Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Allegri: 'Juve too submissive'

http://www.football-italia.net/72315/allegri-juve-too-submissive?

 
Aug 30, 2015

Max Allegri said Juventus were “too submissive” against Roma, but he’s “not worried” after their worst ever start.

The Bianconeri almost equalised after Patrice Evra was sent off, forcing a last-gasp Wojciech Szczesny save on Leonardo Bonucci, but were poor for well over an hour in a 2-1 defeat.

“We reacted well, but our attitude was too submissive from the start,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“We faced an excellent Roma side and were under too much pressure in the first half, unable to get out of our own half and attack them.”

This is the first time ever that Juventus have lost the opening two games of the Serie A season.

“I am not worried. Unfortunately these things happen in football. We must above all change something in terms of mentality.

“Finally tomorrow the transfer deadline arrives and we can focus on working together as a group. I don’t like people who feel sorry for themselves, so we have to work hard and emerge from this moment.

“There’s no fitness issue, as we actually improved towards the end when down to 10 men. After two defeats you have to reflect, but I must also take into consideration the injuries and strength of our opponents.

“It’s a long season, we have to chase now and have everything needed to achieve that target. We must be sharp in analysing what went wrong and play better.

“Against Udinese we had played well and reacted in a chaotic fashion after going behind. This time we did it the other way round.

“Perhaps it would’ve been better if Roma had got that penalty after 29 seconds, then we would’ve reacted earlier!”

The news came through today that Julian Draxler will likely join Wolfsburg from Schalke 04.

“He didn’t arrive because Schalke and the player pulled back. There are rules in the market and we’ll see what the club is able to do tomorrow.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Vialli Disappointed With Side
After Defeat To Roma

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/former-juventus-striker-disappointed-with-side-after-defeat-to-roma/?

 
Aug 30, 2015

Former Juventus centre-forward Gianluca Vialli firmly believes Juventus showed little sign of winning against Roma, a game they lost 2-1.

Played at the Stadio Olimpico, Rudi Garcia’s side took a comfortable two goal lead in the second half, with Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko getting on the score sheet before Paulo Dybala netted a consolation goal for the away side and Vialli praised Roma’s tempo.

“Roma played with a higher tempo in the game,” the 51-year-old told Sky Sports Italia.

“They deserved to win for sure

The Giallorossi had to rely on their goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to make a stunning save from a header from Leonardo Bonucci and deny the Old Lady an equalizer.

“Football is strange. In the end Juventus could have claimed a point that they did not deserve.”

“Juventus did little to win this game and Roma were much the better side.”

The result leaves the Bianconeri still searching for their first win in Serie A this season after losing their first two league matches of the season for the first time in their history.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Player Ratings

http://www.goal.com/en/match/roma-vs-juventus/2120393/ratings

 
Aug 30, 2015
 

Roma

25 W. Szczęsny - Saved the result late on with an athletic dive to thwart Bonucci's header.

24 A. Florenzi - Linked well with Salah in the first half and adopted a similar understanding with Falque when he switched to his side.

44 K. Manolas - Was beaten by Dybala in the buildup to Juventus' goal as he was slower than the Argentine to react.

16 D. De Rossi - Got away with a handball that could have been called for a penalty, but was otherwise dependable.

3 L. Digne - Adopted some wonderful positions high up on the flank. Looks a solid addition to solve Roma's left-back problems already.

15 M. Pjanić - Ran the match from the centre of the park, playmaking at will and hitting the post with a wonderstrike. Finally got his, and Roma's, deserved goal when he curled in a peach of a free-kick.

20 S. Kéita - The midfielder had the luxury of supporting the attack on occasion after he helped to push Juventus back in their own half.

4 R. Nainggolan - Like a rottweiler, he hounded the Juve players into a number of mistakes and helped his team secure the result. Tested Buffon with a stinging drive.

11 Mohamed Salah - Had a great first half with his movement on and off the ball causing real problems, but couldn't quite sustain it after the break.

9 E. Džeko - Grew into the game in the second half, setting up his teammates and winning the crucial free-kick to break the deadlock. His header to put Roma 2-0 ahead ended up being the game-winner.

14 Iago Falqué - Settled well into the Roma side out wide as his cross provided Dzeko with his goal. His engine during certain sequences was also notable.


Substitutes

7 J. Iturbe - Drew the foul that got Evra sent off.


 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Some solid saves in the game but he failed to command a wobbly defence.

4 M. Cáceres - Not quite secure enough to battle with Dzeko or stop runners into the area.

19 L. Bonucci - His towering header nearly restored a point for Juventus in the dying embers of the match.

3 G. Chiellini - Committed some rough challenges on Pjanic and he could have done better for Dzeko's goal, but at times it seemed like he was the only one holding the defence together.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Provided little help as an attacking presence on the right, and was often bettered by Falque.

27 S. Sturaro - A completely forgettable game from him as he provided little out of the ordinary on or off the ball.

20 S. Padoin - A non-factor in the middle of the park, giving the ball away regularly and failing to rise to the challenge of Roma's intensity.

10 P. Pogba - He at least tried to get things going with his trademark driving runs, but his execution at the end of the play was lacking.

33 P. Evra - His legs began to dissipate in the second half, as he was booked twice for two reactionary challenges, leaving his team a man down.

21 P. Dybala - Gave Juventus a glimmer of hope late on, and he always looked more capable of a breakthrough than Mandzukic or Morata.

17 M. Mandžukić - Challenged for high balls a few times but otherwise, it was a deflated display from him.


Substitutes

37 R. Pereyra - Set up Dybala's goal and gave a good case of why he should be starting above Padoin and Sturaro.

9 Álvaro Morata - One or two decent moments on the ball, but snatched at his one goalscoring chance.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus 1 - Roma 2: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/8/30/9228259/juventus-roma-serie-a-round-2-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

 
Aug 30, 2015
 
A decent portion of the time, the first 10 minutes of a game doesn't dictate or give you any kind of indication about how any given match will go. For Juventus' trip to the Italian capital, they came out like crap, they continued to play like crap, and they didn't recover from a craptastic start until it was far too late.

Yet, even while they were playing not very well whatsoever and down a man, Juventus were a Wojciech Szczęsny super save in the dying embers from tying the game at 2-2 and potentially stealing a point from a team who was vastly superior than them. That's the positive, glass-half-full side of it all. And probably outside of Gigi Buffon being Gigi Buffon on a few occasions and Paulo Dybala playing well — and scoring a goal — in his first Juventus start, that's pretty much where the good vibes end.

