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Juventus Season 2015-2016

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Joined: 04-Apr-2006
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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')




FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



PLAYER RATINGS: Juventus 2-0 Lazio


New strikers Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala chipped in with the goals for the Bianconeri,
while Leonardo Bonucci kept things tight at the back and Paul Pogba caused problems.


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http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-lazio/2036710/ratings


Aug 8, 2015
 

Juventus


1 G. Buffon - Had nothing to do other than respond to loose balls in the first half, but made several easy saves after the break.

15 A. Barzagli - Blocked a dangerous first-half cross and marshalled Felipe Anderson quite well whenever he cut inside.

19 L. Bonucci - Key in halting several dangerous Lazio attacks before the interval and made a fantastic double-block to deny Candreva late on.

4 M. Cáceres - Dispossessed Candreva well on a couple of occasions and hacked away several important clearances.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Offered width on the right-hand side and kept Felipe Anderson quiet after the 20-minute mark. Linked up with Sturaro.

27 S. Sturaro - Whipped in a great cross to allow Mandzukic to net the opener and offered plenty of energy in midfield.

8 C. Marchisio - Kept possession moving and sat at the base of the midfield after Pirlo's departure. Unspectacular but neat.

10 P. Pogba - Confident and skilful on the ball and linked up well with Coman early on. Provided an intelligent assist with a cut back for Dybala.

33 P. Evra - Keen to try and break forward whenever possible, but didn't affect the game too much in the final third.

17 M. Mandžukić - Struggled to win his aerial battles against De Vrij and was quiet until scoring. Diverted a powerful header beyond Marchetti.

11 K. Coman - Bright in the opening 20 minutes, but then faded quite badly. Replaced by Dybala early in the second half.


Substitutes

21 P. Dybala
- Thumped home a close-range finish after good work from Pogba to wrap up the game.

37 R. Pereyra - Introduced for the final few minutes.

14 Llorente - Didn't have the pace to cause problems in behind.


 

Lazio


22 F. Marchetti - Didn't have a save to make before the break and was generally not troubled other than picking the ball out of his own net.

8 D. Basta - Tried to clip a couple of crosses in from the right, but they were futile, though the Serbian wasn't asked many questions defensively.

3 S. de Vrij - Strong in the air and hooked away several good clearances before half time, but struggled after the interval.

6 S. Gentiletti - Was untroubled and rarely turned up until the hour mark, before Lazio's defence fell apart for a 10-minute period.

26 Ş. Radu - Didn't permit Lichtsteiner to bomb on down the right-hand side as he normally would for Juve and was neat in possession.

23 O. Onazi - Hung up a couple of crosses into the box and saw a shot from the edge of the area narrowly zip over Buffon's goal.

20 L. Biglia - Looked to sit in and do the simple things right, but ended up just being fairly anonymous in the Lazio midfield.

32 D. Cataldi - Looked to burst beyond his forwards at times, but didn't get the service into his path. Failed to muster up last season's form.

87 A. Candreva - His mazy runs caused problems on the break and the Italian was denied brilliantly by Bonucci on several occasions.

11 M. Klose - Rose well to flick on a couple of crosses for others, but didn't create any chances for himself.

10 Felipe Anderson - His pace and dribbling at speed worried his marker throughout, but the final ball was lacking from the Brazilian.


Substitutes

7 R. Morrison
- Introduced for the final few minutes to make his Lazio debut.

88 R. Kishna - Showed neat footwork but struggled to play any telling passes when Juve kept it compact.

9 F. Đorđević - Fired a late chance straight at Buffon and got the ball caught up under his feet on a couple of occasions.

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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')



FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



Super Juve silence doubters


Juventus cast aside pre-season doubts to win the Italian Super Cup against Lazio. It bodes well for Luca Cetta.


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http://www.football-italia.net/70785/super-juve-silence-doubters?


Aug 9, 2015
 
The chasing pack hopes this could be the season. Juventus have lost three talismanic individuals and if they are to relinquish a grip on the Scudetto, they feel, the time is surely now.

It was a different looking Bianconeri to the one which last contested for a trophy in June’s Champions League Final. This was a side shorn of summer departures Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez. Had the desire of past seasons diminished? Amid the change and uncertainty, Juventus fired a warning to the hopefuls in Shanghai.

Not that they’ll get carried away. The Super Cup is, after all, not a season defining trophy. The 2014-15 campaign wasn’t stained by the penalty shootout failure against Napoli.

The Shanghai Stadium hosted a lacklustre affair. Both teams complained of difficult pitch conditions not conducive to productive football. Juventus started slowly and grabbed the goals through clinical finishes.

That’s why it carries with it an air of caution. But in the first competitive setting of the new season, Massimiliano Allegri has some gauge of what to expect. He can walk away pleased to have guided Juve to a third trophy in 2015. “It was important to win today because we had some new players who need to settle in and were missing some others.”

Questions surrounded Lazio’s near-winless pre-season, while the Old Lady were hampered by injuries. Allegri responded with a surprise, handing Kingsley Coman a place in attack ahead of Paulo Dybala. It was a show of faith to the young Frenchman after Bayern Munich offers, just as starting him in Week 1 last term at Chievo was.

Stefano Sturaro and Marin Caceres also took the field from the opening whistle as Juventus went with a 3-5-2. The inclusions hardly hampered the Bianconeri, instead reaffirming their strength in depth. It’s an advantage they hold over other Scudetto contenders. In Shanghai, Allegri had the options to ensure each position was adequately covered. Like last season, that depth will be critical for a side aiming to go far in three competitions.

Also fitting in was the new attacking brigade. Mario Mandzukic told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Saturday he felt no pressure in replacing Tevez and, like the Argentine, netted on his debut against Lazio in the Super Cup. Two seasons ago Tevez sealed a four-goal rout. Here Mandzukic broke the deadlock – scoring in his third different Super Cup after Germany and Spain – with 20 minutes to play, his timed leap and precision header getting the better of Federico Marchetti.

Dybala had replaced Coman on the hour and four minutes after the Croat he made his mark on proceedings. Paul Pogba, complete with the No 10 on his back, squared the ball for a shot which was too hot for Marchetti to handle. The sweetly struck drive meant there was no way back for the capital club.

Allegri then demonstrated he is not happy with the team resting on their laurels. With the Turin giants heading towards victory, a Dybala nutmeg was met with scorn on the sideline. “A young player is joyful and enjoys his football, but also lacks experience, so these are the pros and cons of his characteristics,” Allegri reminded afterward.

It was a scene reminiscent of substituting the substitute Morata in Marseille a week earlier. Allegri wants a squad hungry for success. The mantra is to forget last season. This is a new ball game. Captain Gianluigi Buffon echoed those sentiments: “If we were to lack the desire to win, then it would be a huge mistake on our part and ensure we’d never be top again.”

The tactician can be pleased with the outing, a fortnight before Serie A commences. Not only is another trophy heading for Turin, but his players responded to summer doubts. The quality is there. Depth too. The new players have already made key contributions. It’s a boost ahead of a campaign in which the hunters feel they are closing in on the top dog.

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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')



FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



Barzagli: 'Pressure off Juve'


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http://www.football-italia.net/70789/barzagli-pressure-juve?


Aug 9, 2015
 
Andrea Barzagli feels the Super Cup victory over Lazio is above all important to take the “pressure” off Juventus.

The Bianconeri changed a great deal over the summer, but started where they left off by lifting their third trophy of 2015.

“It was important to get off on the right foot, start the season with a trophy and continue the winning streak,” Barzagli told reporters after a 2-0 victory.

“It was not easy, because Lazio made life difficult for us, especially in the first half. We also played in less than ideal conditions, as it was very hot and windy.

“Now we have 15 days ahead of us to prepare for a season that won’t only be long, but also very difficult.

“It was therefore very important to get off on the right foot. It means we can work without pressure.”

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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')



FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



Supercoppa Italiana: An Embarrassing
Own Goal By Lega Serie A?


The Supercoppa Italiana clash between Juventus and Lazio was an ideal opportunity
to promote Serie A, David Lee Wheatley asks did the organisers blow it?


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http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/supercoppa-italiana-an-embarrassing-own-goal-by-lega-serie-a/?


Aug 9, 2015
 
Optimism within Italian football hasn’t been this high since the extravagant 1990s when Serie A ruled the footballing world.

Juventus dominated domestically once again last season, but crucially reached the Champions League final against all the odds to bring Calcio back into focus.

Adding to the burgeoning enthusiasm are a plethora of top new signings who have joined up with clubs including Roma, AC Milan and Inter, as administrators of the peninsula’s favourite sport attempt to regain its previous level of global popularity.

Therefore, it’s baffling that decisions were made by Lega Serie A to stage the showpiece curtain-raiser 4700 miles away from the Italian capital, in a nation that traditionally suffers its worst climactic conditions during the month of August.

In fact, the fixture was even in doubt prior to the day of the contest, with a typhoon hitting Taiwan to the south of the country earlier in the week.

Furthermore, they chose the Shanghai Stadium as the host venue, where several pre-season friendly matches had already taken place.

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Italian authorities were said to be absolutely furious at the playing surface and made a formal complaint, but their appeal was dismissed.

According to various reports, they had been afforded a chance to inspect the pitch on August 5 and could have taken action, but elected not to.

The wet and windy weather, coupled with the other games that had gone on before, left the pitch in a truly awful, sub-standard state.

Bianconeri midfielder Claudio Marchisio pointed out the difficulties faced by both sides when speaking with the media at half-time.

“It’s a balanced and difficult game because of the conditions, as it’s very windy and the pitch isn’t great,” Marchisio told Rai Sport.

At that point, the match was still goalless. Probably in line with expectations, double winners Juve eventually ran out comfortable 2-0 victors in the end. However, the players’ best efforts on the field couldn’t mask the mistakes made off it.

Scheduling the Super Cup clash ahead of time in such a potentially atrocious atmospheric situation smacks of pure greed in order to exploit the Chinese market, which the Lega already know to be a very strong avenue for them to pursue.

