Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Dybala: 'Juve deserved victory'

http://www.football-italia.net/72895/dybala-juve-deserved-victory?

 
Sep 12, 2015

Paulo Dybala felt Juventus dominated Chievo and deserved more than one point in Turin.

The Flying Donkeys had taken the lead through Perparim Hetemaj and were only pegged back by a debatable Dybala penalty.

“It was a difficult game, but Chievo only had one shot on goal and they scored,” Dybala told Mediaset Premium.

In fact Gigi Buffon performed a couple of very tough saves, they hit the woodwork and had a goal disallowed.

“We put in a great performance, but unfortunately bring home only one point. This team was not accustomed to picking up just one point from three games.

“Now we have to focus on the Champions League game with Manchester City and will prepare for that in the best way.

“I am happy to have scored again, but I am happier when the team wins.”

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Juventus 1-1 Chievo: Flying Donkeys
Undergo Emergency Landing

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/juventus-1-1-chievo-flying-donkeys-undergo-emergency-landing/?

 
Sep 12, 2015

Juventus drew 1-1 with Chievo at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday night in Serie A, earning the home side their first point of the season.

Perparim Hetemaj scored the opener with a sumptuous first-time hit from the edge of the box before Paulo Dybala slammed home a late penalty.

In what can best be touted as a must win game for Juventus, the home side made the worst possible start when they fell behind after just five minutes.

Hetemaj was the early hero, slicing a perfect outside-of-the-boot shot that spun out of the reach of a despairing Gianluigi Buffon.

The Bianconeri attempted to hit back straight away – Alvaro Morata stinging the palms of Albano Bizzarri before Roberto Pereyra spurned an easy chance.

An open game ensued with Massimiliano Allegri’s side dominating possession but failing to take their chances, with the away team resorting to a defensive counter-attacking display.

The Juventus desperation continued all the way to half-time, resorting in a barrage of long shots and floated crosses that failed to create any real opening.

It seemed inevitable Chievo would replicate their quick start from the first-half right after the break, but Buffon produced incredible cat-like reflexes to deny Alberto Paloschi.

Juventus regrouped and begun their repetitive and rather non-clinical nature prior to the hour mark when Pereyra spanked the post, only for substitute Paul Pogba to see his shot blocked before Dybala blazed over.

Soon after, Chievo thought they’d doubled their lead when Bostjan Cesar nipped in at the back post but the goal was disallowed.

Hernanes saw his strike saved before Juan Cuadrado earned his new club a penalty in the final ten minutes. Dybala stepped up and smashed the ball into the top right corner to level proceedings.

The draw means Chievo remain unbeaten so far, with Juventus gaining a valuable first point.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Hernanes: 'Juve not determined'

http://www.football-italia.net/72895/dybala-juve-deserved-victory?

 
Sep 12, 2015

Hernanes said Juventus “lacked determination” against Chievo after he played in two different roles on his debut.

“I am not remotely satisfied, as we needed three points today and the table is getting stretched out,” he told Sky Sport Italia of the 1-1 draw.

“We lacked the determination to take the lead, so from Tuesday we must immediately try to pour that grit into the game with Manchester City.

“As we get older and more experienced, players learn that quality isn’t enough. You have to marry it with determination, grit and effort to get the ball first.”

Hernanes started out as a trequartista behind the strikers, then in the second half moved back into the deep-lying playmaker role.

“In the first half, especially at the start, we did well and Chievo left some spaces. Towards the end they clammed up and I had to adapt.

“Claudio Marchisio was not 100 per cent fit, but I did well as a playmaker because I’ve already played in that position before.”

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Allegri: 'Too much Juve pressure'

http://www.football-italia.net/72899/allegri-too-much-juve-pressure?

 
Sep 12, 2015

Max Allegri said Juventus need to shake off the pressure and embrace “healthy recklessness” after a 1-1 draw with Chievo.

This was already their worst ever start to a Serie A season, but the last time they failed to win any of the opening three rounds was in 1968-69 with a trio of stalemates.

“I didn’t like that we could’ve done better in midfield. We created a great deal, though after the break were a little more chaotic,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Between this game and Udinese, we conceded the first shot on target. I’ve only had the full squad available for three days due to international duty and the new signings arriving, so we need time to settle.

“I would’ve liked success straight away too, but we must be realistic and accept our situation in the table, focusing on the performance.”

Paul Pogba started from the bench, so Allegri was asked if this sent a message to the Frenchman.

“He had played two games for France, returned on Wednesday and I preferred to give him a breather. The same was true of Giorgio Chiellini and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

“At the moment we are struggling to score goals, but we played decidedly better than against Roma and Udinese.

“Claudio Marchisio’s thigh muscle hardened, so we decided to take him off as a precaution.”

Juventus have made many changes over the summer and seem disorganised, while many players aren’t on the same page.

“After two defeats, we felt the anxiety and haste to score a goal. We should’ve moved the ball around more and made Chievo run harder. The approach to the game was good.

“The responsibility for our first hour at Roma was mine, as I felt we needed to play like that, but football doesn’t always pan out the way you expect.

“We reacted well tonight and could’ve scored earlier. We have to look on the bright side, it would’ve been nice to have nine points in the table, but we don’t.

“The objective of Juventus is to be fighting for three tournaments in March. We knew Serie A would be tougher this season, so that’s not a surprise.

“We must stop talking about the players who were here last season. This is a new team with many new players. It takes time. What we do need to do is find our balance in defence, as we were too stretched out in the first half, and be less hasty in attack.”

The Bianconeri’s next test is a huge one, as they visit Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“It’s a big game and at this moment we need to play with less pressure on us, a bit more healthy recklessness.”

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Late Paulo Dybala penalty saves
Juventus against Chievo Verona

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432243/juventus-chievo-verona/report?

 
Sep 12, 2015

Summer signing Paulo Dybala netted a late penalty to earn Juventus a 1-1 draw against Chievo as the Serie A champions' poor start to the season continued.

The Bianconeri were facing a third straight league defeat when Perparim Hetemaj gave Chievo an early lead, with Juventus squandering several chances to equalise before Dybala levelled matters 10 minutes from time.

Juve sit 16th in the table with Chievo leading the way at the top, despite missing out on a third successive win.

Massimiliano Allegri's men had lost two on the bounce before the international break and started in the worst possible fashion when Hetemaj fired home from the edge of the box after five minutes.

Juventus fought back, creating chances through Hernanes and Roberto Pereyra, but they could not break down a resilient Chievo defence which had kept a clean sheet in the impressive 4-0 win over Lazio.

Paul Pogba was brought on at half-time but it was Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who was first in action, pushing a shot from Bostjan Cesar onto the post.

Chievo goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri then had to be at his best to deny Hernanes, whose free-kick in the 80th minute needed another good save.

In the end it needed a penalty to bring things level. Cesar fouled Juan Cuadrado and Dybala stepped up to score his third goal of the season.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Juventus 1 - Chievo 1: Initial
reaction and random observations

At least Juventus will get a point this season! There's reason to celebrate right there!

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/13/9316085/juventus-chievo-verona-serie-a-round-3-2015-final-score-result-initial-reaction

 
Sep 12, 2015

We all wondered how Juventus would come out of the international break. And I feel safe in saying that Juventus didn't do a whole heck of a lot to change our opinion of them being a complete work in progress through the first month of the season.

