Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

0 - 1

Cyril Théréau (78')

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

Juventus vs. Udinese: Winners and Losers

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2553743-juuventus-vs-udinese-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a-game?

 
Aug 23, 2015
 
Serie A returned this weekend, with the reigning champions opening the defence of their title at home to Udinese. The Friulian side travelled to Turin, taking to the field at Juventus Stadium in a vastly altered state as Massimiliano Allegri sent his new-look side into league action for the first time.

The coach did so with confidence, knowing that—despite the exits of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez—the Bianconeri had comfortably dispatched Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana two weeks ago.

That game showed that the gap between Juventus and the peninsula’s other big clubs appeared to remain intact, but Udinese exploited their weaknesses to snatch a shocking 1-0 victory.

Over the following pages is a look at the winners and losers from Sunday’s encounter, picking out the best and worst performances from what proved to be a difficult evening for Italian football’s Old Lady.


Winner: Cyril Thereau (Udinese)

After 75 difficult minutes in which their opponents had dominated proceedings, Udinese finally created an opening, and Cyril Thereau was ideally placed to capitalise.

The French striker netted 13 times last term, and after an excellent cross from the right, he made no mistake at the far post, beating Gigi Buffon at close range to give his side a surprise lead.


Loser: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus)

Stephan Lichtsteiner has been a model of consistency for Juventus over the past four seasons, and for the majority of this match, The Swiss Express once again turned in an accomplished display.

Yet as that fateful Udinese attack came, it was his poor marking that Cyril Thereau capitalised upon, and Lichtsteiner was withdrawn soon after. While it was a necessary substitution, he perhaps paid the price for an uncharacteristic lapse that the 31-year-old is unlikely to repeat as the 2015/16 campaign wears on.


Winner: Kingsley Coman (Juventus)

While there is little doubt that Juventus in 2015/16 is a vastly altered side to the one that faced Barcelona in June’s Champions League final, a number of similarities held over from last season.

Chief among them was arguably the presence of Kingsley Coman in Max Allegri’s starting XI, just as he was on the opening day 12 months ago. The 19-year-old lined up against Chievo last term and retained his place this time around, looking to hurt Udinese with his pace and invention.

Bayern Munich are reportedly looking to steal him away, with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport believing the Bundesliga side have made a bid of around €19 million, according to Forza Italian Football. Given the belief his current coach continually shows in him, it is hard to imagine the Bianconeri entertaining such an offer.


Loser: The 3-5-2 Formation (Juventus)

One of the major features of Juve’s success last term was Allegri’s move away from the 3-5-2 formation, although the coach did revert to it to protect a lead during a number of high-profile matches.

Yet due to the lengthy injury list with which the Bianconeri arrived at kick-off on Sunday, he was forced to deploy it once more, with the loss of Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira in particularly causing issues here. That left the side light in midfield, which prompted Allegri to field an extra defender and deprived his side of the attacking creativity that punctuated their performances last season.

It also reinforced the belief that Juventus are looking for one more player in midfield in order to complete the squad, with director general Beppe Marotta telling reporters the club "want a top player," per Football Italia.


Winner: Stefano Colantuono (Udinese)

If Allegri’s tactical choices were forced upon him, then new Udinese boss Stefano Colantuono made his own decisions perfectly, mirroring his opposite number with a 3-5-2 formation of his own.

That compounded Juve’s problems in creating space and time in which to attack, leaving the reigning champions looking blunt and devoid of ideas. Colantuono deserves huge credit, as his choices panned out well and helped Udinese record their first-ever victory at Juventus Stadium.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

0 - 1

Cyril Théréau (78')

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

Serie A Week 1: Did You Know?

The 2015-16 season kicked off with shocks and all-time firsts, explains Susy Campanale,
including Juventus' worst ever start and dream Paulo Sousa debut.

http://www.football-italia.net/71511/serie-week-1-did-you-know?

 
Aug 24, 2015

Only once before in Serie A history had Juventus, Milan and Napoli all lost the opening round of the season. That was in 1939-40.

The reigning champions hadn’t started with defeat since Sampdoria fell 3-2 at Cagliari in 1991, followed by 13 wins and nine draws. Udinese had faced the title holders in Week 1 on six previous occasions, managing one point.

Juve had never lost their first Serie A game of the season in Turin after 33 victories and seven draws, nor fired blanks. They hadn’t even conceded in Week 1 fixtures since a 4-1 success over Parma in 2011.

The Old Lady is off the top of Serie A after 64 consecutive rounds, since Week 12 of the 2013-14 campaign.

The Bianconeri were undefeated at the Juventus Stadium in League fixtures since Sampdoria emerged 2-1 on January 6 2013. Inter are the only other side to have won here in Serie A.

Udinese hadn’t even scored against Juve since Andrea Lazzari in a 4-1 home defeat on September 2 2012.

For the first time in their 42 top flight campaigns, Udinese have won the opener for two years in a row. Cyril Thereau has put three goals past Gigi Buffon, becoming his joint favourite victim with Michael Agazzi.

Stefano Colantuono celebrated his 200th Serie A game as a Coach in the best possible way. His record against Juventus now stands at two victories (the other 3-2 at Palermo) and nine defeats.

Roma had not started a campaign with a stalemate since their 2-2 with Catania in 2012, followed by two victories. It’s already the worst start in Rudi Garcia’s reign, as in his first year he won the opening 10 rounds and last term the first five.

Verona have drawn four of their last five Serie A openers, winning the other. Bosko Jankovic has put four of his 20 League goals past Roma, making them his favourite targets. This was Alessandro Florenzi’s third strike past Hellas. However, the Giallorossi hadn’t scored from outside the box since Francesco Totti in February, which was also against Verona.