The Far East is Calcio-crazy, but they – along with the many viewers around the world – should feel short-changed by the overall entertainment on offer.

Possibly the silliest move of all was to earmark the very same day when the English Premier League opening weekend was set to take place.

Surely the strategy should have been to completely avoid clashing with the most-watched domestic competition on the planet, whose finances still dwarf those of Serie A?

Though China has a huge Italian football following, there are still many more fans of the English game in that area, which would’ve prompted the majority of television viewers to tune into Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur instead.

Despite the increased interest in the Italian top flight, with a Phoenix-like rise from the flames led by the Old Lady’s European success, the league is simply not ready to take on the might of the Premier League just yet. Those in charge should have been proactive in choosing an alternative date – and they’ll undoubtedly realise that now.

The TV production service within the host country also left a lot to be desired, thus causing further embarrassment to the Lega hierarchy, which all moulds together to create an overriding sense that a prime opportunity has passed them by.

Rather then chasing big bucks from far-flung regions, they could aim to build their brand in a more considered fashion, focusing on giving home-based supporters a realistic chance to attend such big occasions instead.

And, even if they continue to take the Supercoppa abroad, why go somewhere that is a near-impossible place meteorologically to stage top-class football when entrenched in the height of summer?

There are a great amount of factors for Lega Serie A to ponder in relation to next year and beyond, but hopefully the fare served up in Serie A and by Italian clubs in Europe next term will make up for the glaring own goal scored by the governing body.

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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')



FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



Juventus' Italian Super Cup Win over Lazio
Hints That Gulf Remains in Serie A


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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2543061-juventus-italian-super-cup-win-over-lazio-hints-that-gulf-remains-in-serie-a?


Aug 9, 2015
 
Two months after losing the Champions League final to Barcelona, Juventus returned to competitive action in the Italian Super Cup on Saturday. The showpiece event usually pits the Serie A winner against the team that triumphs in the Coppa Italia, but the domestic double achieved by the Bianconeri meant this year’s edition would be a little different.

Taking place at Shanghai Stadium in China, the 2015 game saw cup runners-up Lazio provide the opposition once again, hoping to give a better account of themselves than they had managed back in May.

In the months since they tasted defeat in Berlin, much has changed for Juventus as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez decided to move on. That situation was addressed by Beppe Marotta earlier this week, with the director general giving a lengthy interview to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“We are optimistic for this season, but the truth is we changed three players and must cover that gap with renewed motivation,” the official said (h/t Football Italia). Marotta went on to say that Massimiliano Allegri “is a modern and versatile coach” who would “adapt his tactics” to suit new arrivals.

As a result of those exits, it was a very different starting XI that took to the field for this encounter, although Allegri opted to start just one of his team’s new acquisitions as Mario Mandzukic started alongside Kingsley Coman in attack.

All summer there has been the feeling that the gap between the champions and the trailing pack had been narrowed, with Italy under-21 coach Gigi Di Biagio telling La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) that “as things stand, Juve have become weaker.”

Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti echoed those thoughts, telling Lazio Style Radio 89.3 (h/t Football Italia) that his side “have to exploit” the uncertain position of their opponents. When Saturday’s match got underway it seemed that those doubts about the champions may have had some substance as the Biancocelesti seized the initiative.

On a poor playing surface, Lazio’s front three of Antonio Candreva, Felipe Anderson and Miroslav Klose caused Allegri’s men serious problems in the first half, with the absences of Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira undoubtedly taking a toll.


After the break, however, the team that has dominated Serie A for the past four seasons raised the tempo, with Mandzukic and Paul Pogba both coming close to breaking the deadlock. Moments later the Croatian would net his first competitive goal for the club, heading home following a great cross from Stefano Sturaro.

Eddy Onazi and Anderson both had opportunities but could not beat Gigi Buffon in goal, and Mandzukic then played a part in the Bianconeri doubling their lead. His run down the right saw the ball cleared to Pogba, who in turn laid it off for Paulo Dybala to smash home from around 12 yards out.

Lazio had chances to net themselves before the final whistle, but in the end Juve’s superiority was apparent once again, just as it had been in the Coppa Italia final and has been since they were transformed in the summer of 2011.

Clearly not the same side they were then and likely to find the going much tougher when they return to Champions League action, it appears the Bianconeri are still much too strong for their domestic rivals.

“We’re building a Juve side with a future for the next four to five years,” Allegri told the club’s official website at full-time, and on this evidence they have certainly made a strong start. That bodes well for 2015/16, though greater challenges undoubtedly lie ahead as the Old Lady heads into the new campaign.

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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')




FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



The seven fun facts about
the Supercoppa Italiana


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http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/8/9/9122625/the-seven-fun-facts-of-the-supercoppa-italiana


Aug 9, 2015
 
Since 1988, the Supercoppa Italiana, or the Italian Super Cup, serves as the curtain raiser of every Serie A season. Here, the Serie A champions from the previous season meet the Coppa Italia holders and the winners go home with a trophy. It's less prestigious than a Scudetto or Coppa, but an official trophy nonetheless.

In the 28th edition on Saturday, the Serie A champs Juventus won their seventh Suppercoppa Italiana, now the most in Italy, by beating Lazio 2-0 at the Shanghai Stadium. Juve were the actual Coppa Italia winners, but since they are also the Serie A winners, they played the Coppa runners-up Lazio. The two new strikers, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala, were on the scoresheet, with assists provided by Stefano Sturaro and Paul Pogba, respectively.

It makes it the 21st title for the Serie A winners, compared to the seven titles that belong to the Coppa champs/representatives.

Winning seven titles in the competition deserves seven fun facts. So what are the seven fun facts of the Supercoppa Italiana?

 

1. Juventus have won the most titles and made the most appearances

Juve's seven titles are the most in Italy. The complete list:

Juventus: 7 (1995, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2012, 2013, 2015)
Milan: 6 (1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2004, 2011)
Inter: 5 (1989, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010)
Lazio: 3 (1998, 2000, 2009)
Roma: 2 (2001, 2007)
Napoli: 2 (1990, 2014)
Sampdoria: 1 (1991)
Parma: 1 (1999)
Fiorentina: 1 (1996)

Along with Inter Milan and Roma, Juve is also the team who has lost it the most (four times). Torino (1993) and Vicenza (1997) are the only teams who have made an appearance but never won it, losing to Milan and Juventus, respectively.

Juve has also made the most appearances at 11. Ten were as the Serie A champs, one as the Coppa winner (1990). Here are as follows (with the goalscorers in brackets):

1990: Napoli 5-1 Juventus (Roberto Baggio)
1995: Juve 1-0 Parma (Gianluca Vialli)
1997: Juve 3-1 Vicenza (Pippo Inzaghi (2), Antonio Conte)
1998: Juve 1-2 Lazio (Alessandro Del Piero)
2002: Juve 2-1 Parma (Del Piero (2))
2003: Juve 1(5)-1(3) Milan (David Trezeguet)
2005: Juve 0-1 Inter
2012: Juve 4-2 Napoli (Kwadwo Asamoah, Arturo Vidal, Christian Maggio (og), Mirko Vucinic)
2013: Juve 4-0 Lazio (Pogba, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Carlos Tevez)
2014: Juve 2(5)-2(6) Napoli (Tevez (2))
2015: Juve 2-0 Lazio (Mandzukic, Dybala)

Milan and Inter are second with nine appearances. However, each of them do hold a record:

Longest appearance streak: Inter, 7 (2005-2011)
Longest winning streak: Milan, 3 (1992-1994)

Oh, there is one oddity. Napoli has always met with the same opponent. They went to the Supercoppa Italiana three times and all were against Juventus, winning two (1990, 2014) and losing one (2012).

 

2. The Coppa Italia runners-up have never won it

In five separate occasions, the Coppa runners-up made appearances but they have never won it. They are:

1995: Parma (lost 0-1 to Juventus)
2000: Inter  (lost 3-4 to Lazio)
2006: Roma (lost 3-4 to Inter)
2010: Roma (lost 1-3 to Inter)
2015: Lazio (lost 0-2 to Juventus)

 

3. Alessandro Del Piero and Carlos Tevez are among the top goalscorers

With three goals each, Juventus strikers Del Piero and Tevez are among the top goalscorers. The complete list:

Del Piero, Juventus (1998, 2002)
Andriy Shevchenko, Milan (2004)
Samuel Eto'o, Inter (2009, 2010)
Tevez, Juventus (2013, 2014)

In the history of the Super Cup, Shevchenko is the only one who has ever scored a hat trick.

 

4. Mario Mandzukic, the only three-time winner and scorer in three top leagues

Interestingly for Juve's new forward Mandzukic, this is his third Super Cup from THREE different top leagues and he scored in each of those contests:

2012: Germany, scored one goal for Bayern
2014: Spain, scored one goal for Atletico Madrid in the second leg
2015: Italy, scored one goal for Juventus

 

I haven't done a complete round of research about it, but I'm pretty sure he's the only one who has played, scored and won it in three different top leagues. The closest ones to Mandzukic are:

Eto'o: He won it three times, two with Barcelona (2005, 2006) and once with Inter (2010)m but only in two top leagues and didn't score in the 2006 edition. He has a great tally, though, scoring four times in five games (Supercopa de Espana plays home and away) in those wins.

Shevchenko: He has also won three Super Cups for three different leagues: Supercoppa Italiana (2004), the English Super Cup (2009, or known as the Community Shield) and the Ukrainian Super Cup (2011) but he's only scored in the Supercoppa Italiana.

Tevez: He won the Super Cups three times with three different teams (2008 with Manchester United, 2012 with Manchester City and 2013 with Juventus), but only in two top leagues and scored in two games. He was the man of the match in the other game he didn't score, though.

 

5. Antonio Conte is the ultimate Supercoppa Italiana winner

Conte is the only Juve player who has won the Supercoppa Italiana as a player and a manager. He won it four times (1995, 1997, 2002, 2003) as a player and twice (2012, 2013) as a manager. All when he was a Juve player or manager. He also scored one goal when Juve beat Vicenza 3-1 in 1997.