It was another interesting night of Juventus football. And by "interesting," I mean that it was a total mess of a night with a bunch of frustrating moments because of how Juventus was playing. There were controversial moments — a goal called off because of a foul that might not have been a foul, a penalty called that resulted in the game-tying goal that might not have been a penalty depending who you ask. It was, for all intents and purposes, just a continuation of the out-of-sync Juventus we saw before the international break.

Passes were off the mark. Players were making runs into teammates. A team's defending resembling something that doesn't remind us of years past. Same stuff as we saw in the pre-international break portion of the schedule.

No, it didn't help that Juventus allowed the game's first goal five minutes in. The last thing a team that knows it's under a whole bunch of pressure is to have another wave of pressure added onto it right off the bat. You can see the Juve players trying — and sometimes trying way too hard — to make something happen, but with minimal results.

Hence the reason why Juventus needed a last-minute Paulo Dybala to claim their first point of the season.

But, in the end, we also can say what lies immediately below this sentence and have it be completely serious.

Gianluca Nesci @GianlucaNesci
Juventus vs. Chievo: Last-place team gets late penalty to steal point vs. Serie A leaders.

These are the growing pains of a young team that hasn't played many games together. Juventus will be fine because they have the kind of talent that tells us they will be. But, right now, struggling to get a point against Chievo is Juventus' reality.

Maybe a big-stage Champions League opener can snap them into shape. But the fact is there's no cohesion with this team right now. You can see it in the passing, you can see it in the way they are moving as a unit.

It will get there, but we just don't know when. And maybe that's the most frustrating thing of all.


Random thoughts and observations

/headdesk/

One of the most worrying things I've noticed in the last two Juventus games is the fact that it has taken nearly 60 or 70 minutes for a sense of urgency to actually show up. You would have thought that regardless of falling behind 1-0 five minutes into the game that Juve would try to up the pressure early considering how their first two games went.

That Gigi Buffon save, though. (He's 37, by the way.)

Five minutes after coming into the game my broadcast was updating everybody on Paul Pogba transfer rumors. That's what I get for watching a broadcast based in England, I guess.

Then again, this is the same broadcast that called Alex Sandro "Alex Santos" the entire second half, so what should you expect anyway?

For the second straight game Juan Cuadrado came off the bench in the second half to try and give Juventus a spark it desperately needed. And for the second straight game, Cuadrado provided that exact spark. Juventus have been better when Cuadrado is on the field compared to when he's not, that's a fact. Does it mean Allegri will move him into the starting lineup? I dunno, but it's gotta cross his mind at some point soon considering how much different things have been with Cuadrado in the game.

We addressed the player who bombed up and down Juventus' right wing, now let's talk about the player on Juventus' left wing.

Alex Sandro's Juve debut was good, really good. He was one of the few bright spots in a game that really had us trying to find anything positive about the team playing in black and white stripes. The vast majority of his crosses were dangerous, with the only thing lacking was somebody actually taking advantage of them. His speed was on full display, too. Just a really good debut for a player that arrived with quite a bit of lofty billing attached to his hefty price tag.

No matter how you feel about the Chievo result, hearing the ovation Simone Pepe got when he came on in the second half should have warmed your heart.

So, who's feeling good about Tuesday's visit to Manchester? (Don't answer that. I know what you're going to say. At least I think I do.)

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Juventus 1-1 Chievo: Player Ratings

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/juventus-1-1-chievo-player-ratings/?

 
Sep 12, 2015

Juventus and Chievo drew 1-1 on Saturday night at the Juventus Stadium to give the Bianconeri their first point of the season.

However, despite this it was the Gialloblu who were the real stars of the match as they produced a strong and determined performance which possibly deserved all three points. Perparim Hetemaj opened the scoring five minutes in from just outside the penalty area.

The Old Lady pressed for an equaliser and eventually snatched a point thanks to a Paulo Dybala penalty in the 82rd minute.

 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Good - The veteran made one fantastic save in the second-half to deny Paloschi. He was strong from corners and free-kicks. Not at fault for the first goal.

Martin Caceres – 6 – Strong - Eager to get forward and very direct with his play out from the back, which often helpting to increase the tempo of Juventus’s play.

Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Solid - Reasonably positive with his distribution and with dealt well with Chievo’s two strikers. However his lack of pace was often clear.

Leonardo Bonnucci – 6 – Tough - He looked to be slightly lacking concentration at times but his distribution was good and he helped start many Bianconceri attacks.

Alex Sandro – 6 – Nervous - Got forward well but his end product lacked consistency and often quality. Despite this, the Brazilian was energetic on his debut and looked a better option than Patrice Evra

Roberto Pereyra – 6.5 – Intelligent - He hit the post in the 56th minute and did miss a good opportunity in the first-half but he was quite integral in speeding up Juve’s passing.

Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Composed - Maybe could have closed down Hetemaj before he scored, but imitated well his former teammate Andrea Pirlo when displayed composure on the ball when switching play from left to right. Came off at half-time.

Stefano Sturaro – 6 – Robust - Didn’t do anything special, he was decent in possession and rarely gave the ball away. The Italian was often strong in the tackle as well as being positionally solid.

Hernanes – 6.5 – Creative - Forced a fine save from Albano Bizzari early on and was very creative as he looked to instantly fit in to his team’s system. In the second-half he continued to test Bizzari.

Paulo Dybala – 7 – Goalscorer - Probably could have scored in the 20th minute but he was inventive and didn’t hide as he was constantly looking for the ball. Spared Juve’s blushes after grabbing the last-ditch penalty.

Alvaro Morata – 5 – Absent - A constant absentee throughout the match.


Substitutes

Paul Pogba -5- Sluggish - He really should have scored in the 56th minute but his finish was way too nonchalant. The Frenchman failed to really impose himself on the game.

Juan Cuadrado – 6 – Speedy - Added some much needed pace to Juventus’s play and won the much needed penalty to salvage a draw.

Mario Mandzukic - N/A 


 

Chievo

Albano Bizarri – 7.5 – Stunning - Made one very good save to deny Hernanes in the first 45 minutes and then in the second-half he made a number of good saves which kept the Gialloblu in the match.

Alessandro Gamberini -7 – Rock - Very good, the Italian kept Morata quiet in the first-half but sadly had to come off injured in the second half.

Bostjan Cesar – 5.5 – Inconsistent - Very strong like his partner in the first half and in the secondscored a very good goal but it was wrongly denied, however he did give away a silly penalty.

Massimo Gobbi – 7 – Impressive - Productive defensively and when venturing forward, he managed to deal with Caceres whenever he bounded forward.

Nicolas Frey – 7 – Imperious - Made a stunning block to deny Pogba in the second-half and generally was diligent in his defensive duties covering for his centre-backs.

Nicola Rigoni – 7 – Shield - Brilliant in front of the back four as he constantly broke up attacks and he was also strong in his passing. Laboured as the game wore on.

Lucas Castro – 7 – Terrier - Lucky to stay on the pitch but was very good in the tackle and worked his socks off, not just defensively but also showed a willingness to support the forwards.

Valter Birsa – 7 – Smart - Did his fair share of defensive duties as well as being crucial to Chievo’s counterattacking with his quick passing on the transition.

Perparim Hetemaj – 7.5 – Workhorse - Brilliant strike early on, worked tirelessly and was also a threat with his runs from deep. He constantly earned free-kicks which helped Chievo keep Juventus at bay.