The Giallorossi are unbeaten against Verona, home and away, since a 2-1 result on October 20 1996. They’ve put together 10 victories and four stalemates, plus scored in each of their last 19 meetings for a total 47 goals.

For the third year in a row, the Stadio Bentegodi hosted the first game of the season. It was Verona 2-1 Milan in 2013 and Chievo 0-1 Juventus in 2014, then Verona 1-1 Roma. August 22 is the joint-earliest start in Serie A history, as it also kicked off on this date in 2009.

Fiorentina have only lost one of their last nine Serie A debuts, 2-0 at Roma in 2014, along with five victories and three draws.

Rodrigo Ely was the most red-carded player in Serie B last season, getting sent off four times for Avellino. It is his sixth career dismissal in Italy out of 108 games played.

Fiorentina hadn’t started out with a Serie A debutant Coach since Fatih Terim 15 years ago. Josip Ilicic has found the net five times in his last five League games.

Paulo Sousa, Roberto Stellone and Fabrizio Castori all made their Serie A debuts as Coaches. Out of 20 teams, only three have foreign tacticians: Milan, Fiorentina and Roma.

Stevan Jovetic had also scored in his last Serie A game, Fiorentina’s 5-1 win away to Pescara on May 19 2013. Inter are unbeaten in an opening home fixture since Pescara surprised San Siro in 1987, followed by 11 wins and three draws.

Atalanta haven’t won their campaign opener since a 1-0 over Siena seven years ago, scraping two points from six attempts. They’ve lost 25 debuts in 55 seasons, more than any other club. Their only Week 1 away victory was 6-2 at Bologna in 1949.

Since 1990, only Chievo in 2001 managed a victory on their all-time Serie A debut. Siena and Reggina drew, while Parma, Ancona, Reggiana, Piacenza, Treviso, Sassuolo, Frosinone and Carpi lost.

The last campaign with two absolute beginners was 1993-94, when Reggiana and Piacenza stepped up.

The last time Sampdoria scored five goals on home turf was a 5-0 thrashing of Padova in 1994. They hadn’t got five in the first half since facing Bologna on October 24 2009. The Blucerchiati were without a domestic victory since beating Inter 1-0 on March 22, managing just three points from six games.

Curiously, the last time a Serie A fixture was 5-1 at half-time also involved Sampdoria. On June 10 1951, they eventually beat Bologna 7-2.

Eder has converted 21 out of 22 penalties in Italy. Luis Muriel had netted five times for the Blucerchiati before this, but none of them were at Marassi.

Andrea Lazzari will enter the history books for scoring Carpi’s maiden Serie A goal. Carpi are the second club to make their all-time debut away to Sampdoria after Messina on September 15 1963. The Sicilians lost 3-1.

Sassuolo ended their Napoli hoodoo after one point from four Serie A meetings, home and away. Antonio Floro Flores scored his 100th competitive goal (49 in Serie A, 37 in B, nine in the Coppa Italia, three in UEFA tournaments and two other).

Napoli hadn’t lost the season opener since a 2-1 at Palermo in 2009, winning the next five on the trot. Marek Hamsik is now the top scoring August player of the 21st Century, netting nine times this month, leaving behind David Trezeguet and Antonio Di Natale on eight.

Nicola Sansone has scored 18 top flight goals and 12 of them came in the second half.

Danilo Soddimo scored the first ever Frosinone Serie A goal and did so in his 200th game as a professional. The Ciociari had been unbeaten in their home stadium in all competition throughout 2015.

Torino are undefeated in Serie A Week 1 for a remarkable 20 years, picking up four wins and five draws since they fell 2-0 at Fiorentina in 1995.

Stefano Pioli finally won the season debut after three consecutive defeats. Bologna’s last Serie A fixture was also at the Olimpico, where they lost 1-0 in May 2014. Delio Rossi has been beaten in all eight of his visits to former club Lazio.

Bologna have not won any of their last six top flight debuts, earning two draws and four consecutive defeats since a 2-1 away to Milan on August 31 2008. The Rossoblu secured one victory in 15 visits to Lazio, a 3-1 in 2012 interrupting three stalemates and 11 losses.

Matteo Mancosu found the net in his 200th game as a professional. He scored on his Serie A and Serie B debuts. Ricardo Kishna also celebrated in his first games in Serie A and the Eredivisie.

Genoa scraped only two points away to Palermo in their last seven Serie A visits since a 3-2 victory in 2008. The Grifone have lost the season opener for three years running.

Empoli never shared the spoils in Week 1, losing eight out of 11 attempts. Chievo had only won away to Empoli once in Serie A, 1-0 in 2003, along with a draw and three defeats. Valter Birsa broke his goal drought from October 19 2013.

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

0 - 1

Cyril Théréau (78')

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

Juventus miss Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez
as Udinese claim shock Serie A victory

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2578991/juventus-lose-udinese-serie-a-tevez-vidal-pirlo?

 
Aug 24, 2015

Juventus lost 1-0 to Udinese on Sunday to taste defeat for the first time ever at home on the opening day of the season. The home record also went up in smoke -- after 46 home matches, the hosts were left empty-handed.

It happened when it was least expected, and Udinese executed the most basic facets to the Italian game: a tight and organised defence and a ruthless counterattack.

It is clear the champions have not woken up from their summer slumber, and in the absence of collective brilliance, no individual could save them either as Juve missed a host of departed icons.

Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez have all left the club, and you have to question why coach Massimiliano Allegri did not start Paulo Dybala. Kingsley Coman, who started in Dybala's place, is yet to understand how to overcome defenders and create chances for himself even if the desire is there.

Udinese, under the control of new coach Stefano Colantuono, were organised and defensively orientated and the only way to pierce through such determined defending was with a little courage and ingenuity. Dybala not starting baffled many, as did the decision to burden Simone Padoin with so much responsibility in the heart of midfield.

Padoin may be tactically intelligent but he does not boast the technique or the vision to play such an important role in what once was the engine room of a gloriously assembled Juve side.

It is a role that requires an inspirational player; a courageous individual who can dictate the pace of the game with authority. Padoin is unable to do any of the above. Instead, Juventus played a monotonous game with no creativity and even less pace.

The Bianconeri's game improved as soon as Dybala was introduced, not only because he inspired them going forward but he allowed them to play with more structure and fluidity. This is not a forward to start on the bench.

Allegri still has plenty of work to do. It's clear the squad will suffer with teething problems as they seek to rediscover their identity and how best to exploit the vast array of talent they have. It would help if the current leaders within the squad stepped up and offered their all to help Allegri translate his tactical vision.

Paul Pogba fell back into old and frustrating habits. For a man who requested the iconic No. 10 jersey, he is yet to demonstrate his understanding of the weight that particular shirt carries.

It's not enough to be a beautiful player and display wonderful technique -- many gifted individuals can and often do that. There is no room to boast, to show off or to impress, there is only room to win, and by any means possible.

The Frenchman will need to quickly realise the error of his ways and improve but Juventus do not have much time to get their act together. They face Roma this weekend and critics are on tenterhooks, awaiting failure.

This season, Allegri must not only find the right tactical balance that will best exploit the brilliance of those currently in the squad but play with the intensity and winning mentality .

He deserves the trust of the fans, who watched him guide the squad to so much glory last season. Considering the talent he can count on, it is surely only a matter of time before results start to improve.

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

0 - 1

Cyril Théréau (78')

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

Juventus defeat to Udinese
not a big deal - Massimiliano Allegri

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2579024/juventus-loss-to-udinese-not-a-big-deal-allegri?

 
Aug 24, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said he was not too concerned about his side's first defeat at home in Serie A since January 2013 on Sunday.

A 1-0 loss to Udinese at the Juventus Stadium was not the ideal start to a season in which the Bianconeri hope to win a fifth straight Scudetto.

However, Allegri is refusing to panic, insisting just a little more sharpness is needed from his Juve team.

"We did what we had to do for 70 minutes, only really failing to get a goal," Allegri is quoted as saying in giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Then we should have defended better on their goal. We had five men back there against two, and we were really badly organised.

"Then I felt we were too quick trying to react, and we've got to improve this. I don't need to analyse the result, but the performance. And like I've said, for more than an hour I saw a Juve side creating chances, pressing high up the field and not conceding anything. We deserved more.

"Let's remember, though, that we're only at the start of the season and a lot of our players are new here and need time to adapt. Like I said, we needed to take our chances better, both in the first half and after the break. [Kingsley] Coman did a good job, but he was just lacking in front of goal. But he's only 19."

The defeat to Udinese was Juve's first at home on the opening day of a new season, but Allegri was again quick to play down its significance.

"Physically we're in great shape, so it's nothing to do with that," he added. "I think we played well, we just need to have more belief in ourselves because we do have a lot of quality. Our squad is already good enough to challenge for the Scudetto."

The Juve squad, however, is still likely to be reinforced before next week's transfer deadline, with general manager Beppe Marotta announcing that Juan Cuadrado is arriving on Monday from Chelsea on a season-long loan. He should arrive in time to play in Sunday's Serie A fixture at Roma.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

0 - 1

Cyril Théréau (78')

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

Juventus' Loss Highlights Absence
of Leadership and Creativity

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2553786-juventus-loss-to-udinese-highlights-absence-of-leadership-and-creativity?

 
Aug 24, 2015

After a summer of change, transfers and lots of speculation, Italian football returned on Sunday as the Old Lady began the defence of her Serie A crown. Udinese were the visitors on the league’s opening day, pulling off a shock 1-0 victory over a team who they had failed to beat in each of their four previous visits to Juventus Stadium.

Indeed, since the Turin giants opened their new home, they had outscored the Friulian side by a margin of nine goals to two, underlining their dominance with a string of impressive victories. Yet, thanks to their diligent execution of coach Stefano Colantuono’s game plan, Udinese were able to leave with all three points this time around.

While the Zebrette deserve praise for their own resolute performance, it is difficult not to look at what has happened to Juventus over the past three months and wonder just where they stand today. It is easy to read too much into a single performance, but the game showed at least two key issues that the reigning champions must quickly address.

The first is the absence of leadership on the field as with Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal having moved on, a lack of identity in the opening few weeks of the season was perhaps inevitable. It is a matter which is likely to resolve itself as the extensive injury list eases and some key names return to full health, with Sami Khedira certainly falling into that category.

Like Pirlo, the German international is a vastly experienced World Cup winner who arrived on a free transfer, and he must look to fill the void left by the former Milan maestro’s decision to move on to a new adventure with New York City FC.

“It is my personal ambition to become a leader for this team,” Khedira told As (h/t Forza Italian Football) shortly after signing for the Bianconeri, and his presence will be an important one as the season progresses.

Joining him on the treatment table is Claudio Marchisio, with the club’s official website ruling him out for two more weeks with a torn thigh muscle. The 29-year-old signed a new contract with Juventus last month, and club president Andrea Agnelli told a press conference that the midfielder “is already a legend.”