Two other individuals make this player-manager list:

Roberto Mancini: He won it as a player in 1991, where he scored the only goal of the game, with Sampdoria and in 1998 with Lazio. As a manager, he won it in 2005 and 2006 with Inter Milan. Outside of Italy, he has also won a Community Shield, the English Super Cup, in 2012 with Manchester City.
 

Carlo Ancelotti: As a player, Ancelotti won it once in 1988 with Milan. He also won it once as a Milan manager in 2004. Like Mancini, Ancelotti has also won Super Cups outside of the peninsula. He won won the 2009 Community Shield with Chelsea and the 2014 UEFA Super Cup with Real Madrid.

 

Gianluca Vialli is another ex-Juventus player who has won a Super Cup both as player and manager but he won them for different teams and in different leagues. As a player, he won the 1991 Supercoppa Italiana with Sampdoria and 1995 edition with Juve. As a manager, he won the 1998 UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea.

 

6. Fabio Capello and Marcelo Lippi are the kings of Supercoppa Italiana

As managers, Fabio Capello and Marcelo Lippi each won the Supercoppa Italiana four times. Lippi won them all with Juve (1995, 1997, 2002, 2003) while Capello won them three times in a row with Milan (1992, 1993, 1994) and one with Roma (2001).

In total, Lippi leads with six appearances, winning four. Interestingly, both of his losses (one when he was at Juve and one at Inter) came from Sven-Goran Eriksson (Lazio). Capello is in the second place with five appearances, with the only loss came when he managed Juve (2005). Roberto Mancini is in the third place with four appearances, winning two (2005 and 2006 with Inter) and losing two (2001 with Fiorentina, 2007 with Inter).

Only three managers have won it with multiple clubs:

Capello: Milan (1992-1994), Roma (2001)

 

Rafael Benitez: Inter (2010), Napoli (2014)

Massimiliano Allegri: Milan (2011), Juve (2015)

The longest streak of appearances, stands at three, belongs to Capello (Milan, 1992-1994) and Luciano Spaletti (Roma, 2006-2008). Capello won them all while Spaletti won one and lost twice.

 

7. Seeing is believing

The venue is probably the most interesting fact today. Until 2008, the Scudetto winners have almost always acted as the hosts. The only exceptions were in 1993 (Washington D.C.), 2002 (Tripoli, Libya) and 2003 (New Jersey).

It is understandable that teams prefer to play within Italy as the Supercoppa Italiana is usually played two weeks before the new Serie A season starts. Long-distance travel to outside of Europe means less time for preparation and fatigue.

However, football is a business today. You either grow or die. You have to sacrifice something to gain something else and an experiment in 2009 was proven useful. It was held in Beijing, China, the most populated country in the world. Their strong economy had also made it possible. As the result, the attendance and sponsorships received a huge boost and in the last seven years, the Supercoppa Italiana had been held in Asia five times: Four times in China and once in Qatar.

For us non-European fans, especially in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, it's not impossible anymore to see our beloved team play a competitive match directly in front of us. It's not impossible anymore to see our legends mesmerize us in a competitive match directly in front of us. Supercoppa Italiana has served as a spring board for us to get closer to our team and who knows, maybe someday Juventus will play a Supercoppa Italiana match in your country.

Seeing is believing.

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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')



FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



Juventus signal intent for 2015-16
with Supercoppa triumph


2wmq2w0.jpg


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2555750/juventus-signal-intent-with-italian-superecoppa-title?


Aug 10, 2015
 
Claiming their seventh Supercoppa, Juventus defeated Lazio 2-0 in Shanghai on Saturday to win their first trophy of the season. Banishing a certain amount of pressure, Juventus demonstrated that while how many may doubt the team's capability for ongoing success, they are still a heavily motivated giant vying for more honours.

Stefano Pioli's team had started preseason training some 10 days before the Bianconeri, as they not only had to contend with Juventus for this trophy but will have to fight Bayer Leverkusen to qualify for the Champions League in a little over a week. Yet despite the extra days they had to raise their fitness levels and improve their understanding of tactical patterns, the Aquile were shockingly lacklustre, looking almost unfit when they were thought to have been boasting superior physical fitness levels at this stage of the season.

Deployed in a 4-3-3 formation, the usually brilliant Biancocelesti coach is seemingly struggling to convey his strategies to a side that looked bereft of tactical understanding and discipline, focusing instead on simply impeding the opponent. In the Coppa Italia final, this was a squad that truly challenged the Old Lady, providing stiff competition and wonderful ambition. They could have well won and lifted the trophy that fateful night in May ,but in Shanghai, they were clearly the lesser team.

Yet while Italy hopes Lazio do them proud in Europe, watching how they operate against the best, pundits were more interested in how well the Old Lady would fare with so many new faces in the squad.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri successfully navigated his first real test of the season, and despite the terrible state of the pitch and the unpredictable trajectory of the ball when kicked, his men looked in control and executed the strategy he required. With Andrea Barzagli able to start, the Bianconeri opted for a 3-5-2 formation in order to allow for greater control.

A dull affair for the most part, the blowing wind and physical condition of the two sides hardly allowed for a great match. Yet one thing Juve did prove was that despite the changes within the squad and the heavy loss of three world class players, they are still a winning team and one that understands how to manage energy levels and obtain the win; raising the tempo in the second half to devastate the opponent.

There were many admirable performances on the day. Stephan Lichtsteiner showed how much he enjoys playing as a wingback rather than a full-back while Stefano Sturaro played like a warrior to ensure onlookers did not miss Arturo Vidal too much. However, Paul Pogba is the man who deserves all the plaudits.

Many, including Patrice Evra, have called on Pogba to step up and express his full potential. Last season this blog regularly criticised the player for playing within himself, hesitating and questioning his instinctive ability. Deciding to stay with the Old Lady after having watched so many others leave, Pogba insisted in pre-match interviews that he will raise his game and be the leader Juve may well need this season.

So far he hasn't disappointed. His first act was to go and ask management for the much coveted number 10 shirt. For a player who at times plays as though he doubts his ability, this particular demand for extra pressure was a welcome gesture and it convinced the top men to allow him the honour of taking the jersey previously worn by legendary players.

With the number 10 emblazoned on his back, Pogba played a game worthy of the honour, injecting beauty and world class talent into proceedings to get the Old Lady off to the right foot. His sheer determination and quality skill on the ball allowed him to be involved in so many important movements, thrilling those who had come to see him. Allegri can only hope that the departure of so many leaders will allow Pogba to develop into the capable star worthy of his price tag.

While Pogba impressed in midfield, contributing all over the pitch, it was Paulo Dybala who thrilled going forward. Chosen to start from the bench, Allegri instead wanted to prove to Kingsley Coman that Juventus really do believe in his ability and started him, but the player is one who requires consistency before he can truly demonstrate his worth. The same cannot be said of Dybala, who replaced Coman. The new arrival continued to prove to his doubters, including this blog, that he is worthy of his price tag and capable of thrilling with a big team.

Mesmerising on the ball, his reading and understanding of the game are what one would expect with more experienced players, yet Dybala simply understands the flow of the game and what is required of him. If he can lose the footballing moments that reveal his young age and incur Allegri's wrath, then he can be a true black and white hero.

Mario Mandzukic also had a good game, working for his team. While he managed to open the scoring, he still failed to convert one of the better chances the team had. A wonderful work-horse and a man who always tries, the Croatian is blending in nicely with the squad, even if he is a step below world-class.

So many great performances, the Bianconeri are still not where they need to be in terms of fitness and finesse, but they are still the cynical unit of players who are desperate for the wins, highly motivated and well engaged with the tactical requirements of the coach. With a trophy under their belts, Juventus have already signalled their intent going forward.

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JUVENTUS - LAZIO


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Mario Mandžukić (69')
Paulo Dybala (73')



FINAL ITALIAN SUPERCUP
Saturday, August 8th, 2015 - 01:00 P.M.
Shanghai Stadium, Shanghai

Referee:‬ Luca Banti



Buffon: Juventus right to rejuvenate squad


The 37-year-old believes that Saturday's Supercoppa Italiana success proves
that the time was right to overhaul the squad after four years of success.


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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/08/10/14315642/-?


Aug 10, 2015
 
Gianluigi Buffon feels that Juventus had little other option but to rejuvenate their squad this summer and is confident they have now laid the foundations for more silverware.

The Bianconeri claimed their fourth consecutive Serie A title last term, as well as lifting the Coppa Italia and reaching the final of the Champions League, but saw accomplished stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez depart during the off-season.

However, with the likes of Sami Khedira, Simone Zaza, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala having subsequently arrived in Turin, Buffon believes that the overhaul is a good thing for the Old Lady.

"If there was a time for the squad to be freshened up and for us to be a little more daring, this was definitely it," Buffon told reporters.

"We’ve laid the foundations to enjoy plenty of success over the coming years."

Juventus kickstarted their 2015-16 campaign with a 2-0 Supercoppa Italiana win over Lazio at the weekend, with both Mandzukic and Dybala on target for the Bianconeri, and Buffon was pleased with his side's display.

"It was a tough game against an excellent and well-organised side who had 10 days on us in terms of their preparations," the goalkeeper added.

"We did well to not force the tempo and our play in certain moments, allowing us to ration our energy well across the 90 minutes."

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4 Reasons to Believe Juventus Will
Win Serie A Again in 2015/16


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2546622-4-reasons-to-believe-juventus-will-win-serie-a-again-in-201516


Aug 16, 2015
 
Juventus have clearly established themselves as Serie A’s most dominant side, marching to consecutive league titles in each of the past four seasons. Despite numerous changes during that time, the Bianconeri have continued to improve, culminating in a domestic double last term.

There has of course been much upheaval this summer, with the departure of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal following their Champions League final defeat to Barcelona. Lesser names such as Angelo Ogbonna, Marco Storari and Simone Pepe have also moved on, meaning the side will be vastly different when the new campaign gets underway next week.