Juventus got beat and didn't come close to picking themselves up off the mat following last weekend's defeat at home in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. It's the first time they have lost the first two Serie A games of the season ever. E-V-E-R, people. Roma's win was a fairly convincing one as they dominated both possession and the shot total until Juve's final flurry in the second half to try and find an equalizer.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We made too many technical errors & after the break, when a change was there to be made, we conceded from a free-kick."

That is pretty much how you can sum things up. Well done, Max.

Juventus' plan in the first half was clear — absorb all the pressure and try to hit Roma on the counter whenever they recovered the ball. But, when you can't string many passes together any time you try to counterattack, it goes up in smoke in quite a hurry. And that's what happened to Juve a good number of the time in the opening 45 minutes. Roma had nearly 70 percent of the possession in the first half and were probably thinking about what they had to do to find the back of the net based on the number of scoring chances they had.

Those much-deserved goals came in the second half, though. The first on a Miralem Pjanic free kick that Buffon had absolutely no chance on even if he tried to stop it. The second, 18 minutes later, on Edin Dzeko's header into the bottom-right corner of the net to put Roma up 2-0 just a few short moments after Patrice Evra got his second yellow card.

Just a frustrating night all around that was looked upon as the chance to right the wrongs from opening day against Udinese.

That ... didn't happen. Dammit.


Random thoughts and observations

As much as we want to talk about our favorite team in black and white, don't forget this little fact: Roma were pretty darn impressive against Juventus. It's true that Juve didn't play well at all, but Roma certainly contributed to that. No doubt about it.

Juventus completed 77 percent of their passes in the first half. That's not the fault of the formation, folks. That's just bad and sloppy play from a team that looked lost for pretty much all of the first 45 minutes.

Paul Pogba is all out of sorts. Maybe it's the pressure of him being looked upon to do more than usual because both Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira are out injured right now or that he's the new No. 10. But he needs to scale things back a bit — and not just in terms of his play.

I'm not worried about Pogba's performances, though. He's proven that he can be so damn good when everything is going right. But, just like the team as a whole right now, everything isn't alright.

And that brings us to Marchisio. It's so clearly obvious how much Juventus' midfield misses him right now. Allegri can say all he wants about how Simone Padoin is the best option to play in front of the defense with Marchisio out, but there's a reason why Juve didn't seem to miss a beat when Andrea Pirlo was out injured or rested the past couple of seasons. Marchisio's awareness, his ability to contribute on both ends of the field and his overall on-field leadership are sorely missed as Juve go through this early-season transition.

Marchisio's absence is starting to show who Juve's most important midfielder really is.

Juventus recorded only four shots in the game entering the final stretch of the second half. That's pretty remarkable considering how many shots Juventus have recorded no matter who the opponent has been the last few years.

Patience, patience, patience. Just try and remind yourself of that right now even though nothing seems to be going Juventus' way.

Usually I hate international breaks because we're forced to sit around like it's the preseason all over again and wait for the games to come back. But it's pretty clear this team needs the two-week break right now just to try and get right in every aspect of the game there is. Allegri needs to work on how to get this team out of its funk, and they need the break to get healthy both physically and mentally. It's all that simple to say and/or type out, now we need them to show it.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

High Flying Roma Condemn Juventus
To Second Successive League Defeat

Roma condemned Juventus to a second straight defeat at the start of the season for the
first time in the Old Lady of Turin’s history with a 2-1 Serie A victory on Sunday.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/high-flying-roma-condemn-juventus-to-second-successive-league-defeat/?

 
Aug 30, 2015
 
Runners-up to Juventus the past two seasons, Roma raced into a 2-0 lead with 11 minutes to play thanks to Bosnia pair Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko after Juventus had been reduced to 10 men following Patrice Evra’s sending-off.

The champions pulled a consolation goal back, their first of the league season, through Paulo Dybala in the final minutes.
But Roma held on to beat Juventus in the league for the first time since a Francesco Totti winner sealed a 1-0 win in February 2013.

“We dominated them so we’re looking at the glass half-full, but we went to sleep at the end and gave them a really soft goal,” Roma captain Daniele De Rossi told Sky Sport.

“But I think we played incredibly. You can’t forget, Juventus were challenging for the Champions League (in the final) a few months ago.”

Beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in the final of last season’s Champions League, Juve have now failed to win their opening two games of a Serie A season for the very first time, having lost 1-0 at home to Udinese last week.

“I’m not worried, but we have to change something, namely our mental approach,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, whose side has undergone several changes since last season.

“Unfortunately, in football these things happen.”


Dzeko and Pjanic got on the score sheet for Roma

French left back Lucas Digne made his Roma debut following a loan move from Paris Saint-Germain and held his own amid a tense and high-octane encounter.

Roma went about their tast with a swagger in a dominant first half that left Juve’s Gianluigi Buffon by far the busier of the two goalkeepers.

Iago Falque, Mohamed Salah, Radja Nainggolan and Alessandro Florenzi kept the Roma midfield ticking as Juventus struggled to find their rhythm, with Buffon relieved when Pjanic’s angled effort came off the far upright.

A Giorgio Chiellini yellow card, for the defender’s second foul from behind on Pjanic, was indicative of a niggly encounter in which several players clashed. Roma had earlier seen claims for a penalty waved away after Florenzi came crashing down in front of Mario Mandzukic as he ran in to the box.

The first chance of the second half fell to Juventus, but Martin Caceres skewed off target after De Rossi had cleared Chiellini’s header into his path.

But Roma turned the tempo up a notch again.

The pace and movement of Florenzi and Salah were causing problems, and Pjanic again came close to the opener when he held off markers to spin on a loose ball in the area.

Roma had the momentum and a Salah-led counter-attack edged the hosts closer to the opener, Dzeko winning possession just outside the penalty box only for Buffon to save desperately with his legs.

Moments later, Buffon was left rooted to the spot after Pjanic stepped up and curled a free kick over the wall and in to send the stadium into raptures.


Patrice Evra was sent-off for a second bookable offence

On a rare Juve attack, Paul Pogba flashed a header wide from a corner but Pjanic almost had his second when his snap-shot from Dzeko’s pass in close was blocked.

On-loan Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado came on for Simone Padoin in the closing stages but Juve had to reshuffle when Evra saw red for a second bookable offence when he and Pogba sandwiched Nainggolan.

Roma capitalised immediately. Iturbe, who had replaced Salah moments earlier, was afforded space on the left of the area and lobbed an inviting cross for Dzeko to meet high in the air and head into Buffon’s bottom left corner.

Dybala’s consolation three minutes from time gave Juve brief hope but at the death Roma keeper Wojciech Szczesny performed heroics to keep out Bonucci’s header from a corner.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus paying for bad
summer business - De Rossi

The midfielder thinks a failure to replace key figures within the squad
has damaged the champions, who have lost both their opening Serie A games.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/08/30/14898782/-?