Adding that Marchisio “is the point of contact between the Juventus of yesterday and the Juventus of tomorrow,” Agnelli also labelled the Turin native as one of the team's senators. That is undoubtedly true, and his impact on the side was missed on Sunday as the side slumped to defeat against Udinese.

Indeed, the loss of his attacking impetus was evident, with the likes of Simone Padoin simply unable to provide a similar spark to the midfield. He is a reliable hand, but he cannot drive the team forward in the way Marchisio can, and it is with that in mind that the club is expected to delve into the transfer market in the coming days.

“We needed more quality in the final ball and the finishing,” Massimiliano Allegri told Sky Sport Italia shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia), and Juan Cuadrado might provide that for the coach in the near future. Speaking before the game, director general Beppe Marotta told Sport Mediaset that the Colombian will arrive on loan as soon as Monday, per Guardian Sport.

With his pace and invention providing Juventus with elements that were clearly missing and the return of some much-needed leadership, there is no need for panic at Juventus, who will look to get back on track in next week’s clash with AS Roma.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

0 - 1

Cyril Théréau (78')

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

Chiellini Calm Despite
Shock Opening Day Defeat

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/juventus-defender-calm-despite-shock-opening-day-defeat/?

 
Aug 24, 2015

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini remains unflustered despite his team’s loss to Udinese in their opening Serie A fixture of the 2015-16 season.

The Bianconeri endured their first loss in 48 Serie A home matches despite dominating for the majority of the match. The Italian though is confident that the Scudetto holders can still retain their title, however they would need to work harder and be less negligent if they are to achieve that goal.

“We are even more united and compact, we know our qualities,” the Italian began.

“You need to have patience, but that does not mean we’re not here to win,” he added.

“When we have the full squad, it will be another matter.”

The 31-year-old has featured a total of 287 times for the Turin outfit.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

0 - 1

Cyril Théréau (78')

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

Three Talking Points As Injury Ravaged Juventus
Suffer Shock Opening Day Defeat To Udinese

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/three-talking-points-as-injury-ravaged-juventus-suffer-shock-opening-day-defeat-to-udinese/?

 
Aug 24, 2015

A depleted Juventus side got off to the worst possible start as they suffered a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Udinese at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. Udinese pulled off a perfect Italian job on the reigning Italian champions as their French striker Cyril Théréau scored in the 78th minute for the Zebrette with their first and only shot on target in the match.

The defeat shattered the Old Lady’s unbeaten streak of 46 matches at home and also saw them suffer their first ever opening day home defeat in Serie A.

As expected, Allegri deployed a 3-5-2 formation with Martin Caceres making way for Giorgio Chiellini who returned to fitness, to take up his place in the Juventus back three. The midfield five comprised of Padoin, Pogba and Perreyra, with Evra and Lichtsteiner occupying the wing back positions. 19 year old French striker Kingsley Coman started up front alongside new signing Mario Mandzukic.

Juventus started off brightly and threatened the Udinese goal in the opening exchanges with Mandzukic, coming close to scoring. Despite having 65% possession and dominating play in the middle of the park, Juventus were unable to penetrate a well-organized Udinese defence with centre-back Danilo and goalkeeper Karnezis catching the eye. Juventus made all 3 substitutions in the second half bringing in Paulo Dybala, Fernando Llorente and Mauricio Isla, but were still unable to score past Karnezis.
Then the inevitable happened. At the end of an Udinese counter attack, Théréau latched onto a perfectly weighted cross from Kone and shot past Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to send the travelling fans into delirium.

Here are the three things we learnt from the match.


Juventus Missed Pirlo’s artistry, Marchisio’s assurance and Vidal’s drive in midfield

The Juventus midfield was the driving force behind its successful double winning campaign last season. The injury to Claudio Marchisio and the departures of Vidal and Pogba have left the Juventus midfield hollow, with Pogba, Padoin and Perreyra unable to provide the necessary drive and artistry in midfield.

Juventus missed the assured presence of Claudio Marchisio in midfield as they struggled to penetrate the well-oiled Udinese defensive machine. Marchisio suffered a muscle injury in training, a week ago and will only return after the International break in September.

Simone Padoin, who started in the heart of midfield for Juventus, struggled to dictate the tempo of the play in front of him. Perreyra and Pogba were lively, but lacked coordination and failed to link up well with the front two.

Juventus need to fill the gap left by Vidal and Pirlo in midfield soon, if they are to replicate their performances from last season.


Mandzukic-Coman partnership upfront lacks creativity and balance

Despite dominating 65% of the possession, Juventus failed to pose any real danger to Karnezi’s goal as they mustered a mere 5 shots on target. A large part of the blame for the shocking defeat suffered by Juventus has to be shouldered by the strikers Mario Mandzukic and Kingsley Coman.

Mandzukic, in particular, was very rusty in front of goal and failed to bank on 2-3 good opportunities presented to him during the course of the match. 19 year old Coman had a reasonable game, but could not provide the necessary spark in attack.

Without the dynamic presence of Carlos Tevez (who left the club) and Alvaro Morata (injured) upfront, Juventus put up a rather lacklustre attack as both Mandzukic and Coman were unable to fruitfully link up with their midfield and failed to complement each other’s play.

Paulo Dybala, Juventus’ new €32m signing, came on in the second half and infused dynamism in the team’s play. With Simone Zaza on the bench and the impending return of Morata after his injury, Allegri will have the option to shake things up in attack. He will most certainly need to do so if Juventus are to retain their Serie A crown.