The club has moved quickly to replace those players, making some intelligent acquisitions they believe will help continue their sustained success, but their rivals have all strengthened too, leading to the idea that 2015/16 will see a much tighter title race than we have seen in recent years.

What follows is a closer look at Juventus, and four reasons to believe the Bianconeri will indeed clinch a fifth consecutive Serie A title next May.


Sweeping Changes Among Their Nearest Rivals

If there has been much change in Turin, it pales in comparison to the sweeping alterations made by their rivals. AS Roma have added Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah to the side that finished second last term, hoping that duo will help bridge the 17-point gap between them and the champions this time around.

Napoli have replaced Rafael Benitez with Maurizio Sarri, with the former Empoli coach looking to completely overhaul their style of play. That will take time to improve the Partenopei, and Fiorentina have lost coach Vincenzo Montella as well as Salah and Mario Gomez, meaning they could well endure a difficult campaign.

The two Milan-based clubs have made major improvements to their playing squads, investing heavily and sensibly in order to improve their ailing fortunes. But, having finished 10th and eighth respectively last term, Milan and Inter still have much work to do before they can be considered genuine contenders.


The Resolute Defence

While the midfield and attack will have new faces, the superb back line of the Bianconeri remains intact ahead of the new season. Juventus conceded just 24 goals last term, and will call upon the same reliable names to maintain their excellent defensive record in the forthcoming campaign.

Gigi Buffon kept 18 clean sheets in 2014/15, and teams will find scoring past the World Cup winner no easier this time around, protected as he is by the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Giorgio Chiellini.


Paul Pogba

Perhaps one positive side effect of those aforementioned departures at Juventus could concern Paul Pogba, with the midfielder now almost certain to be handed a far more prominent role by Massimiliano Allegri.

The Frenchman has taken over the No. 10 shirt vacated by Carlos Tevez, and the coach revealed that it was a switch made at the player’s own request, which bodes well for the club’s immediate future.

“Paul asked for the No.10 in order to have greater responsibility this season,” Allegri told a press conference last week (h/t giornalaccio rosa World). “It will be a big responsibility because wearing that shirt is not easy. It has been worn by some of the greatest players in the club’s history.”

Hopefully that will add fresh impetus to Pogba’s play as he prepares for next summer’s European Championships—held in his native France—and sees him lift his performances for the Bianconeri.


The Plethora of Attacking Options

While the loss of Tevez is sure to have an impact, the additions made by the club will hope to make up for the goals scored by the Argentinian. Mario Mandzukic arrives having struck 17 in 38 appearances for Atletico Madrid last season, while Paulo Dybala enjoyed a breakout campaign as he weighed in with 13 goals and 10 assists for Palermo.

Simone Zaza found the back of the net 20 times in 66 games for Sassuolo, while Alvaro Morata bagged 15 in all competitions for Juventus last term. Between that quartet, the reigning champions should possess the necessary firepower to clinch the title once again.

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Gentile: Juventus Will Be Favourites
For The Next Three Years


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/gentile-juventus-will-be-favourites-for-the-next-three-years/?


Aug 18, 2015
 
Legendary former Juventus defender Claudio Gentile feels that the Bianconeri will be favourites to win Serie A for the next three or four seasons and that the signing of Paulo Dybala will be key to their success.

The Bianconeri begin their new campaign against Udinese on Sunday in their quest for a fifth consecutive Scudetto and although other sides have strengthened heavily over the summer, Gentile still feels that Juventus are always regarded as the favourites.

“They [Juventus] are always the favourites, it will go on like this for the next three to four years,” Gentile revealed in an interview with Tuttomercatoweb.com at the presentation of Romano Fogli’s book.

“I like Dybala, he could be the turning point.

“The Milan duo will try to move up the table, but they will be fighting for the Europa League.

“Fiorentina will do well, Paulo Sousa will bring something new.”

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



'I wanted Serie A, thanks Udinese'


http://www.football-italia.net/71256/i-wanted-serie-thanks-udinese?

 
Aug 19, 2015

Marquinho is grateful to Udinese for bringing him back to a 'competitive league' and looks forward to the first game against Juventus.

The Brazilian was owned by Roma but spent the last season on loan to Ittihad FC before the Zebrette picked him up.

“I spent one year in Saudi Arabia, where they played a completely different football,” he said.

“But I wanted to come back to a competitive tournament, in a team with an important structure.

“I found what I was looking for here at Udinese, along with some fellow Brazilians who will help me get integrated.

“I'm still not at 100 per cent physically, I spent a month training with no ball so I'll need some time.

“I can play in various roles, as a winger, central midfielder or defensive mid, but the main thing is that I'm able to do what the Coach tells me so I can help the team.”

This Sunday Serie A kicks off and Udinese will be up against defending champions Juventus in their first match.

“It's a bit of a particular game, they emerge out of four consecutive Scudetto victories.

“Every game is important but the one this Sunday is going to be special.

“We're going to do everything we can to give them trouble.”

 

 

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

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Juventus Season Preview 2015-16: Year Zero


The start of the 2015-16 season marks 80 years since Juventus celebrated a fifth consecutive Serie A
championship win as part of an era that would later come to be known as the Quinquennio d’Oro.


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/juventus-season-preview-2015-16-year-zero/?

 
Aug 19, 2015

Several cycles of success have been built and sustained ever since, although this was the only previous occasion that the Old Lady had won more than two Scudetti in succession.

However, the current generation can finally now equal that record of five consecutive league title wins having embarked on another trophy-laden spell over the last four years.

No more was this success apparent than last season, as Juventus became the first Italian club to achieve a domestic double for a third time after claiming their tenth Coppa Italia with a 2-1 extra-time victory against Lazio.

The Turin giants also re-established themselves as a force in Europe, keeping five clean sheets on a nine-game unbeaten run to reach their first Champions League final since 2003 before suffering a 3-1 loss to Barcelona in Berlin.

But with the media, players and club hierarchy alike all claiming that the Bianconeri have began a new era after a summer of significant departures and arrivals, there are some doubts about whether they can continue their dominance this season.


Transfers

Long term planning has been central to their success since Andrea Agnelli was appointed as president and this strategy was evident as director general Beppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici began their summer transfer activity early.

Paulo Dybala was signed from Palermo for an initial fee of €32 million two days prior the Champions League final, while Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic soon arrived in the following days and weeks of June.

Extremely high-profile exits have since dominated the transfer window with Carlos Tevez getting his wish to return home to Boca Juniors granted, while Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal sought new adventures at New York City FC and Bayern Munich.

With all the major departures and arrivals taking place in Turin, Tuttosport has defined the 2015-16 season being “Year Zero” for the Bianconeri as they build a side that can have a future together for the next four to five years.

This has seen the average age of the squad reduced with Neto, Daniele Rugani and Simone Zaza replacing Marco Storari, Angelo Ogbonna, Simone Pepe and Fernando Llorente.


The Coach – Massimiliano Allegri

Rewarded with a one-year contract extension that will keep him tied to the Old Lady until 2017, the Tuscan tactician is now tasked of continuing the club’s winning cycle in his second season in charge.

Adapting his approach to suit the new arrivals will be essential and Allegri can even to turn to his own coaching app that is ambitiously aiming to “become a virtual meeting room for trainers of all levels and from all countries.”

‘Mr Allegri Tactics’ also offers nutritional, psychological and training advice, although it may need further refinement after Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira and Alvaro Morata all suffered muscular injuries during pre-season.


Season Expectations

Allegri may have been quick to warn after the 2-1 friendly win at Lechia Gdansk that Juventus will face many more challenges this season after their rivals all strengthened their squads.

But several of his players have since publicly spoken of their confidence that the Bianconeri can still build on the successes of last season as long as they continue to show the same commitment and hunger.

The spine of the side still remains the same with Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci both signing contract extensions, but there are increased expectations on younger players such as Stefano Sturaro and Paul Pogba to become more decisive.

Pogba has more pressure than most after asking for the No.10 shirt left by Tevez, while there is a collective need to replace the goals of the Argentine after he managed at least 23 more than any other teammate over the last two seasons.

Mandzukic and Dybala both made an immediate impact by scoring in the 2-0 Supercoppa Italiana win over Lazio and they will have to maintain this momentum if Juventus are to succeed in Serie A and the Champions League.

No other side has finished as runners-up as many times in the history of the European competition after losing six finals, but their hopes of playing at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 28 2016 have been boosted by pot one seeding for the group phase draw.


Prediction

“Juve always win!” was the headline in the Corriere dello Sport the morning after they won a record seventh Supercoppa Italiana to silence some of those concerned about the changes at the club over the summer.

Whether this statement is repeated again throughout this season will depend on how well the Bianconeri continue to evolve under Allegri, but what is certain is that they are still a step ahead of their competition off the pitch.

Construction has started on a new headquarters, hotel and international school near the Juventus Stadium that will be collectively known as the J-Village and completed by 2017.


Expected Finish: 1st (NB: this is not necessarily Scott Orkney’s opinion but the average of our editors’ predictions.)

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5 Key Games for Juventus in the 1st
Half of 2015-16 Serie A Season


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2550192-5-key-games-for-juventus-in-the-first-half-of-2015-16-serie-a-season?

 
Aug 20, 2015

Serie A swings back into action this weekend, and the prospect of a fifth straight title for Juventus is a very real one.

Last season's beaten Champions League finalists might have lost the likes of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal over the summer, but in Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic and others they've made some pretty exciting additions. It would be no surprise if the Old Lady were to lead from the front from the start of the new campaign.

To do that, though, they'll need a strong start as they navigate their way through the first half of the season, with these key fixtures being hugely important in their attempts to do so.

All dates subject to change due to television times or European commitments


Roma vs. Juventus, 30 August 2015

Serie A isn't messing around this season, and in just the second week of the campaign we've got a meeting of last season's top two.

In the Premier League, last year's runners-up Manchester City overwhelmed reigning champions Chelsea 3-0 when they met last week in a similar arrangement to this one, but Juventus will approach this game knowing that keeping their hosts quiet will be the main aim.