Riccardo Meggiorini – 6- Endeavour - Ran the channels brilliantly and although he was a bit quiet he worked ever so hard with his constant pressing.

Alberto Paloschi – 6 – Unlucky - Worked hard and his link up play was strong throughout, denied a goal by a great Gianluigi Buffon save which was the game’s key moment.


Substitutes

Dario Dainelli – 6 – Tower - Looked an adequate replacement for the injured Gamberini as he was strong in the air and in his defensive duties.

Simone Pepe – 5 – Slow - Like every Chievo player the former Juventus man worked hard and won a few free-kicks but that was about it.

Giampiero Pinzi -N/A 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

RATINGS: Juventus 1-1 Chievo

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-chievo/2120401/ratings

 
Sep 12, 2015
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Could do nothing about the opening goal, but made a brilliant reflex save to deny Cesar in the second half.

4 M. Cáceres - Offered himself as an outlet, but his crosses were generally wasteful. Tried to link up with Pereyra, but was solid defensively.

15 A. Barzagli - Covered across to make some good sliding tackles, with the Italy international also solid in the air when called upon.

19 L. Bonucci - Was calm and composed on the ball as always, with neither Paloschi nor Meggiorini getting in behind the Juve back four.

12 Alex Sandro - Broke down the left-hand side with regularity, with his crosses causing a few problems and earning Juve some corners.

37 R. Pereyra - Frustrating in the first half, with the Argentine midfielder's shooting imprecise. Didn't appear to be on his teammates' wavelength.

8 C. Marchisio - Pulled off at the break for Pogba, after a very quiet and lacklustre first 45 minutes. Didn't help to dictate the tempo of proceedings.

27 S. Sturaro - Headed a couple of efforts wide of the target, but did put in plenty of running. Lacked any kind of quality on the ball in the final third.

11 Hernanes - Forced a great save out of Bizzarri in the opening 45 minutes and tested the goalkeeper late on again with a free-kick effort.

9 Álvaro Morata - Had a terrible first half and didn't improve after the break. Lost the ball repeatedly and didn't create anything for himself nor his teammates.

21 P. Dybala - Shot from range through frustration before the break, but did cap his performance with a late penalty conversion.


Substitutes

10 P. Pogba - Lost out in challenges more than is usual, but could have had a second-half penalty.

16 J. Cuadrado - Won a late penalty and his direct running caused plenty of problems for the visitors.

17 M. Mandžukić - The physical Croatian didn't have any opportunities or sights of goal.


 

Chievo

1 A. Bizzarri - Only had one save to make before the interval, but made several key stops in the dying minutes to ensure a point for Chievo.

5 A. Gamberini - Strong in the air and battled well with Morata, forcing the former Real Madrid man to have to drop deep in order to get on the ball.

12 B. Cesar - Made countless clearances before the break and saw a close-range effort brilliantly saved by Buffon. Unfortunate to concede late penalty.

18 M. Gobbi - Lacked the pace to support attacks dangerously, but was fairly solid defensively. Caceres and Pereyra didn't manage to get in behind.

21 N. Frey - Covered across when required and prevented a good amount of crosses coming in from the left-hand side.

4 N. Rigoni - Dropped into the defensive line when required and made a couple of good blocks on the periphery of the penalty area.

19 L. Castro - Beaten for pace by Alex Sandro a few times, but was tireless and tenacious in his approach. Broke forward to support attacks relentlessly.

23 V. Birsa - Slid a few excellent passes forward for the likes of Paloschi and Meggiorini to chase, with the three linking up nicely.

56 P. Hetemaj - Fired a first-time 25-yard effort into the bottom corner to open the scoring in Turin and was in the thick of the action throughout.

69 R. Meggiorini - Pressed high up the field and tried his luck from a couple of unfavourable positions. Couldn't question his running.

43 A. Paloschi - Wasn't afforded any clear-cut chances, but made good runs off of Birsa and helped to press as a two with Meggiorini.


Substitutes

3 D. Dainelli - Could have given away a penalty for tugging on Pogba's shirt, with the defender very combative in his aerial battles.

6 G. Pinzi - The midfielder injected some fresher legs into the midfield hub, coming into the game for the final 15 minutes.
 
 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Allegri: Juventus Must Improve

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/allegri-juventus-must-improve/?

 
Sep 13, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his side need goals in order to improve along with better defending, after a 1-1 draw with Chievo.

The Bianconeri were held at home to the Flying Donkeys, denying their opponents their third win in as many matches, whilst Juventus gained their first point of the new Serie A season.

“We conceded a goal that we really should have defended better,” Allegri told Mediaset.

“After the goal, the team came together and we played better, especially in the second-half.

“Nobody expected us to have just one point after three games, but there are some positive aspects to draw from these matches.

“Now we just have to keep on working and prepare for the next match.”

Midfielder Paul Pogba was brought on at the start of the second-half and Allegri has discussed his decision to keep their young starlet on the bench.

“Pogba has played two matches for the French national team and wasn’t therefore in the right frame of mind for this match.”

“I needed to put him in for the second-half and he played well. He’ll play out a great season and will return into the set-up as quickly as possible.’

He continued: “As for Hernanes, he played very well. In the second-half I deployed him in front of the defence and I made the best out of the players I had available.

“He can definitely play ahead of the defence as he came into that role early in his career so he does need time to re-accustom to such a role. We just need to focus on Tuesday’s game.”

The conference concluded drawing focus as to why Juventus have struggled for form in recent weeks as well as discussing their upcoming Champions League fixture against Manchester City.

. “In football you cannot always win. We have signed 10 new players and we have changed a lot.

“Tuesday we will be facing Manchester City and in football there are no invincible teams.

“Yes, they have great players but we will play our tactics and will hope for the win.

“We aren’t lacking character, just a bit of goals.”

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

JUVENTUS 1-1 CHIEVO PLAYER
RATINGS WEEK 3

Juventus went behind early on and struggled to recover against a Chievo side that now
sits at the top of the table. Here’s a recap of how the players performed on the night.

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-1-1-chievo-player-ratings-week-3/?

 
Sep 13, 2015

The Bianconeri may have earned their first point of the season, but it was a thoroughly disjointed display with only glimpses of cohesion or teamwork. The Gialloblu were the real stars of the show, going ahead within 10 minutes through a brilliant opening goal from Hetemaj.

Juve dominated possession but created very little of note until Juan Cuadrado entered the game to earn a penalty late on. Paulo Dybala converted from the spot to snatch a valuable point in Juve’s worst start to the Serie A campaign since the 1968.
 

 

Gigi Buffon 7.0 - Left stranded by his defence for the opening goal which he could do nothing about. Performed an absolute miracle save to keep Juve in the game at 1-0 down. Superb display

Martin Caceres 6.0 - Pushed forward every chance he got to try and create opportunities but his effectiveness was limited. Created a half-chance for himself but ended up on his back when he miskicked.

Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - Relatively solid at the back but Chievo pressure nearly told on a few occasions as his lack of pace almost caught him out.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - Good distribution from the back as he tried to get Juve going but his positioning was poor on one or two occasions, along with his choice of passes.

Alex Sandro 6.5 - A positive debut – Lots of pace to push forward into the wide-left areas. Great crosses, some good runs into the box and he tracked back when needed.