New-look Udinese have the necessary resilience to thrive in Serie A this season

Udinese put on a virtuoso defensive display to stun Italian champions Juventus in Turin on Sunday. Despite pressure in the final minutes of the match, their backline held firm and came away with all 3 points from the Juventus stadium.

The Udinese defence was ably supported by its midfield, tirelessly tracking back and providing cover to its full backs.

There were a lot of standout performers for the club including goalkeeper Karnezis, midfielders Bruno Fernandes & Ali Adnan and the match winner Cyril Thereau. Substitutes Duvan Zapata and Panagiatos Kone also impressed for the Zebrette, the latter delivering the pin point cross for Thereau’s winner.

The Udinese players displayed the necessary grit and resilience that is required to thrive in the Italian Serie A.

After finishing a disappointing 16th in the league last season, Udinese underwent a complete overhaul of their squad. Under new manager Stefano Colantuono, Udinese will be looking to significantly improve upon their dismal 16th place finish from last season and vie for a place in the Europa League.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Maicon fit for Roma-Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/71582/maicon-fit-roma-juve?

 
Aug 25, 2015

Douglas Maicon is back in training and ready for Roma’s big Serie A game against Juventus on Sunday.

The 34-year-old right-back was out of action for the last few weeks, but took part in this afternoon’s training session at Trigoria.

According to Sky Sport Italia, he should be passed fit to even start this weekend’s Serie A showdown.

Both Scudetto hopefuls got off to a rough start, as Roma were held 1-1 at Verona and Juventus lost 1-0 on home turf to Udinese.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Di Livio "Match versus Roma comes too soon for Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/71609/di-livio-‘juventus-perfect-cuadrado’?

 
Aug 26, 2015

The Old Lady’s season got off to a bad start on Sunday, as they went down 1-0 at home to Udinese, and Di Livio expects the new faces to take time to settle.

“Don’t forget, that in Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez, Juve have lost a lot of quality. The new arrivals need time to gel and get used to winning all the time, as the club’s history requires.

“You’re greeted with one ideal in Turin - ‘you’re here because we want to win’. You have to give 110 per cent, or you’ll be wearing another shirt next year.

“Is the trip to face Roma too soon for Juve? Yes, but the same is true for Roma. Unfortunately neither side is in top condition for a match like that, so it’s difficult to make predictions for Sunday.

“In the long run, Juventus and Roma are both competing for the Scudetto, they’re the best-equipped teams to do that.

“Roma have been great on the transfer market, but they’ll have to deal with Allegri’s team.

“Dzeko or Mandzukic? In Italy you find out who the real number 9s are. They’re similar players, though Mandzukic is a pure battering ram, ready to go shoulder to-shoulder with anyone, whereas Dzeko also knows how to play with his back to goal and send a teammate in on goal.

“Indispensible players? For Roma I’d say Nainggolan. For Juve I’d say Marchisio, whose absence is a blow, because he’s a midfielder who can take up Pirlo’s legacy.

“Don’t expect the same inch-perfect passes over 40 yards, but last season Marchisio played very well in the regista role.

“Without Marchisio, it will be up to Pogba to light things up, he’s an outstanding world-class talent, worthy of the number 10.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Gyomber: ‘Ready to face Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/71626/gyomber-‘ready-face-juventus’?

 
Aug 26, 2015

Norbert Gyomber says he’s ‘ready’ to face Juventus as he’s officially presented as a Roma player.

The Slovakian international has joined the Giallorossi from Catania, on loan with an option to buy, and says he’s prepared to face the champions.

“I think I’m ready,” Gyomber said in a Press conference.

“I’ve already played against Juventus twice, I know them well and I feel I can play.”

Gyomber also spoke about how the transfer came about, and doesn’t believe he’ll be sent out on loan.

“I was driving when I first heard there was a chance of coming to Roma. My agent called me, and I had to stop the car, because I was very nervous. Now I’m very happy.

“My agent just told me I’d be going to Roma, I haven’t heard anything about a loan.”

Catania have been demoted to Lega Pro as part of a match-fixing investigation, but the defender was not keen to discuss the case.

“I only ever thought about training and playing well. I don’t even want to talk about betting, because I don’t care.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Juventus Club Focus:
More Questions Than Answers

David Lee Wheatley believes unexpected defeat to Udinese highlighted
deficiencies that may scupper any chance of a fifth-straight Scudetto at Juventus.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/juventus-club-focus-more-questions-than-answers/?

 
Aug 26, 2015

Many feared the debilitating departures of star names Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez would irreparably weaken last season’s double winners.

It appeared those worries were entirely unfounded when normal service resumed on a wild and windy August night in Shanghai.

The Bianconeri overcame rivals Lazio 2-0 to seal a comfortable Supercoppa Italiana triumph, which suggested their domestic dominance was far from over.

However, they were hit by an Udinese sucker punch with 12 minutes left of their opening Serie A clash on Sunday evening to bring the Old Lady crashing back down to earth.

Mario Mandzukic and Kingsley Coman were preferred up front in place of Paulo Dybala – Juve’s second goalscorer in China – and Fernando Llorente.

Meanwhile, the versatile Simone Padoin took on a deep-lying midfield role, which had been so beautifully undertaken by old maestro Pirlo in the recent past.

Juventus racked up 21 shots compared with Udinese’s six, but could only aim five of those on target. Possession also heavily favoured the champions to the tune of 66 per cent, but they struggled to make a decisive breakthrough.

Alas, it was all to no avail, when Cyril Thereau latched on to a cross from the right-hand side to drive the ball low and hard beyond Gianluigi Buffon.