 
Aug 30, 2015
 
Daniele De Rossi believes Juventus may struggle to cope this season as he does not think they have adequately replaced Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo or Arturo Vidal.

Goals from midfielder Miralem Pjanic and summer signing Edin Dzeko handed Roma a vital 2-1 win over the champions on Sunday, despite Paulo Dybala's late consolation.

The defeat underlines a disastrous start to the season for last term's double-winners, with Udinese having won 1-0 in Turin on the opening day, and De Rossi feels the loss of some key figures in the dressing room is taking its toll.

"Juve created a cycle based on certain players," he said after the match. "Some can replace them, some can't. You have to spend a lot to replace players like Vidal or Tevez. And nobody can replace someone like Pirlo.

"We had an incredible first half. We fell asleep a bit for the final 10 minutes but we controlled the game. But it must also be said that a great team that wins the Scudetto can't even afford to fall asleep for 10 minutes.

"It's wonderful that we had the courage to play our football with heads held high. Don't forget Juve were in the Champions League final a few months ago."

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Poor early attitude cost Juventus - Allegri

The champions were beaten 2-1 by Roma just a week on from
their defeat to Udinese, but their head coach is refusing to panic.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/08/30/14902672/-?

 
Aug 30, 2015
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has blamed his side's attitude for Sunday's 2-1 Serie A defeat at Roma.

Bosnia-Herzegovina duo Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko were on target in a deserved triumph for the capital club, although Juventus hit back through Paulo Dybala three minutes from time despite having Patrice Evra sent off.

That set up a frantic finish, with previously under-utilised Roma goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saving superbly from Leonardo Bonucci in stoppage-time.

Allegri was left to rue the fact that his team - who also lost on the opening weekend to Udinese - failed to hit their stride until the closing stages at the Stadio Olimpico.

"We reacted well, even though we didn’t show a positive attitude at the beginning," he told a press conference.

"It wasn't a great performance, aside from the final 10 minutes. We made too many technical mistakes and in the second half, when a change was there to be made, we conceded from a free kick.

"But our strong reaction is what we need to bear in mind when we get everyone back after the international break."

Despite Juve losing the opening two league games for the first time in Serie A history, Allegri is refusing to panic at this early stage of the campaign.

"I'm not worried about our zero points in the league, that’s something that can happen in football," he added.

"Yes, we have to catch up, but we’ve got all the time and quality to do so. We need to remain calm, clear headed and run through what didn’t work for us."

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Buffon: Roma Were Superior Against Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/buffon-roma-were-superior-against-juventus/?

 
Aug 31, 2015
 
Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Roma were the better side as the Giallorossi condemned Juventus to their second straight loss of the 2015-16 Serie A season.

The Bianconeri captain felt that the Lupi dominated in large parts of the game as they struggled to gain a foothold on the game.

The 37-year-old however remains unfazed by the defeat as he calls for patience amid growing concerns that the Turin outfit have weakened compared to previous seasons.

“With a sense of responsibility by all, after two matches, having zero points is something that does not belong to our history, especially recently,” the goalkeeper told Sky Sport Italia.

“After today, we will have to put in a better performance, a performance that would reflect our history.”

Buffon has featured a total of 425 times for the reigning Serie A champions.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus 1 - Roma 2: Bianconeri stumble to
second straight loss to open the season

At least they scored a goal, right?

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/8/31/9230065/juventus-roma-serie-a-round-2-result-match-recap-final-score

 
Aug 31, 2015
 
Well, it's been quite the week for Juventus, hasn't it? From losing 1-0 to Udinese last Sunday, to promptly seeing three of the players that appeared in that game move on to new teams in what has been an absurd transfer window, it was going to be nice to finally have two hours just to focus on the players who are actually on the field.

The talking points going into the game were Max Allegri sticking with the three-man back line, this time with Martin Caceres instead of Andrea Barzagli on the right and Simone Padoin remaining in the regista-like role vacated by Andrea Pirlo and the injured Claudio Marchisio.

It was a full house at the Stadio Olimpico and, while it was only the second week of the Serie A, this game had all the feel of one that would have major title implications. The game was chippy from the start, as it's safe to say these teams still don't like each other. The bad blood would continue to run hot as Rubinho was even sent off in the 66th minute for giving one thought too many to the referee.

The game got off to a conspicuous start as Mario Mandzukic was almost whistled for a penalty after he got his feet tangled with Edin Dzeko in the first minute, and things only got worse from there. Juventus were boxed into their side for almost all of the first half and were an absolute disaster going forward, merely putting in some week crosses when they did manage to get the ball in the attacking third. Despite their dominance of possession in the first half, Roma was never really dangerous, except for a Miralem Pranjic brace which found the side of the post.

The onslaught continued in the second half as Roma broke through with absolutely beautiful free kick goal from Pjanic, which made us all shed a tear that Pirlo will no longer to be doing that type of thing this season.

Following the goal, Mandzukic made way for Alvaro Morata as Allegri tried to shuffle the deck, later bringing on Roberto Pereyra and Juan Cuadrado on for Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Padoin in quick succession.

The substitutes did manage to inject a little life in the Old Lady as they managed to take the game to Roma following the Pjanic goal in search of an equalizer, but that was quickly sucked out when Patrice Evra was sent off for his second yellow card. Roma would quickly capitalize when Dzeko easily boxed Giorgio Chiellini out in the penalty box on a high floating cross to head home the decisive second goal.

If there is a silver lining, it is that Juventus played their best attacking football of the young season after the Dzeko goal and Pereyra was an absolute spark plug, sliding into is role behind the strikers which he occupied last year, as he provided the assist to Paulo Dyabala to cut Roma's lead in half. Juve nearly stole a point, but Wojciech Szczęsny made a fantastic save in stoppage time on Leonardo Bonnucci header to preserve the lead. It would have been an absolute heartbreak for Roma as they were easily the better side.

Juventus now heads into the international break on zero points after two games ... Yikes!


LE PAGELLE

Buffon 6.5 - He made a few great saves that kept Juventus in the game. There was little he could do on Pjanic's free kick or Dzeko's header, however.

Caceres 6 - He was composed at the back and looked decent enough going forward, was asked to slide out to right back after Lichsteiner was subbed off and did so competently.

Bonucci 6.5 - Was once again the rock in the Juventus defense, being stout in the air and was often ask to take on the role of playing out from the back as Padoin seemed overwhelmed at times.

Chiellini 5 - Once again walked the fine line between aggressive and totally out of control, picking up yellow after a bunch of risky fouls early. He was solid for the most part, but he was absolutely owned by Dzeko on what proved to be the deciding goal.