Roberto Pereyra 6.0 - Did his best to speed up Juve’s play but he was often frustrating in the final third. Hit the post with a good effort.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Showed what Juve were missing at the base of midfield with his great range of passing. Only managed to play 45 mins due to a muscular problem.

Stefano Sturaro 6.0 - Good positioning and maintained possession well but he was missing for spells of the game. Solid but not spectacular.

Hernanes 6.5 - Forced Bizzari into at least 2 decent saves, tried to create chances for the front two but it’s clear it will take time for him combine effectively. A good debut.

Alvaro Morata 5.5 - Missing for large spells of the game and when he did get the ball, he often conceded possession cheaply. A lot more was expected.

Paulo Dybala 7.0 - Had his chances early on to get Juve back into the game. Great from corners and free-kicks before converting Juve’s penalty. Juve’s leading goalscorer this season.


Substitutes

Paul Pogba 5.5 - Came on for Marchisio at half-time but struggled to have any impact on the kind of game where he would normally dominate.

Juan Cuadrado 6.5 - Made a world of difference as Juve looked to play wide with him cutting in from the wing. Went on a great run to win the penalty that Dybala converted.

Mario Mandzukic N/A

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Juventus 1-1 Chievo Verona: Bianconeri
off the mark with comeback attempt

Juve fought back from an early setback to claim a draw — and the first point of the season — against
the surprise league leaders. While the comeback was commendable, some worries still remain.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/13/9316811/juventus-chievo-verona-serie-a-round-3-2015-match-recap-final-score-result

 
Sep 13, 2015

It was a special day for Juventus at J Stadium. Firstly, it was the debut of the new mascot, J, a creepy-looking zebra. Secondly, it was the debut of two of our new signings — Brazilian full back Alex Sandro and Brazilian playmaker Hernanes. And thirdly, the league leaders Chievo Verona were in town. The Flying donkeys currently living up to their nickname after impressive wins versus Empoli and Lazio (who they just ripped apart 4-0).

Oh yes, it was a special day indeed.

Juventus, as is well known, were still in search of their first points of the new season. After a busy summer and the recent international break, the full team for the season (until January at least) were back in action trying to stop the rot after losing their first two games of the season - a historical low point for the Bianconeri.

Max Allegri took the chance to give some of the internationals a rest after the exertions of the last week, and to keep them in shape for the big Champions League game away to Manchester City on Tuesday night. The expected switch to a four-man backline was made, with 4-3-1-2 shape being employed. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Paul Pogba started on the bench, with Martin Caceres and Stefano Sturaro taking their spots at right back and on the left side of the midfield three, respectively. As mentioned, Alex Sandro made his debut at left back, while Hernanes played as the "1" behind Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata, with Mario Mandzukic moving to the bench. The game also marked a return to the lineup for Il Principino, Claudio Marchisio, who recovered from his most recent injury.


MATCH SUMMARY

The game could not have started any better — for Chievo, that is. Five minutes in, a Chievo attack saw the ball ricocheted off Andrea Barzagli to Peparim Hetemaj at the top of the Juventus box, and the Finn lashed a shot past Gianluigi Buffon in goal. One-nil to the league leaders; yes, again, I'm referring to Chievo.

Juventus' sluggish start to games this season continued, but the team did manage to put some chances together. On eight minutes, new signing Hernanes made some space for himself at the top of the box and took a quality shot, forcing veteran shot-stopper Albano Bizzarri into a fairly decent save. From the resulting corner, Roberto Pereyra's cross cum shot just evaded Leonardo Bonuci's sliding effort at the last post.

Another debutant, Alex Sandro, had an industrious first game. He put a cross into the box, which the goal-scorer Hetemaj failed to deal with, and Pereyra wasted the golden opportunity by snatching at his effort and sending it over the bar; guess his finishing has not improved at all since last season.

On the half-hour mark, Pereyra crossed into the box for Sturaro, who nodded his chance over the bar. Juventus kept the pressure up on Chievo, though without the same fluidity and verve as in recent seasons. Another cross from Alex Sandro was inadvertently flicked on by Hernanes for the oncoming Marchisio, but his tame effort bounces wide. The last chance of the half came when Dybala snatched at a shot from about 25 yards out, not getting it anywhere near to troubling the Chievo goal.

Pogba came on at half time for the returning Marchisio. Allegri shifted Hernanes back to the regista position, with Pogba reinstated on his preferred left side of midfield and Pereyra into the hole behind the strikers.

Juventus did not show much improvement after the break. On 52 minutes, it was the captain who kept Juve in the game with a top draw, almost godly save. A deep cross into the box was knocked back into the middle, and big Slovenian defender Bostjan Cesar met the cross on a volley; Gigi responded with a magnificent reaction save to push the shot onto the post and back out. This play seemed to stoke the fires in the home team.

A few minutes later, Dybala played the ball inside for Pereyra, who turned in the box brilliantly and goy a wonderful shot off (much better than his effort in the first) which beat Bizzarri but not the near post. The rebound fell straight to Pogba at the penalty spot, but the young Frenchman's laissez-faire attempt was blocked by the last ditch tackle of Nicholas Frey. Dybala then blasted the second rebound over the bar. Things were heating up.

The first of two moments of controversy were to come next. Valter Birsa's beautifully floated free kick into the box was flicked on at the near post by Alberto Paloschi and then stabbed home at the far post by Cesar. However the referee inexplicably ruled the goal off. Replays showed some holding by Cesar on Bonucci, but Bonucci also had a handful of Cesar's shirt. A massive let off for Juve.

Hernanes, who was quiet in the second, collected a pass just outside the box and shifted from his left to his right and fired on target, again forcing Bizzarri into a fine save. The Brazilian playmaker was again involved when he stepped up to a free kick and whipped in a right footed curler to the near post; this one, though, was easily tipped over by Bizzarri.

The second moment of controversy came on eighty-three minutes. Substitute Juan Cuadrado — who had injected some life into the Juve attack — was adjudged to have been taken down in the box by Cesar. On replay, it looked a bit harsh as the contact was minimal and Cuadrado did go down easily — as he tends to do. Regardless, it was a penalty to Juve. Dybala stepped up to take it, and slammed it home with a perfectly place penalty! One all and Juve were back in to get something from the game. Disappointment for Chievo, who had played a great away game to now.

Juve kept up the pressure to try to find a winner, but Chievo withstood and maintained their unbeaten start to the season. Juve are finally off the mark, albeit in fortuitous fashion.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon 7 Superman did not have a lot to do, but his terrific save on Cesar midway through the second half kept Juventus in the game.

Caceres 6.5 A solid, if unspectacular, performance from the Uruguayan. He got forward well, though the final ball was lacking.

Barzagli 6.5 With Chievo playing on the counter for the most part, Barzagli (and his partner Bonucci) were not under much pressure for the ninety minutes. Did what he had to without much fuss.

Bonucci 6.5 Same as with Barzagli. He was lucky that the ref called a foul for him on the Chievo disallowed goal, as he was doing as much holding as Cesar was.

Alex Sandro 6.5 Encouraging debut for the young Brazilian. He was beaten on a couple of occasions by Chievo's Castro, and his crossing was inconsistent, but he got up and down his flank very well and did well when called upon.

