEFA Champions League on his 29th appearance. Heart.

Looking to prevent him from doing so on Friday will be Stephan Lichtsteiner; the Juventus full-back is among the best in Europe at his position but will be tested in this matchup.

The Swiss international has been as dependable as ever, netting a vital goal against Borussia Monchengladbach while helping to improve Juve’s defensive record. If he can successfully marshal Anderson, the Bianconeri will be well on their way to enjoying a good display in the Italian capital.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 36-25

Home win: 48-25

Draw: 9-4

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: ‘Only rumours, focused on Juve’

http://www.football-italia.net/76602/allegri-%E2%80%98only-rumours-focused-juve%E2%80%99?

 
Dec 3, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri responds to speculation linking him to Manchester United: “I’m focused on objectives more important than rumours.”

The Bianconeri boss was linked with the Red Devils yesterday and today Tuttosport published a list of possible replacements should he depart in the summer.

However, Allegri brushed off the speculation and focused on the ‘complicated and difficult’ match against Lazio on Friday evening.

“I have a contract until 2017,” he said at today’s Press conference.

“I’m happy at Juventus, I’m focused on objectives that are much more important than rumours about the transfer market.

“In a month there will be the January mercato and then you (the media) will be happy to move players from one place to another. We’re thinking about what we must do this year.

“There aren’t any problems with the team, I have several players available and ready to have a great game.

“It’ll be a complicated and difficult match. Against Empoli, Lazio didn’t deserve to lose, against Palermo they played well and tomorrow will be difficult.

“They want revenge for Shanghai and the Coppa Italia, we can’t afford a slip up, we are in a delicate moment and we want to gain another position within the league table.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: ’80 points for Scudetto’

http://www.football-italia.net/76603/allegri-%E2%80%9980-points-scudetto%E2%80%99?

 
Dec 3, 2015

Juventus can win the Scudetto by reaching a total of 80 points says Massimiliano Allegri, who targets overtaking Roma.

The Bianconeri are on a good run of four straight wins and face a Lazio side low on confidence after four defeats in their last five matches.

Allegri says that the Old Lady are taking their comeback one step at a time, and that the next objective facing them is to leapfrog the Giallorossi into fourth place.

“Seven point gap to the top? In our first few matches we left seven points on the road because we only got two points,” Allegri said at today’s Press conference.

“It’s a positive period, but we’re still far from the positions in which we want to compete. We realised that to win games you have to suffer, fight for every ball, and in the last month we implemented this idea.

“If you look only at the teams in front of you, you seem to have failed with a draw. You don’t lose the Scudetto with a draw.

“We need to catch fourth place, now with Lazio and then with Fiorentina. We mustn’t feel despondent.

“The league dictates says the numbers - with 80 points you win, with 72 to 80 you come second or third and we must build ourselves around this.

“A number of points for the Scudetto is difficult to say, I think it’s hard to win with under 80. In the second half of the season it becomes more difficult to get points.

“It’s always difficult when you’re chasing, we have to set ourselves mini goals. We look at the team in front of us and try to overtake them, that being Roma.

“Playing before our competitors is only an advantage if we win, if we lose it isn’t. Evaluations in football always come after the result.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8984]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 15
Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Luca Banti

Banti to ref Lazio-Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/76605/banti-ref-lazio-juve?

 
Dec 3, 2015

Luca Banti will referee Lazio-Juventus for the second time this season tomorrow, as Serie A Week 15 officials are announced.

The 41-year-old took charge of the curtain-raising clash in Shanghai in August, when the Bianconeri ran out 2-0 winners.

He has again been entrusted with the whistle when the two sides meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday evening in the showcase match of the round.


Referees for Week 15

Atalanta-Palermo: Russo
Bologna-Napoli: Mazzoleni
Carpi-Milan: Irrati
Fiorentina-Udinese: Guida
Frosinone-Chievo: Rocchi
Hellas Verona-Empoli: Tagliavento
Inter-Genoa: Giacomelli
Lazio-Juventus: Banti
Sampdoria-Sassuolo: Mariani
Torino-Roma: Damato

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127