Lichsteiner 5 - He didn't have much of an impact on the right side, was solid in defense but made minimal impact going forward before being subbed off to his chagrin.

Sturaro 5.5 - A typical workman like performance from Sturaro, nothing great but was probably one of the better players in black and white today.

Padoin 4.5 - Today was simply way too big of a game for a player of Padoin's caliber as he looked allergic to the ball at times and was a liability in defense.

Pogba 5 - He was overcharged and was routinely goated by the Roma players and fans alike and looked outright flustered at points, routinely yelling at the ref and his teammates. Pogba has all the talent in the world but he needs to stay poised in games like these.

Evra 4.5 - A poor performance all around for Evra, even before getting sent off. It looks like father time might have finally caught up to the French fullback. Expect Alex Sandro to be starting on the left after the international break.

Dybala 7 - Easily Juventus's best player against Roma, Dyabala was an oasis of skill and creativity in a dessert that of uninspired play. Junventus' most expensive signing of the mercato is looking to be worth the money, as he nearly dragged Juventus to a point.

Mandzukic 5 - Did not have his best day like a lot of Juventus players today, and really made a mess of Juve's best chance in the first half when the ball fell to his feet at the six-yard box.


Subs

Morata 5.5 - Came on for Mandzukic with half an hour to play and looked decent enough, but not much else.

Pereyra 6.5 - Came on for Padoin in the 72nd minute and quickly made an impact making a few strong runs with the ball at his feet and provided Dyabala with the assist on the lone goal. With all the injuries in midfield, Pereyra has to start.

Cuadrado 5.5 - Came on and looked like he could've done some damage on the right side but only had 15 minutes to play.


Coach

Allegri 4 - Seemingly made all the wrong decisions whether it was going with the three man back line or starting Padoin over Pereyra. A bad day all around for Max


THINGS I THINK I THINK

Why is Juventus lining up in the 3-5-2 in a game like this?

There is a time and place for going to a three-man back line, such as the last 15 minutes of a game trying to preserve the lead or looking to rotate the squad before a Champions League game. Today wasn't it. When going on the road to quality side like Roma that you know will be pressing, you need that fourth midfielder to help break that pressure without passing back to the center backs or the keeper. While Pogba really struggled today, he was put in a tough position as he constantly looked for another outlet that simply wasn't there.


The Simone Padoin at regista experiment has failed and needs to end.

Padoin in the regista role is like the idea of the pet rock — it's dumb now and it's shocking people thought it ever wasn't. Bless his heart, but this game was way too big for him. He struggled to make any pass up the field and was a liability defensively both struggling to stop runs through the center of the field and competing for balls in the air. Padoin has a place in this squad, but it isn't in the starting XI in big games.


Allegri needs to let go of this ‘mystique' of the regista.

Before the game Allegri had said that Padoin was the most suited to occupy the midfield role in front of defense, with Marchisio out, so he would start. It's safe to say nobody has any idea what Allegri is talking about. Allegri has long favored playing with a single player to occupy that role, but it's worrisome how stubborn he seems in changing this philosophy. Whatever he sees in Padoin, I find it hard to believe that Pogba, Pereyra and Sturaro couldn't have provided the same — if not better production — in the role or rotating among them. I mean, sitting in front of defense isn't rocket science, is it?

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus Loss to AS Roma Shows Serie A
Champions Have Much Work to Do

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2558206-juventus-loss-to-as-roma-shows-serie-a-champions-have-much-work-to-do?

 
Aug 31, 2015
 
Having lost their opening game of the season, the pressure was on Juventus to bounce back as they travelled to the Italian capital on Sunday afternoon. Yet, the Bianconeri failed to do so, following up last week’s defeat to Udinese by falling 2-1 away to AS Roma as a result of a disjointed and disappointing performance.

For the Giallorossi, the match was confirmation of their belief that the events of the summer have served to close the gap between themselves and the reigning champions, a gulf which saw the Turin giants march to the Serie A title with consummate ease last term.

The league will now pause for two weeks as international football takes precedence once again, and the break is undoubtedly well-timed for Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri. The coach cannot fail to be aware of the work he and his players must now undertake, with this loss hammering home the deficiencies of his side.

AS Roma clearly dominated almost the entire encounter, with statistics from WhoScored.com serving to highlight the superiority they enjoyed. Their figures show that they enjoyed no less than 61.4 percent possession, outshooting their opponents by 18 attempts to 10 while winning more tackles and aerial duels.

Indeed, Rudi Garcia’s men—who played a quarter of the game against 10 men following Patrice Evra’s red card—controlled every single facet of the game. Yet, when the full-time whistle blew, they were a superb Wojciech Szczesny save away from dropping two points, with the Old Lady clawing her way back into contention as time ran out.

BT Sport Football ✔@btsportfootball
On-loan @Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny denies Juventus an equaliser with a fine save at the death for Roma.

Paulo Dybala’s goal showed what this new-look Juventus is capable of and after the match, Allegri was keen to point out a number of key reasons for his side’s struggles to reporters at his postgame press conference:

I’m not worried about our zero points in the league, that’s something that can happen in football. Yes, we have to catch up, but we’ve got all the time and quality to do so. We need to remain calm, clear headed and run through what didn’t work for us.

When we come back we’ll have Marchisio ready and Khedira won’t be far off. Morata will be in better shape, while Cuadrado, Mandzukic and Dybala will be more in tune with our way of working.

The first two names on that list are important, as it was in midfield where Juventus most clearly struggled. Simone Padoin—for the second week in a row—was overwhelmed in the centre of the pitch, simply unable to provide the quality needed in such a competitive environment.

His lack of ability on the ball clearly hurt the team, and the distance between his input and what a player like Khedira can deliver in the same role is staggering. That simple change would make a huge difference for Allegri, and the same is true of Marchisio’s attacking impetus in comparison to the promising Stefano Sturaro.

There is also pressure on Paul Pogba to become more decisive, and Juventus must hope that as the team becomes more cohesive, he begins to do just that. Now wearing the club’s prestigious No. 10 shirt, the 22-year-old is expected to carry more of the burden and must prove himself worthy of such an honour.

Allegri is right to say he is not yet worried, but he must ensure his side return from the break with renewed vigour, as Roma showed they cannot be taken lightly in 2015/16. The real Juventus must show they are ready to fight once again for the title, starting with Chievo’s visit to Turin in two weeks' time.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

2 - 1

Miralem Pjanić (61')
Edin Džeko (79')

Paulo Dybala (87')

Sunday, August 30th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium - Rome
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

Roma Make Statement Of Intent As Juventus

Suffer Second Successive Defeat

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/analysis-roma-make-statement-of-intent-as-juventus-suffer-second-successive-defeat/?