Roma might have been the closest challengers to Juve in 2014/15, but they still ended the campaign 17 points behind them. Max Allegri's side will approach this game knowing that a repeat of March's 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico will be a perfectly acceptable result, as they bid to avoid going the same way as Chelsea did.


Napoli vs. Juventus, 27 September 2015

Trips to the Stadio San Paolo are never easy, and Juventus have made a habit of proving that in recent years.

Juve won 3-1 there last season in one of the more convincing displays of the gap in quality between them and one of the better teams in the division, but that was their first victory at Napoli's home in 10 attempts. This clash promises to be another tough examination so early into the season and hot on the heels of that trip to Rome.

The departure of Rafael Benitez has seen Napoli take on a new direction under new boss Maurizio Sarri, who enters the job having had just one season of Serie A experience under his belt with Empoli.

This fixture won't decide whether his Napoli tenure stands or falls, but an early win over Juve would certainly give it a great kick-start.


Inter vs. Juventus, 18 October 2015

Three of Juve's first four away games of the new campaign are against some of the traditional powers of Italian football, and this trip to the San Siro for the Derby d'Italia will be the last of them.

There appears to be a renewed sense of optimism at Inter following the impressive signings of players such as Geoffrey Kondogbia, Miranda, Stevan Jovetic and Martin Montoya. Roberto Mancini will be hoping that this is the campaign that he can steer one of the great names of European football back to the top.

Just like the earlier visits to Roma and Napoli, taking a point from this trip really wouldn't represent a bad result for Juve, who will be happy to get these three tricky away fixtures out of the way so early on.


Lazio vs. Juventus, 6 December 2015

They may have been seen off 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup match in Shanghai earlier this month thanks to quickfire goals from Mandzukic and Dybala, but that doesn't change the fact that a trip to Lazio is always a difficult one.

The Romans perhaps surprised many with their feats last season, but with this fixture falling six games after that difficult early run, Juve will hope to have hit their stride by the time they enter the capital.

Stefano Pioli hasn't been too active in the transfer market this summer, but he'll hope that a largely settled squad will be able to handle the demands of European football easily, and that his side don't lose any of the tenacity that saw them impress so many last season.

Having said that, it is now 12 years since Lazio beat Juventus in a Serie A match, but that run has to end some time, right?


Juventus vs. Fiorentina, 13 December 2015

A week on from that trip to Rome, and just when the group stages of the Champions League come to a close, comes this fixture with a Fiorentina now under the tutelage of former FC Basel boss Paulo Sousa.

The Viola's transfer-window headlines have largely centred on who has gone out rather than come in, but Mario Suarez is the standout addition to a squad which did well to finish fourth last season under Vincenzo Montella.

Last season, this fixture produced a thrilling 3-2 victory for the hosts at Juventus Stadium in April, extending a seven-match unbeaten home run for the visitors against the team from Florence.

They'll have every confidence in making that eight, but are unlikely to have things all their own way.

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Week 1 referees announced


http://www.football-italia.net/71326/week-1-referees-announced?

 
Aug 20, 2015

The referees have been announced for Week 1 of Serie A, with Paolo Mazzoleni in charge of Juventus-Udinese.

The new season officially gets underway this weekend, with Roma’s trip to Verona on Saturday the first match of the new campaign.

Marco Guida will run the rule over that match, with Gianluca Rocchi taking charge of newly-promoted Bologna’s trip to Lazio later that evening.

Champions Juventus are in action Sunday evening, with Paolo Mazzoleni taking charge of the match at Juventus Stadium.

This will be the 15th time Mazzoleni has refereed the Bianconeri, with the last being a 3-1 win over Cagliari in December 2014.


Week 1 referees:

Empoli-Chievo - Emanuele Mariani
Fiorentina-Milan - Paolo Valeri
Frosinone-Torino - Luca Banti
Verona-Roma - Marco Guida
Inter-Atalanta - Gianpaolo Calvarese
Juventus-Udinese - Paolo Mazzoleni
Lazio-Bologna - Gianluca Rocchi
Sampdoria-Carpi - Michael Fabbri
Sassuolo-Napoli - Daniele Doveri

 
 

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

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Juventus aim to equal history


A fifth consecutive Scudetto would see Juventus equal the record of some
of calcio’s greatest ever teams. Luca Cetta explains why they can do it.


http://www.football-italia.net/71335/juventus-aim-equal-history?

 
Aug 20, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri can complete a journey this season which commenced under predecessor Antonio Conte. When the former captain left Juventus in July 2014, he did so believing he had achieved all he could at Vinovo. Allegri arrived to continue down the path of success.

Conte’s three consecutive Scudetti represented an impressive achievement. It was something he and the club were eyeing from the moment the second championship was secured. President Andrea Agnelli called the three-peat a “new great motivation”. In doing so, the Lecce native led the Old Lady to a first hat-trick since 1933.

Of all the great Juventus sides in the intermediary years – those of the ‘Magical Trio’, or the ones led by Giovanni Trapattoni and Marcello Lippi – none could reel in a third consecutive crown. Conte did. And after Allegri added the fourth, Juve are now chasing an 80-year-old club record.

Only three teams in calcio history have achieved the quintet. Juve’s 1930s vintage were the first. Il Grande Torino roused post-World War II Italy with their breathtaking football, before tragedy struck. Most recently Inter took out five on the trot, although the first Scudetto was controversially awarded in the post-Calciopoli shake-up.

The team dubbed the Quinquennio d’oro laid the foundation for Juventus as we know it today. Less than a decade after coming under Agnelli ownership – Edoardo purchased the club in 1923 – the team became the first superpower of the newly united national league. At their peak, Carlo Carcano’s team won the 1933 championship by eight points. A year later Bianconeri players formed the basis of Vittorio Pozzo’s World Cup winning squad. The Azzurri were referred to as ‘Nazio-Juve’ as nine squad members enjoyed international success. The untimely death of Edoardo Agnelli shortly after the fifth Scudetto was claimed in 1935 signalled the end of an era.

Eighty years later, the Bianconeri can emulate that golden team. Allegri has already declared Scudetto No 5 the main ambition this term, although there are doubts surrounding the Turin club. Those pertain to the three big-name departures – Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal.

Not that Juventus were left reeling. Signing Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic ensures short-term gain, while the additions of Paulo Dybala, Daniele Rugani and Simone Zaza point to long-term planning. The evolution of the squad means they remain a strong unit. “Others have arrived with different characteristics,” Gianluigi Buffon stated on Wednesday, “but I feel with the same quality, plus they are younger.”

There could well be further signings before the transfer window is shut, with defender Alex Sandro undergoing his medical earlier today and a midfielder potentially on the way. That was confirmed by director general Giuseppe Marotta on Wednesday.

No doubt there’s a new feel about Juventus, but the spine of the team is intact. That’s the spine which has led them to domination. The Bianconeri have preserved their menacing edge. Despite losing the regularity of Tevez’s goals, the attacking firepower is impressive and depth strong.

Juventus claimed the first trophy of the season after triumphing over Lazio in the Italian Super Cup, but the suggestion is this will be the closest fought championship since the Old Lady returned to the top of the mountain in 2012.

Roma and Inter are expected to be Juve’s closest challengers. Then there’s Napoli, Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina to consider – all of whom will be seeking European places. The field has considerably strengthened.

But as with Juventus, these clubs have undergone summer reshuffles. The Giallorossi and Milan pair welcome a multitude of new faces, with the Rossoneri plus Napoli and Fiorentina also led by new tacticians. The likes of new Roma striker Edin Dzeko and Inter’s midfield pitbull Geoffrey Kondogbia represent significant purchases, but these clubs have to reduce a gap which has stood at 17 points in each of the last two seasons. Allegri thinks it will be close: “There are many rivals and I think this term it will take fewer points to secure top spot.”

Juve’s 1930s counterparts won three of their first four Scudetti by a margin of four points – in the days of two per win – but were pushed to a closer two-point triumph in 1935. History may well repeat as this campaign is set to be more keenly contested than in previous seasons, but Juventus are still the team to beat.

 

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

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What to expect from Juventus in 2015-16


After a summer shake-up of Massimiliano Allegri's squad, can the Bianconeri
maintain their domestic dominance while at the same time pushing on in Europe?


http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4659/editorials/2015/08/21/14619332/-?

 
Aug 21, 2015

Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo - how heavily will departures of this quality weigh upon Juventus' bid for a fifth successive Scudetto? We'll find out very soon.

Of course, in the first true test of their season, the Bianconeri passed with flying colours, sweeping Lazio aside in the Supercoppa Italiana to rack up the third trophy of coach Massimiliano Allegri's tenure, and the eighth of the Andrea Agnelli's presidency.

However, claiming another Serie A title will prove a far sterner examination of the Old Lady's credentials. Furthermore, replicating last season's run to the final of the Champions League final will not be at all easy, particularly in light of the greater financial might of Europe's top clubs and a summer of wholesale changes in Turin.

While it would be wrong to talk of a revolution at Juve, the Old Lady has certainly been rejuvenated, reinvigorated by the arrival of several fresh faces. Director general Beppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici wanted, for several reasons, to shake up the squad. The experienced core remains well represented by Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci but there have been notable departures, including Simone Pepe and Marco Storari. Unlike Vidal, Pirlo or Tevez, neither Pepe nor Storari were particularly important on the pitch but they were influential presences off it, in the dressing room.

There's also been a subtle but significant tactical and strategic shift, with Juve having now decided to fully embrace 'Allegri 2.0', which essentially means a less physical and more technical approach. The former Milan boss wants a flexible team, one capable of changing formation depending upon characteristics of the opposition. Indeed, while 4-3-1-2 is the preferred system, 3-5-2 remains a vital alternative, as evidenced by its deployment in the Supercoppa against Lazio. Once again, Allegri's insistence on tactical fluidity yielded a positive result. Consequently, there is now total faith in the coach and his project.