Pereyra 6.5 The poor man's version of Arturo Vidal had an okay game. While he does most things in midfield well, his poor finishing continues to be the biggest weakness in his game.

Marchisio 6.0 Marchisio marked his return from injury and to the starting line-up with a sub-par performance at the base of the midfield. Taking over the deep playmaker role from the departed Andrea Pirlo, Il Principino failed to conduct the midfield in the same manner, or like we know he can. One would expect him to improve as the season goes on.

Sturaro 6.0 Did well in his defensive duties, but didn't add much to the offence. Had one chance from a Pereyra cross that he could have done better with.

Hernanes 6.0 The Brazilian had an okay debut, creating a couple decent chances on goal which forced the Chievo goalkeeper into some fine saves. His ability to switch from either foot with such ease does already look like it will be an asset, as does his free kick taking ability. Would like him to influence the game more.

Dybala 7.0 The young Argentine had a busy game, showing a willingness to get on the ball and try to make things happen. Tried to make the best off of some of the scraps he got fed, but he eventually got his goal from the penalty spot - and it was a great spot kick!

Morata 6.0 Like Marchisio, Morata is returning to the starting line-up from an injury layoff. The Spaniard had even less to feed off of than Dybala did, but he did put in the work. He needs the game time to get back into his form.


Subs

Pogba 5.5 Will the real Paul Pogba please stand up? A disappointing cameo. Should have scored to equalise earlier, but he was a bit too laid back and Frey stretched himself to block what should have been an easy goal.

Cuadrado 6.5 The Colombian gave Juventus an injection of pace and caused Chievo real problems when he came on. His first touches almost resulted in a shot on goal. He won the penalty for the equalising goal, though he does go down very easily; the Colombian Ashley Young.

Mandzukic n/a Barely touched the ball.


Coach

Allegri 6.0 His decision to bring Cuadrado on for Sturaro gave Juve fresh impetus and directly led to the Bianconeri getting back into the game. Hampered a bit by players being out of form (like Pogba) and returning from injury (like Marchisio and Morata). One would expect that in the coming weeks things will improve. Next up though, is Manchester City on Tuesday, and we need a big performance if we're to get anything out of that game. Get on it, Max!


THINGS I THINK I THINK

The performance was still not what would be expected from Juventus, but at least we managed to get a draw when a loss seemed very probable once again. Yes, we know it will take some time for the new players to gel with the old players and regain the fluidity in movement Juve have had in the last few years. But the lack of form is very disconcerting. There will be time to make up for the bad start in the league. But the boys are in the group of death in the Champions League, and this kicks off on Tuesday. This time, there is no room for a slow start. City, Sevilla and Moenchengladbach will be tough tasks and Juventus will need to get out of the blocks quickly.

Apart from the team just not looking like itself, the form of Pogba is also quite worrying. He has looked nothing like the player that reportedly will command a record-breaking transfer fee. The impact on games just isn't there. He needs to step up; not only is he the star in the midfield now, but he's also wearing the number ten. All eyes are on him. He needs to rise to that challenge, like he claims he wants to.

It will take some getting used to, and yes the changes were not all for the current year; the plan is to extend Juve's dominance for years to come. But for the present, the struggles are threatening to derail the season, even in these early stages.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

JUVENTUS 1-1 CHIEVO MATCH
REVIEW AND 5 KEY POINTS

Juventus dominated possession but only managed to salvage a draw
against a resolute Chievo side who sit top of Serie A.

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-1-1-chievo-match-review-and-5-key-points/?

 
Sep 13, 2015

In the days leading up to the game, Max Allegri had insisted that his teams season would begin in this home fixture against high-flying, top of the table Chievo. In contrast, the Bianconeri were rooted firmly at the foot of the table in 17th place prior to kick off.

Chievo quickly found their rhythm and took a surprising lead after just five minutes. The defence backed off and gave space to Perparim Hetemaj who had all the time in the world to fire his shot into the far bottom corner from just outside the box.

Hernanes looked lively in midfield and forced a save from Albano Bizzarri before Roberto Pereyra fired a cross into the box that Leo Bonucci only missed by a whisker. Pereyra and Paulo Dybala both had half chances shortly after but both efforts were blasted over the bar.

Juve were booed and whistled off the pitch at half-time before Gigi Button went over to the crowd to ask them to get behind the team.

Paul Pogba replaced an injured Marchisio at half-time with Hernanes slipping back into the regista role and Pereyra playing as the trequartista.

Despite the Juve dominance and pressure, it was Chievo who nearly scored early in the second-half. It took a truly incredible Buffon save from point-blank range to keep Bostjan Cesar’s volley out of the goal.

The Bianconeri continued to pile forward and the pressure almost paid off as Pereyra, Pogba and Dybala all scuffed their efforts. Pogba had a very solid penalty appeal waved away before Chievo were awarded a dubious free-kick at the other end. Cesar had the ball in the back of the net for the visitors but it was disallowed for a foul on Bonucci.

Hernanes curled a perfect free-kick over the wall but Bizzarri was on hand once again to keep the score line 1-0.

Allegri looked to switch tactics, bringing on Juan Cuadrado and switching the formation to 4-3-3 and the Colombian made an immediate impact. His run into the box was met by a Cesar sliding challenge which the assistant linesman flagged as a penalty. Paulo Dybala stepped up to convert from the spot to earn Juve their first point of the season.


5 Positives

1. Alex Sandro looked very decent at left-back, a position that we’ve lacked in for years. His range of passing and intelligent runs show real promise

2. Hernanes was one of the few bright sparks. While he lacked a connection with the front two, he wasn’t afraid to shoot on sight and he forced Bizzarri into at least 2 saves

3. Dybala scored again. While he wasn’t at his best in open play (Not entirely his fault), he took his penalty really well and he’s now scored in 2 games in a row

4. Juan Cuadrado gave Juve another dimension when he came on. Granted, it was only a cameo, but he was direct, he ran at the opposition and beat his man more than once

5. It’s still only week 3. Late signings mean it will take time to get this team working together but its early days into a long season


Statistics

Man of the Match: Paulo Dybala

Flop of the Match: Alvaro Morata

Corners: 5

Pass Accuracy: 89%

Shots on Target: 7

Total Shots: 26

Ball Possession: 70%

Formation: 4-3-1-2


Lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Barzagli, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Pereyra, Marchisio (Pogba 46), Sturaro (Cuadrado 65); Hernanes; Dybala, Morata (Mandzukic 73)

Chievo: Bizzarri; Frey, Gamberini (Dainelli 58), Cesar, Gobbi; Castro, Rigoni, Hetemaj; Birsa (Pepe 73); Paloschi, Meggiorini (Pinzi 66)

Ref: Guida


Media
 

Leonardo Bonucci’s comments after the game

Gigi Buffon asks the Curva Nord to get behind the team

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Bonucci blasts 'not real Juve fans'

http://www.football-italia.net/72906/bonucci-blasts-not-real-juve-fans?

 
Sep 13, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci slammed the crowd who jeered Juventus as “not real fans” after a draw with Chievo.

The Bianconeri are having their worst ever start to a Serie A season with one point from three rounds, needing a late penalty to hold Chievo 1-1 last night.

They were jeered off the field at half-time, during the game and at the final whistle, infuriating Bonucci to the degree he wrote a message on social media.

“It’s easy to come to the stadium and applaud when everything is going well,” wrote the defender on Twitter and Instagram.