 
Aug 31, 2015
 
Roma picked up their first win of the new season on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Juventus to send the defending champions crashing to a second straight defeat. Miralem Pjanic, denied by the post in the opening half, gave the hosts a deserved lead with a brilliant free-kick in the 61st minute. After Juve had Patrice Evra sent off for a second yellow card with 12 minutes remaining, Roma made them pay seconds later when Manchester City’s on-loan striker Edin Dzeko headed in Iago Falque’s cross for his first Serie A goal. Paulo Dybala reduced the arrears with three minutes remaining but Juve did not find the equaliser despite having chances to do so.


Roma dominate first half but fail to take advantage

The Scudetto showdown of recent years was surprisingly in Week 2 and both sides were looking for their first win. The Giallorossi were held 1-1 at Verona and Juve suffered a shock home defeat to Udinese. This is the first time in history that the Bianconeri have lost their opening two games. Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic started together for the first time, while Roma new buys Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah worked on their partnership. The visitors missed Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Kwadwo Asamoah, while Andrea Barzagli was rested in favour of Martin Caceres. Lucas Digne was thrown straight into the starting XI and Daniele De Rossi a surprise at centre-back.

Roma had penalty appeals within 29 seconds, as Mandzukic clipped Alessandro Florenzi’s heels in the box, but the referee waved play on. Rudi Garcia said he wanted his men to start as if they were chasing the game and they certainly did, pumping crosses into the box and harassing Juve into losing possession with Iago Falque blasting just wide. Florenzi drilled off target when he should’ve passed and Mandzukic’s first touch let him down on a Paul Pogba cross. On 24 minute, first Iago Falque’s ball rolled across the six-yard box with Dzeko unable to tap in, then the move continued and Miralem Pjanic smacked against the upright from the edge of the box. Giorgio Chiellini was lucky to avoid a booking on Pjanic, then got his warning a few minutes later.


Roma get their first win of the new Serie A season

Early in the second half, Martin Caceres tried his luck from outside the area but his effort flew high and wide. In the 57th minute, Pjanic could have made it 1-0 for Roma when he got behind Edin Dzeko’s pass but his left-footed shot from the heart of the area lacked pace and was saved by Buffon. Buffon was called again three minutes later to clear Dzeko’s shot towards the near post. Roma’s efforts were then rewarded. Buffon could do nothing to stop Pjanic’s right-footed free-kick from sailing into the top left corner of goal.

In the 66th minute, Juve had their third-choice goalkeeper Rubinho sent off from the bench for dissent. Roma kept up the pressure and in the 71st minute, Radja Nainggolan warmed the hands of Buffon with a stinging drive from 30 yards. Three minutes later and Dzeko’s close-range attempt was blocked by Chiellini. Juve suffered a huge setback when Evra was handed his marching orders after a late challenge on Juan Manuel Iturbe. Roma doubled their lead seconds later when Dzeko got past his Chiellini to nod the ball past a helpless Buffon. Juve pulled one back when substitute Roberto Pereyra set up Dybala in the box and his diagonal shot beat Szczesny. Seconds from time Leonardo Bonucci’s header from Dybala’s cross forced Szczesny into a full-stretch save as the hosts held on for a deserved three points. The victory means Roma hold second place in the Serie A table while Juventus, yet to get a point, are in 17th.

The Bianconeri will have a chance to bounce back from this defeat when they host Chievo in Week 3, and after two embarrassing losses, Massimiliano Allegri’s men are in dire need of a win to find some momentum. Consistency has been a major issue for Roma in the past, as well as the inability to beat the top teams in Italy, so Sunday’s win is a huge in terms of mental impact. Rudi Garcia’s men now know they can beat Juventus, who have dominated Italian football for the last four years. A meeting with Serie A newcomers Frosinone should lead to another three points in Week 3.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

Pellegrini: ‘No Juventus crisis’

http://www.football-italia.net/72507/pellegrini-%E2%80%98no-juventus-crisis%E2%80%99?

 
Sep 3, 2015
 
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t believe Champions League opponents Juventus are in ‘crisis’.

The Bianconeri have lost their first two League games for the first time since 1912, and will face City in Europe on September 15.

“Juventus have won the Scudetto for the last four consecutive seasons,” Pellegrini reminded reporters at the UEFA coaching forum in Nyon.

“They have a strong team. Crisis? What crisis? The season has just begun, and the League is the League, the Champions League is different.

“European competitions are a different story. We’re not underestimating Juventus, who reached the final yesterday. I don’t think the defeats to Udinese and Roma count for anything.

“We know it will be tough, and the same is true of Sevilla, who can be the surprise in a very tough group.

“Alvaro Morata? He’s very good, but Allegri has a lot of other champions. We’ll have to be careful.”

[Socrates 7964]

Spalletti: Roma favourites to win Serie A

The former Giallorossi boss has been impressed by the way in which his old club
have strengthened in attack but is nonetheless refusing to write off Juventus.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/09/06/15105232/-?

 
Sep 6, 2015
 
Luciano Spalletti believes Roma are the favourites to win the Serie a title this season but added that Inter are also capable of ending Juventus' domestic dominance.

The Giallorossi have failed to live up to their billing as the team capable of challenging Juve to the league title in each of the last two years, finishing a whopping 17 points behind the Bianconeri each time.

However, Roma, who add Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko to their attack during the summer, defeated the Italian champions on the second weekend of the 2015-16 campaign and Spalletti believes that both his old club and Inter have what it takes to end the Old Lady's run of four successive titles.

“After the transfer activity at Inter, they have to accept the Scudetto challenge and not hide from it,” the former Zenit coach told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, alluding to the Nerazzurri's acquisition of players such as Geoffrey Kondogbia and Stevan Jovetic.

“Coach Roberto Mancini used the last six months to start the selection process and perform experiments. It’s a big advantage to have.

“Mauro Icardi finished as the league's top goalscorer last year with Luca Toni and is a genuine hitman, which every side needs.

"Mancini put a top player like Stevan Jovetic next to him, so with this pairing Inter cannot pretend they’re not out to win the Scudetto.

“Roma are the favourites, though. They are very strong with a world-class midfield and made some important signings in attack.

“Don’t leave Juventus for dead, as that would be a huge mistake. The historic core of the side will help the newcomers quickly understand what it means to play with the Bianconeri jersey."

[Socrates 7964]

Camoranesi: ‘Juventus can win again’

http://www.football-italia.net/72662/camoranesi-%E2%80%98juventus-can-win-again%E2%80%99?

 
Sep 7, 2015
 
Former Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi insists they have ‘the potential to win again’ this season.