The single-goal loss was Juventus’ first at home since January 6, 2013, when 10-man Sampdoria won 2-1 in Turin.

Furthermore, they’d never lost a first league fixture of the season when played at home. A total of 40 previous opening day contests consisted of 33 victories and seven draws, while the Bianconeri had always managed to notch at least one goal during ‘Week One’ home ties.

That bitter reverse against an outfit who finished 16th in the standings last term conjured a whole host of prevailing doubts about Juve’s ability to remain at the very top throughout this undoubted period of transition.

Boss Massimiliano Allegri relied upon an aging back-line when facing up to Stefano Colantuono’s men, with only Leonardo Bonucci under the age of 30 out of those six defensive stalwarts – including goalkeeper – involved from the start.

Paul Pogba, judging by an unconvincing performance against the Zebrette, is apparently struggling to assume former mentor Pirlo’s mantle.

Thrusting creative responsibility upon Pogba’s shoulders, without an experienced comrade alongside him who can ably share that burden, may prove suffocating for the exciting Frenchman.

Lacking a world-class playmaker of Pirlo or Vidal’s ilk is a significant problem, while sporting director Giuseppe Marotta’s summer-long search to find a suitable successor for the bearded legend continues. One thing is certain – Padoin is not the solution in that position.

There is also the pressing issue of which strike partnership to entrust with the task of grabbing those all-important goals for Juventus into the foreseeable future.

It presents a complex conundrum, which can only be solved by affording a fair amount of game-time to a particular pairing. Constant rotation could lead to confusion, and ultimately, failure of their forward line to click.

Those abundant concerns leaves celebrated coach Massimiliano Allegri with plenty to ponder ahead of an already crucial meeting with title contenders Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The remaining days of the transfer window may provide some answers, but simple hard work on the training field with his current group is required in order to find a winning formula – regardless of any imminent new arrivals.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Baldissoni: ’Strootman? No comment…’

http://www.football-italia.net/71625/baldissoni-’strootman-no-comment…’

 
Aug 26, 2015

Roma’s director general Mauro Baldissoni refuses to rule out more surgery for Kevin Strootman but insists ‘it’s not an emergency’.

It was reported today that the Dutch midfielder will have a third surgery on a troubling knee injury, having played just six times in Serie A last season.

“Strootman’s injury doesn’t change our transfer strategy,” Baldissoni said at a Press conference to officially unveil Norbert Gyomber.

“We don’t consider it an emergency. Nothing has changed for us. If it takes more time or less time, we hope to have him back stronger than ever.

“A new surgery? We won’t comment on any Strootman news, as it’s a very sensitive issue. When we've found a solution we'll tell you."

The Giallorossi Ultras will enact a silent protest for the visit of Juventus on Sunday, in protest at new segregation and security measures in the Curva Sud.

“Safety initiatives are incurred and executed for us, and the same goes for Lazio. We’ve done everything possible to make things easier for the fans, giving them the opportunity to get a season ticket without a supporter’s card, and to get back to going to away games.

“[President James] Pallotta is planning a great stadium, a modern and innovative project which will take the needs of the fans into account.

“There will be a Curva Sud, which will keep the name, and a ‘Club Curva Sud’ for those who sit there.

“People who come to the stadium should cheer, it’s fundamental to the concept of being a fan that you cheer.

“Doing a silent protest is a contradiction of their role, especially in a crucial match against a team which has been our rival for the past few years.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Rizzoli to ref Roma-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/71666/rizzoli-ref-roma-juventus?

 
Aug 27, 2015

World Cup final referee Nicola Rizzoli will take charge of Sunday’s Serie A showdown between Roma and Juventus.

The top two from last season meet in only the second round of the league season, with the match set to kick off at 17:00 UK time at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lega Serie A have announced that the experienced Rizzoli will take charge of the encounter, which was resulted in some fiery clashes last term.

Referee Gianluca Rocchi came under fire for his performance in a 3-2 win for the Bianconeri last October, admitting after the game: ‘I didn’t have a great match.’

Rizzoli has refereed Serie A matches since 2001, as well as officiating the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina and the 2013 Champions League final.


Referees for Serie A Week 2

Atalanta-Frosinone: Domenico Celi

Bologna-Sassuolo: Carmine Russo

Carpi-Inter: Davide Massa

Chievo-Lazio: Marco Di Bello

Genoa-Verona: Daniele Orsato

Milan-Empoli: Piero Giacomelli

Napoli-Sampdoria: Andrea Gervasoni

Roma-Juventus: Nicola Rizzoli

Torino-Fiorentina: Paolo Tagliavento

Udinese-Palermo: Antonio Damato

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

Juventus To Face Manchester City, Borussia
Monchengladbach And Sevilla In Champions League

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/juventus-to-face-manchester-city-borussia-monchengladbach-and-sevilla-in-champions-league/?

 
Aug 27, 2015

Juventus will face Manchester City, Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach in Group D of the Champions League.

The draw therefore marks an immediate rerun for Fernando Llorente to face the Bianconeri after he completed his move to the Spanish side.

UEFA’s draw ceremony confirmed that the top seeded side from Serie A will face Manchester City, Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Sevilla qualified for the competitions as Europa League winners and they also won the 2013-14 edition of that competition at the J-Stadium.

City entered the competition after finishing as runners-up in the 2014-15 Premier League and the English side met the Old Lady in the 2010-11 Europa League with both group stage meetings ending 1-1.

Borussia Monchengladbach qualified after finishing third at the end of the 2014-15 Bundesliga season and the German side beat Juve 2-0 in the 1975-76 version of the tournament.