“The real fan applauds during difficult moments to help the team. Juventus is all those who step on to the pitch, are on the bench, come to the stadium and sit at home watching on TV.

“The Juve motto is ‘to the end’ and to the end we must all be united. Believe in Juventus, in the team and in the project.

“We must always be positive. Now our minds go to the Champions League.”

The Bianconeri visit Manchester City on Tuesday evening in the opening game.

Captain Gigi Buffon was also irritated by the crowd's reaction in Turin last night and at half-time shouted to the fans: "We need YOU."

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Juventus' Draw with Chievo Shows
Problems with New-Look Team

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2565874-juventus-draw-with-chievo-shows-problems-with-new-look-team?

 
Sep 13, 2015

After two losses before the international break, it was imperative Juventus kick-started their campaign against Chievo on Saturday evening. Sadly it was not to be, with Rolando Maran’s impressive side earning a 1-1 draw in Turin and they were fully deserving of such a result on the night.

While the Veronese team deserve immense praise for their bright start to 2015/16, the encounter showed that the new-look Bianconeri face an uphill struggle in the coming weeks. Indeed, the game highlighted many of the issues that currently blight Massimiliano Allegri and his squad, with some of the coach's decisions compounding them.

The round of Euro 2016 qualifiers robbed them of any sense of continuity, as the Juve boss alluded to in his post-match interview when asked about the decision to leave a number of key players—including Paul Pogba—on the bench.

"He had played two games for France, returned on Wednesday and I preferred to give him a breather," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia). "The same was true of Giorgio Chiellini and Stephan Lichtsteiner."

Those changes saw the team look far less assured than usual and the coach perhaps should have risked that trio, despite Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Manchester City looming large on the horizon.

There were a number of positives for the Bianconeri, however, with the debut performance of Hernanes among the most prominent. The Brazilian only joined the club on transfer deadline day, but he gave an excellent account of himself, displaying the creativity Juventus had lacked against Udinese and AS Roma.

The former Inter and Lazio man tested visiting goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri on a number of occasions, and provided a stream of dangerous crosses from set pieces, yet he too noted the failings of the team shortly after the final whistle.

"Naturally, we're disappointed with the result as we came here today wanting all three points," Hernanes told reporters, per official Juventus website. "We gave everything over the 90 minutes but we just weren't ruthless enough to make the game our own."

He also added that the team "know we need to rediscover our scoring touch as soon as possible," and that lack of cutting edge was evident once again. Indeed, Paulo Dybala's penalty marked only their second league goal of the campaign, although on Saturday evening that was certainly not for want of trying.

Statistics from WhoScored.com show just how wasteful the Bianconeri were in front of goal, failing to net from open play despite taking 26 shots on goal compared to their opponent's tally of six. The same source shows that only seven of those Juve efforts were on target, Roberto Pererya adding one effort that struck the post.

Perhaps the biggest issue was cohesion, which is to be expected given that the Turin giants underwent such far-reaching changes this summer. Both Dybala and Hernanes looked particularly bright individually, but they linked up on very few occasions, something that should improve over time.

WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored
Juventus: Perparim Hetemaj's goal means Juventus have now conceded in each of their last 7 matches in Serie A

That period to settle in will be short for the reigning champions, who must return to winning ways as quickly as possible, and after the game Allegri summed up the situation perfectly. "We must stop talking about the players who were here last season," he told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia). "This is a new team with many new players, it takes time.”

"What we do need to do is find our balance in defence, as we were too stretched out in the first half, and be less hasty in attack." It will be a tough task to do those things against Manchester City, meaning the pressure when Juventus return to domestic action against Genoa next weekend will be even greater.

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Paulo Dybala: Juventus must
"keep working very hard"

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/news/dybala-juve-must-keep-working-very-hard_245888.html

 
Sep 13, 2015

Paulo Dybala has told his Juventus teammates that they need to "keep working very hard" to turn around the club's negative start to the new season.

The Old Lady, who have won the last four Serie A titles, are without a victory from their opening three matches, from which they have collected one point.

Speaking after yesterday's 1-1 home draw with Chievo, 21-year-old Dybala insisted that positive results will only be achieved if the team puts in the necessary effort.

"There's a lot of new players and we need to keep working very hard to return to winning ways," he told the club's official website.

"Tonight was a difficult match and Chievo took their chance very well. We didn't let out heads drop, but kept pressing for an equaliser and played well. We just weren't able to win."

Summer signing Dybala has scored both of Juve's Serie A goals this season.

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

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO

1 - 1

Perparim Hetemaj (5')

Paulo Dybala (83'-P.)

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

Late Dybala Penalty Helps Juventus
Get First Point Of The Season

Paulo Dybala struck a late penalty to save Juventus’s blushes in a 1-1 draw with Chievo, although they remain
six points behind title rivals Roma ahead of their Champions League opener against Manchester City.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/late-dybala-penalty-helps-juventus-get-first-point-of-the-season/?

 
Sep 13, 2015

Juventus, last season’s beaten Champions League finalists, meet City in Group D on Tuesday and on this showing Manuel Pellegrini’s men will fancy their chances of taking three points off the Italian champions.

Having already suffered their worst ever start to a Serie A season following defeats to Udinese and Roma, Juventus welcomed Chievo to Turin determined to take all three points, albeit with one eye on Tuesday’s fixture.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri left Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Paul Pogba on the bench and handed full debuts to former Inter Milan midfielder Hernanes as well as Brazilian defender Alex Sandro.


Juventus were jeered off at half-time after conceding within first 5 minutes

The rested trio’s presence, however, was eventually required as Juve fought back after conceding a fifth-minute opener when Perparim Hetemaj fired low past Gianluigi Buffon from outside the area.

“The mistake we made was conceding on their first shot at goal,” Allegri told Sky Sport.

“We have to make big improvements, but given the movement in the transfer market and the break for international games, I’ve only had a full squad available for the past three days.

“We had the right approach to the game but we need to be realistic and accept our terrible position in the league.”

Buffon held his finger to his lips in a bid to silence Juve’s fans at half-time as the hosts were jeered off. Before then, Juve had spurned a few good chances to pull level against the Flying Donkeys.

Hernanes, impressive throughout playing just behind Dybala and Alvaro Morata, notably stung Albano Bizzarri’s gloves with a superb drive, while Leonardo Bonucci and Roberto Pereyra both missed half-chances.

After several weeks out through injury, the still rusty Claudio Marchisio was replaced by the more effective Pogba at half-time and although the later introduction of Juan Cuadrado improved Juve’s prospects further, Chievo refused to lie down.

Seven minutes after the restart Buffon did well to push Cesar’s shot on to the post. At the other end, Pogba skewed his shot wide while in space to the left of goal.

Juve came closest to levelling minutes later when Pereyra collected Dybala’s threaded ball, powered into the area and unleashed a low drive, only to see it come off the base of the upright, with Pogba missing the rebound and Dybala skying his effort when it fell at his feet.

Cuadrado replaced Stefano Sturaro on 67 minutes, and the on-loan Chelsea forward made an immediate impact, collecting Morata’s flick-on to dribble his way into the box only to be shut out at the last second.


Cuadrado won a penalty after going down at the slightest of contact

Cuadrado’s most impressive feat, however, was winning a late penalty after what appeared to be the slightest of contact with the boot of Cesar.