The Bianconeri have suffered two defeats in their opening two games for the first time in Serie A, but the 2006 World Cup-winner is not overly concerned.

“I really like the project,” Camoranesi explained in an interview with Tuttosport.

“They’ve got a great mix of young talent and established stars like Khedira or Mandzukic, players who have proven themselves to be competitive at international level throughout their career.

“They have experience, and they’re worthy of wearing the Bianconeri jersey.

“It’s strange to see the team with no points on the board, but that’s part of the game. So far they’ve played 180 minutes, but the League is still 38 rounds.

“In recent years Juventus have won the League mathematically when there were still three or four games to go, so I don’t see a problem.

“Of course, starting the season with two consecutive defeats is certainly not the best, and no-one will be pleased about it, but the club has put together a good squad that has the potential to win again.

“I’m sure of it.”

Some have suggested that the loss of the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal is having a negative impact on the Old Lady’s mentality, but Camoranesi is unsure.

“You have to be experiencing the dynamics of a squad to assess and make judgements. Obviously Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal have a lot of charisma, and now they’re missing.

“I don’t know if the lads who have come in this year have the same profile, but they can definitely count on people like Buffon and Barzagli - to name a few - who have experience and charisma to spare, both on and off the pitch.”

[Socrates 7964]

Allegri: ‘Juve can have a great season’

http://www.football-italia.net/72665/allegri-%E2%80%98juve-can-have-great-season%E2%80%99?

 
Sep 7, 2015
 
Juventus Coach Max Allegri calls for calm - ‘we have the opportunity to have a great season’.

The Bianconeri have lost both of their opening Serie A fixtures, but the Coach who guided them to a double and the Champions League final is not worried.

“To the fans, all I’d say is ‘stay calm’,” Allegri said as he was interviewed on Rai Uno.

“We have the opportunity to have a great season.

“The Champions League is a dream, an important competition to play in. We’ll approach it in the same way we did last season.”

Allegri was presenting a new app to help young Coaches and players, and explained the rationale behind releasing it.

“It’s something I decided to throw together with my collaborators a year ago. We had experience of Kazakhstan, where there is a big increase in youth football.

“We had an idea, as it’s impossible to reach every place, we just thought of this app for smartphones and other technology.

“It’s not just about tactics and technique, but also nutrition. That’s an important thing in football which is often overlooked.

“Great teams are made of of great players, but it’s important to teach and develop lads. These are a guideline of my thoughts and ideas in my work.

“There are no secrets in football. The idea is to convey the way I work in football, to try and build the knowledge of new Coaches.

“Above all those in the youth teams, but those in the first teams too. We have to teach a lot to the lads who come into this sport.”

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

-

Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Frey: ‘Juve to be feared’

http://www.football-italia.net/72677/frey-‘juve-be-feared’?

 
Sep 7, 2015

Chievo defender Nicolas Frey says that Juventus are ‘to be feared’ despite his side’s stunning start to the Serie A season.

The Flying Donkeys sit at the top of the table after two rounds, thanks to a stunning 4-0 win over Lazio in Week 2 before the international break.

The Old Lady, on the other hand, have lost their opening two matches to Udinese and Roma and host Chievo on Saturday hoping to pick up their first points of the campaign.

“The beginning of the season? I don’t think we could have asked for anything better,” Frey said to Sky Sports.

“For now we’re enjoying the moment as we wait for Juventus. Despite their difficult start, in that stadium they are always to be feared.

“Is it Alberto Paloschi’s year? I hope so for us and for him because it would mean we would have a more relaxed season.

“We don’t know why we’ve started so well, but we must take the opportunity to get as many positive results as possible. Seven goals scored and just one conceded is certainly not bad.

“Rolando Maran? It was tough against Lazio, but he has maintained the tension, preparing us for Juventus mentally and physically.

“The arrival of Simone Pepe? He must work hard to get back to full fitness and the Coach has begun to help him integrate into the club.

“He could be the player to help us make a leap in quality – he could be decisive.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

-

Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Prandelli: ‘Juventus still favourites’

http://www.football-italia.net/72678/prandelli-‘juventus-still-favourites’?

 
Sep 7, 2015

Cesare Prandelli believes the ‘solid structure’ at Juventus means they’re still Scudetto favourites.

The Bianconeri have lost both of their opening fixtures, the first time that has ever happened since the introduction of a national League.

“Generally, the pundits expect four or five teams to be fighting until the end,” Prandelli told assembled media at an event to launch Massimiliano Allegri’s new coaching app.


“I think Juve will still be the the team to beat, thanks to their solid structure.

“Who had the best transfer campaign? I don’t know, we’ll have to wait and see. I’d say maybe Roma have found the right players in the right roles, they’ve got a lot of players who can be decisive one-on-one.

“A lot of teams have decided to start by playing good football. It’s a well-balanced League, with a lot of new players and teams trying to find their way.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

-

Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Allegri "Juventus Season Starts With Win Over Chievo"

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/juventus-coach-says-bianconeri-season-starts-with-win-over-chievo/?

 
Sep 7, 2015

Masimilliano Allegri wants Juventus to put their poor start to the season behind them by winning at home to Chievo on Saturday.

The Bianconeri have lost their opening two league fixtures for the first time in their history prompting speculation that a series of changes throughout the summer transfer window may hinder their title chances, however Allegri insists the champions can get back to winning ways against league leaders Chievo on Saturday.

“Against Chievo it will be a fresh start, we currently have no points but there are still many to play for,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“A transition year? No, we are Juventus, but it is normal for new players to take time to settle.

“I just think positive and do not see why we should do otherwise, we have all the potential to do well.”

The Juventus coach also commented on the team’s notable absentees during their opening defeats and has also insisted that his side’s rivals have all strengthened.

“Our absences affected us because we haven’t got a point, otherwise they wouldn’t have weighed so heavily,” said the 48-year-old.

“Besides Claudio Marchisio, we now have Lemina and Hernanes available, but Khedira remains out.

“The Milan derby? We’ll see two teams that are aspiring to win the title and are already demonstrating they can fight at the top.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

What Is Juventus' Strongest Midfield Right Now?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2561750-what-is-juventus-strongest-midfield-right-now?

 
Sep 7, 2015

There is little doubt that Juventus in 2015/16 will be a very different side to the one seen over the previous four campaigns, with Italian football’s grand Old Lady undergoing a tumultuous summer that leaves her with a dramatically altered squad.

Those changes were analysed in depth in this previous column, and it is in midfield where the Bianconeri have been forced into their most significant alterations. The exits of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal prompted a raft of signings, all of which combines to force coach Massimiliano Allegri to field a decidedly new-look side when Serie A resumes this weekend.