[Socrates 7964]

Juventus, Roma handed tough draws

http://www.football-italia.net/71680/juventus-roma-handed-tough-draws?

 
Aug 27, 2015

Juventus and Roma were both handed tough draws in the Champions League, with the Bianconeri facing Manchester City.

The competition will also see a quick return to Turin for Fernando Llorente, who completed a move to Sevilla today and will face his old club in Group D.

That meant the Old Lady were guaranteed to face a German side, with Borussia Monchengladbach completing Group D.

Roma were always going to face a tough draw, as they were in Pot Three, but face the most difficult possible first seed, in defending champions Barcelona.

Bayer Leverkusen eliminated the Giallorossi’s city rivals Lazio in the play-off round, and will return to Stadio Olimpico to face the Lupi.

BATE Borisov of Belarus are the final team to be drawn in Roma’s group.

Elsewhere, Zlatan Ibrahimovic will face his boyhood club as Paris Saint-Germain were drawn with Malmo, while Manchester United will face Wolfsburg and PSV Eindhoven.


Champions League Groups

Group A: Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Malmo

Group B: PSV, Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, Wolfsburg

Group C: Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, Astana

Group D: Juventus, Manchester City, Sevilla, Borussia Monchengladbach

Group E: Barcelona, Bayer Leverkusen, Roma, BATE Borisov

Group F: Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Olympiacos, Dinamo Zagreb

Group G: Chelsea, Porto, Dynamo Kiev, Maccabi Tel Aviv

Group H: Zenit St Petersburg, Valencia, Lyon, Gent

[Socrates 7964]

Champions League group stage draw results: Juventus gets
Manchester City, Sevilla and Borussia Mönchengladbach

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/8/27/9215815/champions-league-group-stage-draw-results-juventus-manchester-city-sevilla-borussia-monchengladbach

 
Aug 27, 2015

At least there won't be a trip to Scandinavia in the group stage, right?

Juventus' group stage opponents in the Champions League are now known. Out came Manchester City from Pot 2, Sevilla from Pot 3 and Borussia Mönchengladbach in Pot 4 as Europe's premier club competition looks to challenge every bit of your ability to type and spell things correctly.
 

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
Our @ChampionsLeague group opponents. We're ready. #FinoAllaFine #ForzaJuve

So we get a reunion with both Fernando Llorente and Ciro Immobile. After 'Nando completed his move back to Spain earlier in the day on Thursday, you kinda figured fate would bring Llorente back to Juventus Stadium sooner rather than later. Maybe not right off the bat in the start of the group stage, but funnier things have happened.

And while it will be yet another year Juventus faces a Spanish opponent in the group stage, it will be the first time in three years that Juve will head to England. Juve and Manchester City last played in the Europa League back in 2010. You know you remember the days of Gigi Delneri screaming "MEEEEELOSH!!!" 500 times a game, right? Well, that was the case ... along with Vincenzo Iaquinta scoring on enemy soil.

Ah, those were the days. Or maybe the days before the really good days that have been around for the better part of the last four years. Yeah, those pre-good times days.

This is unquestionably one of the toughest draws there is in this season's group stage. But don't tell that to director general Beppe Marotta, who commented on things after the draw went down.

"We are Juventus and mustn't fear anything or anyone. We'll take on everyone with the right mentality, aiming to come away with a result and honouring the shirt as best we can. There are no easy teams in this group and the fact it's evenly poised means the games will be tough for every side."

(Source: juventus.com)

The goal should be just as it always is — get out of the group stage and then try to get as far as possible. That seemed to work pretty well last season. Juventus didn't have the title of "Champions League finalist" during their charge to Berlin a year ago, but this group sure is different than that group. Maybe that's a good thing. If they make it out of one of the toughest groups there is, we'll know they're starting to live up to their potential. Along with starting to write their own story as a reigning Champions League finalist.

[Socrates 7964]

City-Juventus group opener

http://www.football-italia.net/71686/city-juventus-group-opener?

 
Aug 27, 2015

Juventus’ first Champions League match of the season will be a trip to face Manchester City.

The Bianconeri were drawn alongside the English club in Group D earlier today, and UEFA has now announced the fixtures.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men will travel to Manchester on September 15 for Matchday 1, with the home leg on November 25.

The middle of the group will see a double-header with Borussia Monchengladbach, while the final game of the group will be a trip to Sevilla on December 8.


Juventus Champions League fixtures

Manchester City v Juventus - September 15

Juventus v Sevilla - September 30

Juventus v Borussia Monchengladbach - October 21

Borussia Monchengladbach v Juventus, November 3

Juventus v Manchester City - November 25

Sevilla v Juventus - December 8

[Socrates 7964]

Juventus will need to draw
on experience in difficult Group D

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2584437/juventus-champions-league-experience-will-help-in-group?

 
Aug 27, 2015

A certain few highlighted how lady luck smiled upon Juve last season, paving their way to the final by throwing easy challenges their way. After all, Borussia Dortmund were in the midst of their worst season under Jurgen Klopp, Monaco had sold off many of their stars and were far inferior in technical terms while Real Madrid, some opined, were an easier prospect that Bayern Munich or Barcelona.

To win, one always needs a little luck, but the Old Lady earned everything she achieved last season, including a final showdown against Barcelona. After years of near misses and poor finishing, the Bianconeri have grown into being a formidable European team that believes in success and has matured both mentally and physically.

However, if lady luck was on their side last season, she has certainly abandoned them now forcing Juve to contest three difficult opponents in what can only be described as the Champions League group of death, otherwise known as Group D.