This summer, then, was about acquiring players that are not only versatile but young and hungry; new additions to maintain Juve's drive for further trophies; to ensure that the Bianconeri's training sessions are as competitive as their matches.

Juve want to not only strengthen their stranglehold on Serie A but also solidify their standing on the European stage. Achieving the latter will be far from straightforward, of course, but the Bianconeri proved last season that they are once again capable of rising to the big occasion.

In addition, they have made several quality signings to replace those who have departed - Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira are proven world-class talents, while Paulo Dybala is player of enormous potential - but, in the short-term, Juve's fate will depend upon Paul Pogba. Having stayed in Turin despite interest from England and Spain's finest, Pogba has been handed the prestigious No.10 jersey and is no longer a member of the supporting cast - he is now Juve's leading man. The Bianconeri are hoping to start a new cycle of success and Pogba is the key cog in the wheel.

Much will depend on Allegri, though. After the initial scepticism that greeted his appointment as Antonio Conte's successor, the former AC Milan boss didn't just keep Juve on track domestically last season, he drove them all the way to Berlin. It will now be fascinating to see where he takes them next.

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'Milan & Inter? Juventus will win Serie A again'


Former Bianconeri No.1 Stefano Tacconi says that while the champions' new signings
will need time to settle, Massimiliano Allegri's men remain the team to beat in Italy.


http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4655/exclusives/2015/08/21/14621202/-?

 
Aug 21, 2015

Former Juventus goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi believes that while AC Milan, Inter and Roma have strengthened significantly during the summer, the Bianconeri will win the Serie A title again this season.

The Old Lady claimed a fourth successive Scudetto last May, with their subsequent Coppa Italia triumph merely emphasising the scale of their domestic dominance.

Juve's remarkable run to the Champions League final, which featured a shock semi-final win over Real Madrid, appeared to underline the Bianconeri's return to the top table of European football.

However, the summer departures of top scorer Carlos Tevez, peerless playmaker Andrea Pirlo, and midfield dynamo Arturo Vidal have sparked fears that the Old Lady's meeting with Barcelona in Berlin was an anomaly rather than evidence of a renaissance.

Juve, though, have dealt with the losses impressively, bringing in the likes of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira and Simone Zaza during a busy summer of comings and goings in Turin.

Consequently, while Tacconi believes that Juve will still prove too strong for their Serie A rivals, they may struggle to replicate their Champions League success.

"Juve are in a period of reconstruction after losing a lot of talent and experience," the ex-Italy international told Goal at the 'Football Heroes' exhibition in Rimini. "They have bought well but the new players will need time.

"Juve just need to keep growing. And, with [sporting director Giuseppe] Marotta working well in the market, they're building for the future.

"They're still the strongest team in Italy. I think they'll win Serie A again but the other teams have strengthened this summer."

Indeed, there have been several notable arrivals at San Siro during the close-season, with Milan splashing on €83 million on Carlos Bacca, Alessio Romagnoli, Andrea Bertolacci and Luiz Adriano alone, while city rivals Inter have added Geoffrey Kondogbia, Stevan Jovetic, Miranda and Jeison Murillo to their ranks at a combined cost of €60m.

In addition, Roma, last season's runners-up, have bolstered their attack with Edin Dzeko, Mohamed Salah and Iago Falque, with further reinforcements expected in defence before the close of the transfer window.

Tacconi has been impressed by the quality of the new additions across the peninsula but still feels that the most decisive moves are always made on the bench.

"It's not about the players," the 58-year-old argued. "It's about the coaches.

"Garcia at Roma, who knows how it will go this season? Last season didn't go well for him.

"Mancini is already under pressure at Inter. He has found more difficulties than he thought.

"And now Mihajlovic is at AC Milan. He did well at Sampdoria but Milan is different.

"Napoli also have a new and interesting coach in [Maurizio] Sarri and it's the same at Fiorentina, with Paolo Sousa. So, we'll see. But Juve are still the strongest team in the league."

Tacconi, of course, played for Juve during a golden era for Italian football, winning every major club honour available to him during his eight-year association with the Old Lady.

Serie A is no longer the richest league in world football, with the majority of the game's top players now flocking to England and Spain in search of fortune and fame.

Tacconi is disappointed by the way in which Italian football has fallen from grace and feels that Juve are showing the way forward, particularly in terms of stadium ownership, it will be some time before more of the country's top clubs reclaim their place among Europe's elite.

"Look around," Tacconi added, alluding the famous jerseys surrounding him. "This is the story of Italian football: players like Platini, Maradona, Zico, Van Basten.

"It's different today. There are not the same stars. There is not the same money. Juventus did very well last season but nobody expected that. Nobody said that they would go far in Europe.

"So, while Juve are an example for the other Italian teams, it will take time for Italy to get back to the top in Europe."

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JUVENTUS - UDINESE


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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Juventus V Udinese – Preview: Reigning Serie A
Champions Looking For Bright Start


http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/juventus-v-udinese-preview-reigning-serie-a-champions-looking-for-bright-start/?

 
Aug 21, 2015

Serie A title holders Juventus will host Udinese on Sunday evening at the Juventus Stadium in an exciting season opener for the two sides.

The reigning Serie A champions have won the title for the last four years , and have set the gold standard for Italian teams, even facing Spanish giants Barcelona at the 2015 Champions League final.

Juventus have shaken up their squad a bit, with notable departures in Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, and Arturo Vidal.

Despite the exit of some of the club’s established stars, the Bianconeri have managed to introduce the likes of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Simone Zaza, and Sami Khedira to the club, just to name a few.

Meanwhile, Udinese are rather struggling to stay afloat, signified by their poor 16th place finish last season.

The Zebrette have traditionally been a mid-table team, and will start their season with renewed determination to do well, especially with the memories of a fantastic 3rd place finish not long ago in the 2011-12 season.

However, compounding their problems are the high-profile departures of Allan and Luis Muriel.

The team are expected to rely heavily on talismanic veteran and captain Antonio Di Natale, who scored 14 goals last season, elevating his total to an astonishing 206 in Serie A.

Despite his 37-year-old body, Di Natale looks hungrier than ever, and recently expressed his intentions in surpassing both Jose Altafini and Giuseppe Meazza to become the fourth highest scorer in the history of the Italian top flight.

Udinese have also managed to snatch Duvan Zapata on loan from Napoli to aid their captain in the front line.

History suggests Juventus will come away victors, with the Turin club notching over two-thirds of victories in matches between the two sides.

However, it is worthy to mention that the last meeting between the two sides, back in January this year, ended in a goalless draw.

Juventus will have to do without young forward Alvaro Morata, who is out for a month due to a calf tear. Additionally, they will have to cope with injuries to Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira, Giorgio Cheillini and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Udinese, on the other hand, have the blessing of a full squad to choose from.


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Barzagli; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pereyra, Padoin, Sturaro; Mandzukic, Dybala

Udinese: Karnezis; Wague, Danilo, Piris; Widmer, Badu, Pinzi, Guilherme, Fernandes; Zapata, Di Natale


 

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

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Zapata: 'Juve difficult, but...'


http://www.football-italia.net/71369/zapata-juve-difficult?

 
Aug 21, 2015

Duvan Zapata admits Juventus are a 'difficult' opponent but doesn't rule out 'taking home points' for Udinese.

The striker joined the Zebrette on loan from Napoli this summer, and will be up against defending champions Juventus in his very first game.

“This first game is going to be difficult, but if we do things properly we can take home points,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have to take to the pitch with the right mentality, doing everything that the Coach taught us in training so that we can win.

“With Antonio Di Natale and the other strikers we can do great things, it's important that everyone contributes to bring about the goals and the movements requested by the Coach.

“Stopping Juventus to make a present to the Napoli supporters? Let's hope so!”


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

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Preview: Juventus vs. Udinese


http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/preview/preview-juventus-vs-udinese_240816.html?

 
Aug 21, 2015

Juventus play host to Udinese on Sunday evening as they begin their quest to win a fifth successive Serie A crown.

As far as Udinese are concerned, a trip to Turin is not the start that they craved, but new boss Stefano Colantuono may welcome the chance to learn more about his new squad against the best team in Italy.


Juventus

After they claimed the Serie A title by 17 points last year, Juventus are favourites to make it five league crowns in a row, but the Italian giants will have to go through a transitional period during the opening months of the season.

While much of their uncompromising defence remains, the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez have all departed the club, leaving huge shoes needing to be filled, but while they have been replaced, it may take time for the new arrivals to adapt to Italian football and playing for such an illustrious club.

Paulo Dybala and Simone Zaza are no strangers to the rigours of the division, but Mario Mandzukic, Alex Sandro and, when fit, Sami Khedira may require a settling-in period to fully justify their place in the team. That said, they are all established names in European football and will be aware of the job that awaits them.

First and foremost, Juventus will be focused on their own performances, but for the first time in a couple of years, they could face competition from both the Milan clubs, as well as recent rivals Roma. They are not expected to canter to the title as they have previously done, and it is important for them to get their campaign off to a positive start.

Transfer speculation still remains about star man Paul Pogba, but with or without the impressive French international, the Turin giants need to produce a performance that informs their nearest challengers that they can continue to be the most feared side in the country, even if it is without Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez.

Recent form (all competitions): W


Udinese

Udinese ended the 2012-13 campaign in fifth place and looking to continue to challenge near the top of the standings, but since that moment, they have spent much of the last two years as nothing more than a mid-table outfit, something which resulted in a change in manager in the summer.

After the club finished just seven points above the relegation zone, Andrea Stramaccioni was soon sacked as the club's boss and replaced by Colantuono, who had spent the previous five years at Atalanta.

It was not the most inspired appointment that could have been made, but the 52-year-old has been brought in to bring stability to a club who need to be back challenging for a European place.

Pre-season did not go exactly according to plan, with defeats coming against both Bastia and Granada, but they at least recorded a 3-1 victory over Novarra in the opening round of the Coppa Italia last weekend.

Each of the club's five new signings were handed their debut during that game, and with former Roma man Marquinho having followed to Stadio Friuli, optimism is high that the recruits can help ensure that they can look forward rather than back, although they could have their backs against the wall for much of the 90 minutes at the Juventus Stadium.