It is also that department which was at fault during the club’s opening two games of this season, looking devoid of ideas and being completely overrun by AS Roma. There were, of course, mitigating circumstances, with injuries to Kwadwo Asamoah, Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio chief among them.

Juventus have since added Marseille youngster Mario Lemina and Brazilian star Hernanes from Inter, making it somewhat difficult to understand what combination of players would make up Allegri’s strongest midfield right now.

That will undoubtedly be initially shaped by his choice of formation when everyone is healthy, with the 3-5-2 seen so far this term only deployed due to the absence of so many key figures. The coach is almost certain to revert to what he labelled “4-3-and then we’ll see,” during an interview with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) last summer.

Indeed, it was that framework which brought the Bianconeri their success last season and saw Vidal line up behind a pair of strikers. Dropping deep regularly to link the play, Carlos Tevez has been replaced by Paulo Dybala, with the most advanced role in midfield likely to go to either Hernanes or Juan Cuadrado.

The latter will bring pace and dynamism in matches where Juventus can play on the counter-attack, but the former will be essential in games they are expected to dominate. His vision and passing can be incisive, while at his best he also possesses a deadly long-range shot that could prove to be a valuable weapon.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
40 - Since 2010/11 only Hamsik has scored more goals (46) in the league than #Hernanes (40) among Serie A midfielders. Shooter.

That view was supported by Marco Tardelli, the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup triumph and a man who also played for both Juventus and Inter. “Hernanes can be the right trequartista" for Allegri, he told Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia). “If the Brazilian fits in well in his new environment then he could even be the piece that completes the puzzle.”

A reason for seeing the 30-year-old as the complimentary final solution is the quality that La Madama can now field behind him. Key to that could well be Khedira, with the German able to provide the perfect anchor for the side, shielding the defence and allowing those ahead of him to attack more freely.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Where Paul Pogba and Marchisio had been forced to display restraint when flanking Pirlo, the former Real Madrid man will not need shielding by them in the same manner. That simple change will make the team very different, much more in tune with modern football and extremely difficult for opponents to plan against.

Marchisio can, of course, be deployed there as a traditional regista and direct the play, but Khedira’s physical presence and defensive prowess make him a more natural holding player. That will in turn give the Italian license to break into the box, where he has already proven to be a superb finisher, and Allegri will also have other weapons at his disposal.

Alex Sandro gives the team an outlet on the left that is a more devastating force than Patrice Evra, meaning defences will be even more stretched than in previous years, either creating space for himself or those in the centre as defences are forced into some difficult decisions.

Asamoah, Cuadrado, Lemina, Roberto Pereyra, and Stefano Sturaro provide depth, but that aforementioned quartet makes for an impressive looking first-choice unit. Therefore, Juve’s strongest midfield would appear to have Khedira in the centre, with Pogba and Marchisio either side of him, pushing Hernanes into the most advanced role.

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

-

Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Juventus hit back at Curva closure

http://www.football-italia.net/72686/juventus-hit-back-curva-closure?

 
Sep 7, 2015

Juventus say they are ‘perplexed’ by the decision to close the Curva Sud in Juventus Stadium for Saturday’s match against Chievo.

CONI, the Italian National Olympic Committee, has decided that the stand should be closed for the match as punishment for an explosive device being thrown during last season’s Derby della Mole.

The Old Lady lost their final appeal against a ban on Thursday and today released a statement underlining their frustration at the decision.

“Juventus Football Club is greatly perplexed by the decision reached today by the Italian National Olympic Committee to close the South Stand for this Saturday’s match between Juventus and Chievo,” read the statement on the club’s official website.

“This decision impacts on Juventus and a section of its season ticket holders despite the fact that the perpetrator is not a Juventus season ticket holder and was not in possession of a ticket for the Turin derby at the Stadio Olimpico.

“Juventus emphasises the urgent need to ensure that all stadia in Serie A meet common security and technological requirements so that deplorable incidents, such as the one which occurred in Turin’s Stadio Olimpico, can be quickly stamped out of the game. Nothing has happened so far since that day in April.

“The club has therefore decided against reprising ‘Gioca con Me – Tifa con me’ (‘Play with Me – Cheer with Me’), an initiative that in previous years has brought thousands of children to the stadium, notwithstanding the similar circumstances.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

-

Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Chievo Captain Believes Anything Could
Happen Against Juventus And Inter

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/chievo-captain-believes-anything-could-happen-against-juventus-and-inter/?

 
Sep 7, 2015

Chievo forward Sergio Pellissier believes anything could happen in the Mussi Volanti’s two next games against Juventus and Inter.

The Gialloblu are sitting pretty at the top of the table after a blistering start to their season which has produced a 3-1 win away to Empoli and 4-0 thrashing of Lazio at the Stadio Marc’ Antonio Bentegodi.

”Anything can happen against Juve or Inter and we hope to stay at the top of the table, but we know that it is going to be difficult.”, the long-serving talisman told Veronese newspaper L’Arena.

Chievo will face the Bianconeri at home following the international break before travelling to the Stadio Meazza the following week.

Pellissier holds the record for the most appearances in a Chievo shirt having played in 422 matches for the club, and will have fond memories of playing in Turin as he scored his first career hat-trick against the Old Lady during the 2008-09 season.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

-

Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Pepe: ‘Juventus a privilege’

http://www.football-italia.net/72701/pepe-‘juventus-privilege’?

 
Sep 8, 2015

New Chievo signing Simone Pepe says his time at Juventus was ‘a privilege’ and speaks about the ‘terrible’ feeling of losing the Champions League final.

The winger left the Old Lady this summer after five years and four Scudetti in Turin, and praised the fans for supporting him despite the fact that ‘I’m not a champion’.

The 32-year-old will face his old club this Saturday, when top of the table Chievo face a Bianconeri side that is yet to pick up any points after two rounds.

“I won’t have a laugh at my ex-teammates’ expense on Saturday, because I know this is a difficult time for them,” Pepe said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“I spoke with Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli and I’m sure they will regroup. On Saturday evening, whatever happens, I’ll go for dinner with my former colleagues.

“I’ve suffered a lot by not playing much, but I’ve tried to look forward and my positivity has helped me.

“Andrea Agnelli sent me a text after I joined Chievo. With us he’s always been like a big brother. What we achieved in these four years is the fruit of a winning mentality – to Juve, a draw is like a defeat.

“Playing for Juve is a privilege, I knew that it wouldn’t be easy and you don’t expect to play there.

“The first year we finished seventh, with Conte we got back up and made a real accomplishment – an impossible Scudetto. That was the greatest triumph, as it was unexpected.