Dybala made no mistake, smashing the ball past the goalkeeper and into the roof of the net to seal Juve’s first point of the season.

Juventus sit in 16th place while Chievo regained top spot, ahead of Roma on goal difference.

Chievo coach Rolando Maran lamented: “What can I say? We hoped to hold on and record what would have been a massive result for us.

“I can only be encouraged by how well the lads played against Juventus.”

Earlier, Roma prepared for Wednesday’s Group E clash against defending European champions Barcelona with a hard-fought 2-0 win away at Frosinone.

Iago Falque scored the opener for the Giallorossi, who rolled with the punches proffered by the league new boys before Juan Iturbe put the match beyond reach at the death with a fine individual strike.

Sunday’s programme will be dominated by the ‘Derby della Madonnina’, Inter hosting AC Milan at their shared San Siro ground.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Man City trio doubt for Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/72879/man-city-trio-doubt-juventus?

Sep 13, 2015

Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Raheem Sterling are all doubts for Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Juventus.

The two teams face off in England on Tuesday night.

Aguero limped off just 25 minutes into today’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace after a high tackle from Scott Dann.

The Argentine was in evident pain and sat on the bench with an ice pack on his knee.

David Silva had already been ruled out of this game with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Sterling was a surprise late absentee following a ‘minor’ training ground knock.

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Skomina ref for Man City-Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/72914/skomina-ref-man-city-juve?

Sep 13, 2015

Slovenian referee Damir Skomina will officiate the Champions League tie between Manchester City and Juventus.

Their Group D opener is on Tuesday night in Manchester.

Skomina will be assisted by Jure Praprotnik and Robert Vukan, with Matej Jug and Slavko Vincic on the goal-line.

The fourth official is Manuel Vidali.


The other game in Group D, Sevilla-Borussia Monchengladbach, has been assigned to Czech referee Pavel Kralovec.

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Marchisio In Doubt For Manchester City Encounter

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/juventus-midfielder-in-doubt-for-manchester-city-encounter/?

Sep 13, 2015

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio may miss the Bianconeri’s Champions League clash against Manchester City on Tuesday due to injury.

The 29-year-old was taken off at half-time by coach Massimiliano Allegri during the Bianconeri’s 1-1 draw against Chievo on Saturday night, which means that the Old Lady are yet to record their first win of the new Serie A season.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Marchisio is likely to have sustained an adductor sprain, which if confirmed will mean that he will not be at Allegri’s disposal against the Citizens.

Marchisio had only just come back from an injury picked up in pre-season and made his first appearances during the match against the Flying Donkeys.

The Italian international has made over 300 appearances for Juventus during his career and has scored 35 goals.

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Sergio Aguero a doubt for Man City-Juventus;
Sterling, Silva may play

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/manchester-city/story/2608964/sergio-aguero-injury-doubt-for-man-city-juve-says-pellegrini?

Sep 13, 2015

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini hopes to have David Silva and Raheem Sterling available against Juventus on Tuesday, but Sergio Aguero is a major doubt for the Champions League opener.

Spanish playmaker Silva was left out of Saturday's last-gasp 1-0 win at Crystal Palace to rest an ankle knock, while England winger Sterling was sidelined by a hamstring strain.

But the key duo are expected to be in the frame when City get their European campaign under way at the Etihad Stadium, with Pellegrini saying: "I hope both of them can be fit on Tuesday. We will see."

However, striker Aguero -- who played down the extent of his injury after Saturday's win -- could miss the Group D curtain raiser after limping off during the first half against Palace with a knee injury.

Sergio Kun Aguero ✔ @aguerosergiokun
Thanks everyone for your concern. I got a hard hit and it prevented me from playing more. It doesn't seem to be a serious injury though

Pellegrini was angry that the challenge by Eagles skipper Scott Dann which forced Aguero off was not punished with a red card, and is waiting for an update on the Argentine forward's fitness.

"It was an important kick on his knee," the coach said. "We'll see if he can recover between now and Tuesday. It's very difficult to say now. It's important to see how he recovers. We'll see."

Following Aguero's premature departure it was left to 18-year-old substitute Kelechi Iheanacho to hit City's last-minute winner and maintain their 100 percent record this season.

Victory left City five points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday evening, and 11 points ahead of champions Chelsea.

"It's important to have a good start, to have 15 points from five games," added Pellegrini. "We're not just playing against Chelsea, although they are the champions. It's an important gap.

"We were eight points behind last year and, in January, we were level. If you lose points at the beginning, you can lose them in other parts of the year. We have to continue playing the way we are."

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

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Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Marotta: 'No Juve alibis'

http://www.football-italia.net/72927/marotta-no-juve-alibis?

Sep 13, 2015

Beppe Marotta warned Juventus mustn’t make changes into “an alibi” ahead of their trip to Manchester City.

The Bianconeri are having their worst ever start to a Serie A season with one point from three rounds, earned in a 1-1 draw with Chievo last night.

On Tuesday they start the Champions League campaign in Manchester, though Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Kwadwo Asamoah are out injured.

“Patience is one thing, but we mustn’t turn it into an alibi,” director general Marotta told Rai Sport.

“Our culture does not stand for alibis and we must take part in every competition with the objective of victory.

“I didn’t expect the season to start with so many difficulties, but I knew it would be tricky because this is a new team with new tactics.”

Max Allegri wrote on Twitter last night after the Chievo game that “to swim we must learn to keep our heads below water.”

Marotta was asked what he would say to the Coach after this stuttering start.

“I advise Allegri to not think about the success of the past. We will play Manchester City to win, as we always do. It’s Allegri’s job to make the team understand the Champions League has different requirements to Serie A.”

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

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Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Juventus are a team lacking identity
after summer of transition

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2609666/juventus-are-a-team-lacking-identity-after-summer-of-sales?

Sep 13, 2015

One point from a possible nine, the Old Lady is drowning and the pressure is mounting as Juventus seem incapable of managing a league win.

It was thought that perhaps against Chievo Verona, the Bianconeri would manage their first victory of the season. After all, they had defeated the Flying Donkeys the past six times they met, and the likes of Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Barzagli and Alvaro Morata had all been recovered and started. Yet neither they nor the team as a whole could do enough to walk away with all three points.

The Gialloblu, under the leadership of Rolando Maran, played his typical style of football. A side uninterested in keeping possession, Chievo were organised and worked on playing one-touch football to quickly move the ball to the top and take their chances. Their pressing was good, their defence organised and their goalkeeper alert. Juventus struggled.

Had they been luckier or perhaps managed better technique in the final third, they would have comprehensively defeated the Old Lady. The Bianconeri, void of real character and understanding, simply couldn't string together any worthy patterns of play as they attempted to cope with the weight of having managed so much success in recent years. The need to win, the desire to succeed and the fear of losing only exacerbated a problem that will take time to resolve.

Juventus, at this moment, are simply a collection of good players and nothing close to being a real team. Disorganised and frantic, nothing seems to be under control while the weight of pressure is forcing players to surge ahead in hopes of being the hero, when all that is needed is a little teamwork.

Far too often, great players were found guilty of being individualistic, dribbling longer than necessary, striking from a distance or forcing the matter when the answer lay in looking around, searching for a better-placed teammate and simply holding on to possession until the right opportunity presented itself.