Recent form (all competitions): W


Team News

Dybala could be drafted into the starting lineup to partner Mandzukic after coming off the bench to score in the Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio two weeks ago.

New signing Alex Sandro may have to wait to make his first start for the club after signing from Porto, while Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira are absentees through injury.

The trio of Ali Adnan, Edenilson and Ivan Piris are all expected to make their league debuts for Udinese after featuring in the Coppa Italia last week.

Fellow new arrival Manuel Iturra came off the bench during that game and could also start against The Old Lady, while Coluntuono must decide whether to use Duvan Zapata and Marquinho from the opening whistle.


Juventus possible starting lineup:
Buffon,
Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres, Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Padoin, Sturaro, Evra, Mandzukic, Dybala

Udinese possible starting lineup:
Karnezis, Danilo, Heurtaux, Edenilson, Piris, Ali Adnan, Agyemang-Badu, Guilherme, Bruno Fernandes, Di Natale, Thereau



Head To Head

Since their first fixture in 1994, the two clubs have met on 40 occasions, with Juventus winning 27 times compared to just the seven victories recorded by Udinese.

Unsurprisingly, given their recent dominance in Italy, Juventus are unbeaten in recent fixtures between the two teams, with their current streak reaching eight matches.

However, it has only been four years since Udinese scored an away win over the Bianconeri, with Alexis Sanchez scoring in the closing stages to earn his team the three points.


We say: Juventus 2-0 Udinese

After going through the entire 2014-15 campaign without losing at home in the league, it is unrealistic to back against the defending champions beginning this season on a similar note. It has been a summer of change in Turin, but it would come as a surprise if they deliver anything other than a professional performance.

 

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

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Juventus out to remind Serie A that they're
still the team to beat in Italy


http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2574338/juventus-out-to-remind-serie-a-theyre-still-the-team-to-beat?

 
Aug 21, 2015

The moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived. Serie A is back and Juventus play their first match of the season, a home game against Udinese, on Sunday. With so many great leaders departed and as many interesting faces arriving, one large question hangs over the state of this Juve side: are they strong enough to win the league for the fifth consecutive season?

Indeed they are. When compared to the competition and the sides that are best equipped to offer a real challenge, the Bianconeri still seem to be the most well-balanced side in Serie A. While management continues to search for the coveted playmaker to complete an exciting and young attack, the midfield has enough to offer security and imagination going forward.

The defence is still as strong as ever and well reinforced with youngster Daniele Rugani and now the fabulous capture of Alex Sandro, a full-back with an incredible appetite to prove critics wrong. Many have been left somewhat shocked at the amount the Old Lady has shelled out (€26 million) for the defender who in December 2011 was noted as the worst signing in the league by Portugal's Mais Futebol. A youngster who struggled with injuries in the early part of his career with Porto, the Brazilian has gone from strength to strength to be the undisputed left-back of choice for the Portuguese giants -- a player Dunga says reminds him of Roberto Carlos.

An explosive player with mouth-watering pace, Sandro is the typical Brazilian full-back who contributes so much to the attack but is still defensively responsible. His technical skills are to be admired. His dribbling, ability to take on players in one-v-one situations coupled with his power and wonderful crossing make him a great asset.

Juventus will offer him the chance to further develop, honing his skills and teaching him the importance of tactical versatility and discipline. With a team that may well look narrow on occasion due to how manager Massimiliano Allegri wishes to play the game, Sandro will ensure there will be some width, power and speed for opponents to contend with.

Sadly, fans will not be able to enjoy his strengths just yet with Patrice Evra looking likely to start the match on Sunday. With several players missing in action due to injury, it seems as though Allegri will opt for a 3-5-2 formation as he seeks the Bianconeri's first win of the season.

With all eyes on the Old Lady, fans and critics alike expect a win. After all, Juventus lead all other clubs in Italy when it comes to securing success on the first day of the season, having registered more wins and more goals than any other side. In the last 31 first-round games, Juve have only lost once, in 2010 against Bari, and they'll be hoping to continue that trend.

Udinese were once a formidable opponent, but since the departure of coach Francesco Guidolin, they have experienced a slight shift in fortune that new boss Stefano Colantuono hopes to change. The Friuli side have not beaten the Old Lady in the league since 2011 and odds are they'll suffer again when they travel to Turin, regardless of the many absences the Bianconeri are dealing with. While they have reinforced the attack, an area that created many problems last season due to their inability to finish off their chances, they have lost quality in midfield when they sold Allan to Napoli. A midtable position is what many opine Udinese will manage this season.

As such and in line with what Beppe Marotta has said, injuries are no excuse, and Juventus must achieve the wins. Thankfully, it seems Giorgio Chiellini will start the match having recovered from his injury while Mario Mandzukic should lead the line, even if he came off limping in the traditional friendly against the B-team in Villar Perosa training ground.

A win is crucial if Juventus want to remind all others that they are still the team to beat in Italy.

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Rejuvenated Juventus braced for strong Serie A
title challenge from Milan, Inter & Roma


As Serie A gets back under way this weekend, Massimiliano Allegri's men are once again
the team to beat - but their rivals have strengthened significantly during the summer break.


http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4659/editorials/2015/08/22/14648482/-?

 
Aug 22, 2015

It seems that there are three certainties in life: death, taxes and a scandal before the start of the Italian football season. However, even Thursday's news that Catania have been relegated from Serie B to Lega Pro for match-fixing cannot dampen the enthusiasm of the neutral ahead of the start of the 2015-16 Serie A campaign.

Juventus, of course, will once again begin as the team to beat in Italy's top flight, with the Bianconeri bidding for a fifth successive Scudetto. However, there have been enough changes in Turin this summer to cast some doubt on whether Massimiliano Allegri's men will be as imperious as they were last term, when they finished a staggering 17 points clear of nearest rivals Roma.

Indeed, two key cogs have been removed from what was arguably the second best midfield in Europe last term, with playmaker Andrea Pirlo departing for MLS and Arturo Vidal joining Bayern Munich. As a playmaker, Pirlo is utterly irreplaceable but Claudio Marchisio has proven an able deputy in the past and while he lacks the finesse and intelligence of his Italy team-mate but he will, at least, greater mobility and superior protection in front of the defence when he returns from injury.

Vidal's departure is less of a blow - €40 million for a player of fluctuating form and fitness levels represents another astute piece of business by director general Giuseppe Marotta - but the decision to bring in Sami Khedira, while not costly, almost immediately backfired, with the free transfer from Real Madrid picking up an injury in his first pre-season outing that ruled him out for two months.

However, several statement signings have been made by the Old Lady's rivals this summer, most notably in Milan. Indeed, after several seasons of disillusionment, there is an unfamiliar sense of optimism surrounding San Siro ahead of the big kick-off. After years of relying on free transfers and loan signings, Milan have spent big once more, emboldened and enriched by Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol buying a 48 per cent share in the club. Approximately €80 million has been splashed on the likes of Carlos Bacca, Luiz Adriano, Alessio Romagnoli and Andrea Bertolacci, providing new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic with a squad capable of banishing the memory of last season's dismal 10th-placed finish under Filippo Inzaghi and challenging for a top-three finish.

Mihajlovic, of course, used to play for Inter and previously declared: "I could not coach Milan. I was at Inter. I could not do it out of respect for my old fans." Consequently, the Rossoneri were a more than a little pleased with themselves after persuading the highly-rated Serbian to join them from Sampdoria. However, Inter supporters took great joy in hijacking Milan's move for Geoffrey Kondogbia, with the Nerazzurri paying approximately €40 million for a player eminently capable of reinvigorating their midfield.

The sale of a talented player like Mateo Kovacic due to the effects of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations is disappointing, but then the Croat never played with any consistency during his time in Italy and there can be no denying that Roberto Mancini now has a far stronger squad at his diposal. Indeed, if Stevan Jovetic stays fit, the former Manchester City man could form a prolific pairing with last season's Capocannoniere, Mauro Icardi. However, much depends on Mancini. He brought about no discernible improvement upon succeeding Walter Mazzarri last November and now, having been backed in the market, the former City boss is under intense pressure to secure a return to the Champions League.

Rudi Garcia is also feeling the heat at Roma. The Frenchman arrived at the Stadio Olimpico from Lille two years ago as a virtual unknown in Italy (midfielder Daniele De Rossi had to 'Google' him!) but promptly transformed the Giallorossi from also-rans to title challengers. However, while there was no shame in finishing second to Juve in - quite the opposite - the way in which Roma's title tilt fell apart during the second half of last season has raised considerable doubts about Garcia's man-management.

Some shocking deals during the January transfer window hardly helped, so it's encouraging, then, that Roma have now taken the novel approach of actually buying a centre-forward worthy of the name by acquiring Edin Dzeko from City. The Bosnian should also be ably supported by Mohamed Salah, who lit up Serie A during his loan spell at Fiorentina during the second half of last season, and ex-Genoa ace Iago Falque. However, serious question marks remain over the defence, making the decision to sell the promising Alessio Romagnoli to Milan all the more puzzling.

Napoli, meanwhile, have their own problems at the back. Nobody in the top 10 conceded more goals than the Partenopei last season, with their defensive deficiencies completely undermining their Champions League aspirations. Maurizio Sarri looks a canny choice as coach, though, with the former Empoli boss shunning the methods of predecessor Rafael Benitez by putting players in their preferred positions, much to the delight of captain Marek Hamsik: "Why did I find it difficult with Benitez? Last year I played nearly always with my back to the goal." Whether Napoli have what it takes to challenge for the title remains to be seen but, after holding onto star striker Gonzola Higuain, they should certainly once again entertain.

The same can definitely be said of Fiorentina, with new coach Paulo Sousa not only intent on implementing his adventurous attacking principles at the Stadio Artemio Franchi but also putting his faith in the exciting Khouma Babacar and Federico Bernardeschi. Lazio should also provide plenty of excitement, with the precociously talented Keita Balde Diao set for an extended run in the starting line-up alongside Felipe Anderson, the breakout star of last season.