“It isn’t for me to judge how much the departures will weigh on Juve, but I think that in order to win you need a base of Italian players – we are the only people who feel sick when we lose. Too many Italians have left, but there’s still Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci and Marchisio.

“Getting to the Champions League final was a dream come true, but the day after was terrible. At the end of the match we were demoralised as it was an occasion that for many, me included, would never come again.

“The love of the fans made me even more proud because I’m not a champion. My Juve had five or six champions (Tevez, Vidal, Pirlo, Buffon and Barzagli) and a lot of great players. I won the support of the fans by giving everything on the pitch.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

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Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Lippi: ‘Serie A more balanced’

http://www.football-italia.net/72705/lippi-‘serie-more-balanced’?

 
Sep 8, 2015

Marcello Lippi believes Serie A is ‘more balanced’ this season, but cautions against writing off Juventus.

The Bianconeri have lost their first two games of the season, the first time that has occurred since Italy has had a national League.

However, the former Juve Coach does not believe the Old Lady should be counted out.

“The first feeling is that the League is more balanced,” Lippi admitted in an interview with Premium Sport.

“Roma have made two or three good buys, but let’s not forget Napoli, and, of course, Juventus.

“I think it will be an open League, but let’s not forget Juventus have won the last two Scudetti with a gap of at least 15 points, so six points can’t be considered frightening.

“Juve will definitely fight to win as they always have, I’m not saying they’ll do it, but they’ll certainly improve.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

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Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Juventus' Curva Sud closure explained

http://www.football-italia.net/72709/juventus-curva-sud-closure-explained?

 
Sep 8, 2015

CONI has released a statement explaining the reasons for upholding a one-match closure of Juventus’ Curva Sud.

The Bianconeri were ‘perplexed’ by the ruling, which relates to violence in the Derby della Mole of March last year, in which firecrackers were thrown at Torino fans.

Juve pointed out that the perpetrator was not a season ticket holder, and in fact did not even have a ticket for the match in question, which was at the Granata’s Stadio Olimpico.

However, CONI’s Collegio di Garanzia dello Sport has today released the reasoning behind its decision.

The ruling accepts that Juventus do not have “strict liability” for what happened, but is instead related to “the mere fact that an explosive device, which is extremely dangerous for the safety of other spectators, was launched from a place - the away end, occupied by Juventus fans - which is attributable to the club which has been sanctioned”.

The decision was not based on the circumstances of the individual, but the area from which the device was thrown, making the Old Lady’s argument about tickets “irrelevant”.

It was decided that there was “no doubt” that an explosive device was launched from the Juventus section into the Torino section in the first half, which injured several people.

In addition, supporters did not look to cast the person out, or at least disassociate themselves from the individual, “on the contrary, for the remaining 89 minutes they continued to throw firecrackers and other objects, continuing a situation of serious tension and violence”.

It was pointed out that “the Codice di Giustizia punishes the behaviour of supporters, not just supporters with a fans’ card. The concept of a fan is not different from organised fans. There doesn’t need to be an investigation into the intensity of their sporting passion, or on the prevalence of violent intentions ‘above and beyond’ their sporting passion”.

Furthermore the judgement explained that just because someone may not be a season ticket holder at Juventus Stadium, they may still be considered a fan.

“Real objective facts help place this person as someone close to the fringes of the Juventus Ultras, and someone who is a frequent visitor to the Curva Sud at Juventus Stadium,” the ruling explained.

In summing up, the document insisted that the the object was thrown from an area “objectively attributable” to the Juventus fans. That meant that while the court accepted that the club could not be held directly responsible for what happened, a punishment was still merited.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

-

Saturday, September 12th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Marco Guida

Juventus’ big boys must step up

If Juventus want to gain their first points in this season’s Serie A, their biggest stars
have to step it up against dangerous Chievo on Saturday, writes Vincent Van Genechten.

http://www.football-italia.net/72738/juventus’-big-boys-must-step?

 
Sep 9, 2015

No one expected the Bianconeri to be in joint-last place in Serie A after two games in the 2015-16 season. Not winning at Stadio Olimpico against Roma is nothing to be ashamed of, but Juve got beaten pretty soundly by the Gialliorossi. Juventus will meet an upstart Chievo team on Saturday, a game Max Allegri’s side cannot afford to lose.

The Old Lady has to step up its efforts in all areas of the game. The biggest concern has been the midfield, which has been devastated by injuries to Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Kwadwo Asamoah. Paul Pogba had to carry a lot of the burden by himself, but the French star has found it difficult to adjust to his new role as playmaker.

In previous years, Pogba could rely on the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal to do the playmaking for him. It allowed him to play his favourite and best role on the pitch: box-to-box. Pogba turned himself into a big time player by powering his way through the middle of the field, threatening to score inside or outside the opponent’s penalty area with every marauding forward run, while also being willing to do the defensive dirty work.

Pogba dished out eighteen assists over the last two seasons, while scoring fifteen goals. These stats are enough to believe the Frenchman has the talent to be a playmaker. But he’s far better suited as a player making key runs without the ball. In the absence of a player like Pirlo, Pogba had to make his mark with the ball more often than not. For example: Pogba has made 1.5 crosses per game, up from 0.1 per game last season, and he has recorded 3.5 bad controls per game, up from 1.8 per game last season.

If Allegri wants to use Pogba in his best role, he has to play either Roberto Pereyra or new addition Hernanes behind the strikers. Juventus have only scored one goal so far, when Pereyra found Paulo Dybala against Roma. On the one hand, that issue seems to be the result of a lack of creativity. As noted above, Pogba isn’t a creative player, he’s a pounding force. Adding Pereyra or Hernanes to the starting line-up could help mightily in this regard. Just as important is the return of Marchisio. Juventus need a leader who can balance the team and fire his teammates up when things get rough. Marchisio is just that type of player.

On the other end, Juve’s strikers have not shown their best form. Mario Mandzukic in particular has been flat, and will not be encouraged by failing to score from a number of presentable chances while on international duty with Croatia against Azerbaijan. Consequently, Alvaro Morata could see his first start of the season as the Spaniard wants to show Allegri he’s the best goal-getter in Turin. Morata was prolific last season next to Carlos Tevez, and could form a deadly duo with Dybala as well.

The Argentinian has been Juve’s best this season. Almost 70 per cent of his dribbles have been successful so far, he has a passing success of over 80 per cent and has crossed the ball 3.5 times per game. Allegri has to play his biggest acquisition, but has to decide on his partner. Will it be Mandzukic or Morata? Only then will Dybala be able to create a similar partnership to the one he had at Palermo with Franco Vazquez. Only then will the starlet be at his creative best, with a partner in crime he’s able to find blindfolded.

 

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