A side famed for chemistry between players, Juventus are a shell of the unit they were last season; every play predictable, every decision silly, every opportunity to make a difference wasted. The right passes weren't being picked and the right sacrifices weren't being made, leading to frustration and individualistic play.

Fans in the stadium booing their fallen heroes are only adding to the team's woes, while Massimiliano Allegri's failure to recognise who is in his best XI is slightly worrying. To be fair to him, with so many arrivals toward the end of the transfer window and so many injuries incurred, Allegri has not been afforded much time to experiment in hopes of finding a tactical solution. Changes are constantly being made leading to a loss of identity, lots of bizarre play and poor cohesion.

With so many important fixtures coming up, Allegri is trying to be sensible and cautious when perhaps he should be more brave. Right now, the priority is to pick up points in the league to improve the players' confidence and create harmony. That means few players should have rested and the best available team should have started without so much thought going into the next match against Manchester City. By resting certain players, he is only exacerbating the problem Juve have in working as a unit.

However, to blame the transfer strategy is to surrender to lazy analysis. Yes, the squad lost leadership and excellence, but take the defence as an example. It was strengthened, not weakened and yet the department is struggling. Why? Because the unit is struggling.

Carlos Tevez wasn't a phenomenon when he arrived, even if he did score many goals. Far too often in his first season, the Argentine was guilty of selfish play leading to some frustrating displays in Europe. He only became a hero last season when he learned how to play for the team. That meant looking for better options, releasing players and understanding how those close to him operated so he could exploit their talent for the sake of the team and even improve his own statistics.

Circling back to the topic of the defence, it must be noted that critics have a short memory and perhaps so does this blogger. The excellent Stefano Agresti of Corriere dello Sport reported how Juve's back line is faltering, stating that last season they didn't concede a single goal until their sixth Serie A match. He is right, they didn't.

However, once they did let in that first goal -- against Roma -- they conceded another five in quick succession, losing to Atletico Madrid and Olympiakos in the Champions League as well as Genoa in Serie A while only managing a draw against lowly Sassuolo. All of this occurred in October, in which they controversially defeated the Giallorossi and only managed one comprehensive victory -- against newly promoted Palermo.

Great teams take time to build and can take even longer to perfect. Allegri has made his mistakes but he's allowed a few after the season he managed last year. Right now, Juventus are not a team, but a side clearly without an identity. With time, success will be repeated but it's important not to surrender to panic but rather allow the side to develop and mature without feeling the burden of piling pressure.

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

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Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Aguero raises injury fears ahead of Manchester City’s
Champions League clash with Juventus

The 27-year-old suffered a knee injury in the win over Crystal Palace but admits
he will not know the extent of problem until Monday, with a clash with Juve on the horizon.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/09/13/15318712/-?

Sep 13, 2015

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero admits he does not know the full extent of his knee injury and says he will receive a “clearer picture” on Monday.

The Argentine was brought off in the 25th minute against Crystal Palace following a heavy challenge from Scott Dann, while footage on social medial after the game showed the 27-year-old walking with a visible limp.

Sergio Kun Aguero ✔ @aguerosergiokun
Keeping you updated - I had studies done today, to be completed tomorrow. We'll have a clearer picture then. Thanks for the support!

Aguero underwent initial tests on Sunday but requires further analysis on Monday.

The news is blow for City, who could also be without David Silva for their Champions League group-stage opener at home to Juventus on Tuesday evening. The Spaniard missed the match against Palace due to an ankle problem.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s injury-time strike sealed a 1-0 win for City at Selhurst Park on Saturday, which has kept Manuel Pellegrini’s side four points clear at the top of the Premier League, and 11 ahead of champions Chelsea, who were beaten by Everton at Goodison Park.

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

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Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Marchisio out for Champions League opener
against Manchester City

...and maybe more games on top of that. Because we need some bad news
to kill all the good times this team is having lately!

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/14/9321261/claudio-marchisio-injury-juventus-manchester-city-uefa-champions-league-serie-a-2015

Sep 14, 2015

Juventus are struggling to begin the season. That's not breaking news. New season, new problems. But one of the problems that we see every season — especially in recent months — have been important players suffering injuries that aren't just minor nicks and bruises.

(I hate what is about to happen.)

Juventus' website posted this on Sunday about Juve's pre-Man City preparations. It's the last paragraph of the post that's the most important one under these circumstances. Prepare yourselves to be sad (if you aren't already).

Preparations for the trip to Manchester will step up a notch during tomorrow's final training session at Juventus Center from 11.15 CET, of which 15 minutes will be accessible to the media, before the team fly to the north west of England.

Their City experience will commence with a walk around at the Etihad Stadium at 18.20, with Massimiliano Allegri and Gianluigi Buffon to address the media shortly afterwards, from 18.45.

Missing out on the trip to England will be Claudio Marchisio, who yesterday reported an adductor muscle problem in his right thigh. He will remain behind in Turin to undergo further tests.

Dammit. Dammit all to hell.

Marchisio's return to the Juventus starting lineup last all of about 45 minutes against Chievo and that's it. Many of us wondered why he was taken off at halftime on Saturday — and now we've gotten our answer. It wasn't because Allegri wanted to save him for Manchester City. Nope, it was much more serious than that. And much more depressing than that.

Now we wait and see how long Marchisio is actually out for. Sky Sport reported on Sunday that Marchisio's thigh injury could keep him out for up to a month. If that's true, then he'd miss at least two of Juventus' Champions League group stage games.

And for a team that needs Marchisio's poise and class right now considering how the season has started and what's on the horizon, it couldn't have come at a worse time. Then you consider that he just came back from another injury and you can't help but feel the need to bash your head against the wall until kickoff in Manchester on Tuesday night.

When it rains, it pours, man. When it rains, it freaking pours.

[Socrates 7971]

MANCHESTER CITY - JUVENTUS

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Matchday 1
Tuesday, September 15th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Referee:‬ Damir Skomina (Slovenia)

Capello: ‘No City weaknesses’

http://www.football-italia.net/72946/capello-%E2%80%98no-city-weaknesses%E2%80%99?

Sep 14, 2015

Fabio Capello says Manchester City are ‘a team without weaknesses’ ahead of their Champions League clash with Juventus.

The former Bianconeri and England Coach also believes that Claudio Marchisio’s absence will hurt Juve, but that the tournament will give the struggling Old Lady ‘new motivation’.

The match will take place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Tuesday evening, with kick off at 19:45 UK time.

“In Europe the favourites are Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, but I think Manchester City are also very strong,” Capello said to Tuttosport.

“The Champions League is a whole other scene compared to Serie A – it’ll make them find new motivation. In Italy there’s time to recover.

“Juve will definitely be one of the top sides, Chelsea are also in trouble in the Premier League.

“The Bianconeri will start with a defensive system of play that they are very familiar with and with Hernanes they can rediscover the fluidity of their game.

“Losing Marchisio is a big blow, he’s the player who can best perform in Pirlo’s role. Hernanes needs to settle in but he can operate as a playmaker.

“Without Aguero, City will lose a lot. He’s a charismatic player and a point of reference for them.

“But it’ll be a very difficult match for Juventus because City could have taken a leap forward with their mentality.

“It’s a team without weaknesses. Maybe it was rash to sell Dzeko to Roma. Yaya Toure is a real tank!

“To win, Juve will need to start quickly and with character.”