Indeed, Serie A looks extremely well placed to maintain its position as the highest-scoring of Europe's top five leagues. Serious problems remain, of course - most notably off the field - but the return of any league that guarantees goals is always reason for excitement.

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Juventus - Udinese Preview: Allegri urges
patience with new-look champions


The Bianconeri have seen a significant overhaul of the first team
and their coach has warned fans not to expect them to gel instantly.


http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-udinese/2120381/preview

 
Aug 22, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri says it make take time for Juventus to find their rhythm as the Serie A champions prepare to start the new season against Udinese on Sunday.

Allegri's men are seeking a fifth successive Scudetto following a superb 2014-15 campaign in which they also won the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final.

And Juve have been extremely busy in the transfer market during the close-season.

Pablo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Roberto Pereyra and Sami Khedira are among those to join the Turin club in the transfer window, with Alex Sandro becoming their latest recruit on Friday.

But the title holders have also seen a number of players leave for pastures new, such as Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo.

All that activity has left Juve looking like a new teame, and Allegri says time will be needed for them to gel.

"We are ready for this tough season," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. "It requires patience and balance, because we are a new team and have to find our rhythm. There is enthusiasm, though."

Juve are set to be without some key players due to injury this weekend. Alvaro Morata has a calf problem, Khedira is out with a thigh injury and Claudio Marchisio is expected to be unavailable for three weeks with a similar issue.

Manduzkic has shaken off a knee injury sustained in training and Allegri is unconcerned about the injuries affecting his side.

"There's no need to worry," he added. "Injuries happen, Morata will be back in training from Tuesday and has the chance to play against Roma in week two."

Udinese's last win over Juve came back in 2011 as they claimed a 2-1 away victory in Turin.

Since then Udinese are winless in eight meetings with Juve but Duvan Zapata - on loan at the club from Napoli - is hopeful Stefano Colantuono's men can spring a shock.

He told Sky Sport Italia : "This first game is going to be difficult, but if we do things properly we can take home points.

"We have to take to the pitch with the right mentality, doing everything that the xoach taught us in training so that we can win.

"With Antonio Di Natale and the other strikers we can do great things, it's important that everyone contributes to bring about the goals and the movements requested by the coach."


OPTA FACTS

Juventus have scored the most goals (182) and won the most times (53) on Serie A MD 1.

Juventus have lost only one of their last 31 Serie A opening games (0-1 at Bari in 2010), winning 23 times in this period.

Juventus have never lost the first game of the season in the league played at home: 40 games with 33 wins and seven draws.

Juventus and Udinese have met twice in Serie A on MD 1: Juve have won both matches conceding no goals.

Udinese have won only one of their last eight Serie A opening games (D4, L3).

Udinese haven’t defeated Juventus in Serie A since January 2011: since then they have drawn twice and lost six times.

Juventus have won the last four home clashes against Udinese in Serie A, keeping a clean sheet in the last three.

Juventus scored four direct free-kick goals last season in Serie A, more than any other side – however, Pirlo (two free-kick goals) and Tévez (two) are no longer part of the squad.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W L W L L


8/8/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio
8/1/15 - Olympique de Marseille 2 - 0 Juventus
7/29/15 - Lechia Gdańsk 1 - 2 Juventus
7/25/15 - Borussia Dortmund 2 - 0 Juventus
6/6/15 - Juventus 1 - 3 Barcelona


Udinese W L W L W

8/16/15 - Udinese 3 - 1 Novara
8/8/15 - Granada 2 - 0 Udinese
8/5/15 - Al Hilal FC 0 - 1 Udinese
8/1/15 - Bastia 3 - 2 Udinese
7/22/15 - Panathinaikos 1 - 2 Udinese


HEAD TO HEAD

2/1/15 - Udinese 0 - 0 Juventus
9/13/14 - Juventus 2 - 0 Udinese
4/14/14 - Udinese 0 - 2 Juventus
12/1/13 - Juventus 1 - 0 Udinese
1/19/13 - Juventus 4 - 0 Udinese

 

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

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JUVENTUS - UDINESE


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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Juventus vs. Udinese: Team News & Predicted Lineups


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2552070-juventus-vs-udinese-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

 
Aug 22, 2015

After a three-month break, Serie A returns to action this weekend and sees Udinese travel to Turin to face the reigning champions. Juventus have undergone a huge number of changes this summer, and it will be a very different looking side that takes to the field on Sunday evening.

Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez have all moved on, with a raft of new signings arriving to replace that superb trio of talent. However, despite the surprising overhaul, the Bianconeri have continued their winning run, comfortably dispatching Lazio earlier this month to claim the Supercoppa Italiana at Shanghai Stadium.

That victory saw Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala both grab their first competitive goals for the club, and Massimiliano Allegri is likely to field that duo from the start against Udinese. Injuries have robbed the coach of some important players, meaning he is likely to opt for a 3-5-2 formation out of necessity rather than choice.

Udinese are expected to adopt the same framework, and they too have endured a summer of change. Andrea Stramaccioni was sacked at the end of a difficult 2014/15 campaign that saw the club battle relegation, eventually finishing in 16th place, just two spots above the drop zone.

Former Atalanta, Torino and Palermo boss Stefano Colantuono has been appointed as his replacement, and they will hope to enjoy a more positive year after also bringing in the likes of Ivan Piris and Duvan Zapata.

A trip to Turin makes for a tough start, particularly as the Zebrette have lost on each of their four league visits to Juventus Stadium and been outscored by a nine goal to one margin.



Predicted Formations

Juventus (3-5-2): Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Martin Caceres; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro, Paul Pogba, Roberto Pereyra, Patrice Evra; Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Sami Khedira (injured), Claudio Marchisio (injured), Kwadwo Asamoah (injured), Alvaro Morata (injured)



Udinese (3-5-2): Orestis Karnezis; Thomas Heurtaux, Danilo, Ivan Piris; Edenilson, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Guilherme, Bruno Fernandes, Ali Adnan Kadhim; Antonio Di Natale, Cyril Thereau

Unavailable: Molla Wague (suspended)




Player to Watch

The departures of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo meant that 2015/16 was always going to be a season in which Juventus leaned more heavily on Paul Pogba. With both Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira missing through injury, that responsibility is set to be even more evident on Sunday.

It is something the player himself seems keenly aware of, with Massimiliano Allegri revealing at a recent press conference (h/t giornalaccio rosa World) that the Frenchman asked to wear the club’s prestigious No. 10 shirt vacated by Carlos Tevez.

Previously worn by the likes of Alessandro Del Piero and Michel Platini, the honour is one that carries a heavy legacy and the Bianconeri will hope Pogba will live up to the challenge. He has certainly has made a positive start, creating Paul Dybala’s goal in the Super Cup win over Lazio before netting the only goal of Tuesday’s friendly against a youth team XI.

 


Key Battle

While Pogba’s importance in midfield will be essential for Juventus, Udinese’s hopes will once again be carried by Antonio Di Natale. The 37-year-old—having already set club records for both appearances and goals—returns for his 12th season with the Friulian side, hoping to once again help them compete with Italy’s biggest clubs.

OptaPaolo ✔@OptaPaolo
206 - Antonio Di Natale has scored his 206th goal in Serie A, overtaking Roberto Baggio amongst the best Serie A goal scorers. Legend.


Last year saw him score 17 league goals, his lowest return since the 2008/09 campaign. He went scoreless in both matches against the eventual champions. Standing in for Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres will hope to continue that streak as he lines up in Juve’s back three. The Uruguayan will be keen to put his injury problems behind him.

His speed adds a vital element to the side whenever he is called upon, and it will help him deal with opposition skipper Di Natale. Their clash will be vital to the outcome of this encounter, with the Turin giants seeking to add an eighth consecutive win against Udinese to an already impressive record.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Home win: 100/417

Away win: 501/50

Draw: 127/25

 

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

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Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni



Allegri: 'Padoin takes Pirlo role'


http://www.football-italia.net/71421/allegri-padoin-takes-pirlo-role?

 
Aug 22, 2015

Max Allegri reveals another midfield shake-up amid injuries as Juventus start their Serie A season against Udinese.

It kicks off on Sunday at 18.00 CET (16.00 GMT).

Allegri was first asked about Jose Mourinho’s comments – sniping that the Juve Coach had talked about Oscar and Ramires all summer – but brushed off the question.

“The season starts tomorrow, so it’s better to talk about Serie A.”

The Bianconeri are seeking a fifth consecutive Scudetto, but begin against Udinese with injury problems for Alvaro Morata, Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio.

“It’s only normal we are in a period of construction, as many new players arrived and we’re still missing others to complete the squad. The club is working well and we are in total sync.

“It’s a shame about these injuries, especially Khedira as his will be more long-term. Morata will be back with the squad on Tuesday, Chiellini is available and today we have to evaluate Mandzukic after this knock to the thigh that is troubling him.

“I prefer not to risk someone who isn’t in the best shape, especially as with Fernando Llorente, Simone Zaza, Paulo Dybala and Kingsley Coman we are covered.”

Llorente has been heavily linked with a transfer to Spain, Germany or England, but Allegri backed the striker.

“Llorente is an important element and in good shape. We didn’t discuss the market because there was no need. If Mandzukic doesn’t start, then Llorente probably will.

“Alex Sandro trains with us for the first time today and will be on the bench tomorrow. I think Mauricio Isla will stay, as he arrived on good form.”

Paul Pogba was tested in the Andrea Pirlo role and Marchisio is the more natural heir, but Allegri revealed another change of tack.

“Tomorrow Simone Padoin will play in front of the defence. He played there last season and is a versatile figure, so I think having him is an advantage for a Coach.

“Against Udinese we must quickly get a hold of the game, as they are a side who force their opponents to play badly.

“The important thing is to get the first three points of the campaign, aware we’re going into a tough test and have to make the most of our scoring opportunities. We should also try to take advantage of dead ball situations.”

 

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

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