Being top seeds, Juventus had hoped for an easier challenge, but in football, things are rarely simple and four excellent teams from UEFA's top four leagues will battle it out for qualification. Difficult? Yes. Entertaining? Most definitely. These aren't merely four well-balanced squads but teams led by wonderful tacticians who boast several weapons up their sleeve.

Perhaps the most dangerous will be Manchester City, the side topping the Premier League at the moment and one that is due a successful journey in Europe. The opening game will see the Bianconeri travel to Manchester to take on the most in-form side in Europe. With Manuel Pellegrini shown faith and offered a better constructed and a better balanced side that boasts defensive talent and attacking brilliance, Juventus are bound to struggle.

Having lost their first match of the season against Udinese, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri will need time to find the right balance to allow the team to play with the breathtaking fluidity they displayed last season. Arguably the biggest test within that group will be that first game away from home against City, made tougher by the prospect of playing it without the presence of key midfielder Sami Khedira while Claudio Marchisio would have just returned from injury.

Thankfully for Juve, Stefano Sturaro can be relied upon for grit while one only hopes Paul Pogba will seize the opportunity to demonstrate growth and maturity, leading his team to greatness in these tough matches.

After the City match, Juve will face last year's Europa League winners, Sevilla. A team led by one of the most coveted coaches, at least in Italy, Unai Emery will ensure his side truly challenge the Turin giants. The Spanish team lost a lot of quality when they sold Carlos Bacca to Milan and Aleix Vidal to Barcelona, but they have gained two strikers who once donned the Juve colours, Ciro Immobile and Fernando Llorente, and the former is always desperate to make an impression against the side that developed him.

Whether or not those men have the mentalities to prove their doubters wrong and cause trouble is one thing, but Allegri should be wary of Emery and his extraordinary ability of bringing out the best in the squad he has. After all, the sale of Ivan Rakitic hardly stopped them from obtaining more trophies last season.

Perhaps the "easiest" opponent Juve will face is Borussia Monchengladbach, the German side coached by arguably one of the best tacticians in the country. Lucien Favre is one of the few coaches in the Bundesliga who truly understands tactical football and the various strategies one can deploy to both nullify the opponent and exploit the strengths of his own squad. A man capable of adapting and altering his strategies, Favre understands the power of versatility, and unlike other sides, he refuses to simply depend on tenacity and power. While his side benefitted from terrific counterattacking displays and the use of measured pressing last season, his squad boast outstanding patterns of play and wonderful fluidity and are capable of destroying any opponent.

Cohesive and compact, one should not underestimate this German side, especially when led by Favre who continues to impress, regardless of the number of obstacles he has faced.

While Juventus have enough to qualify to the next stage, it remains to be seen whether their newcomers have the mentality required to play at this level. Juan Cuadrado has a point to prove since he has seemingly failed to impress Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, while Paulo Dybala and Simone Zaza will need to quickly adapt to the demands of Europe.

Allegri has proved himself at this level and can always be relied upon to produce the goods. It will take time for him to translate his ideals to this new side and teething problems are bound to occur, so fans cannot expect a swift start. But once it clicks, Juventus will be a difficult opponent to face despite the departures of world class talent. Mentality is key and after last season, few will doubt the ability of Italy's best side.

[Socrates 7964]

UEFA Champions League draw group stage:
Looking at Juventus' next three European opponents

Juventus was drawn in the "group of death" with Manchester City, Sevilla
and Borussia Monchengladbach. What does that entail for the Serie A champions?

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/8/28/9219075/champions-league-group-stage-analysis-juventus-sevilla-manchester-city-borussia-monchengladbach

 
Aug 28, 2015

Ladies and gentlemen, what a tricky draw for Juventus. The actual Champions League runners-up are in Group D with Manchester City, who is the current Premier League leader, Sevilla and Borussia Monchengladbach.

As we all know by now, this group is considered by a lot of analysts to be the group of death (play hitchcockian music). So, my fellow juventini, get your popcorn ready because this is going to be intense. The cards have been dealt, for better or worse. Nevertheless, let´s dissect our group rivals.


Manchester City

These guys really have bad luck; they are always in the group of death. Sheikh Mansour loves to spend money on his team and has placed a constellation of stars at disposal of manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The Citizens are red hot right now. They just equaled a 103-year-old record of nine successive wins in the Premier League. Of course, the transfer window never closes for this squad until the last second. They're really close to signing German playmaker Kevin De Bruyne for a record-breaking transfer fee.

Pellegrini likes to have the ball and his side is loaded with speed demons like Sergio Aguero, Jesus Navas and Raheem Sterling. Max Allegri knows this — I hope — and he needs to find the antidote for this aggressive Sky Blues squad. My forecast is that Juventus will close spaces, similar to the match they played in the semifinals against Real Madrid last season. So, again, San Gigi and the Bianconeri BBC must be stellar.

The first game of the Champions League group stage will be held at the Ethiad Stadium on Sept. 15. The Citizens will pay the visit to Turin on Nov. 5. If Juventus steal at least a point in Manchester and can win at Juventus Stadium, they'lll be on business.


Sevilla

What a Shakespearean turn of events. Damn, I don´t have words to describe the feeling of analyzing Fernando Llorente as a rival. The Lion King will return to Turin real fast and I can't wait to hear the ovation of the crowd that he will get. Sevilla just hopes that he´s going to be Carlos Bacca's successor, and if Fernando proves his worth, we´re in trouble because Sevilla lacks firepower right now.

That said, I really hate this tie. Don´t get me wrong, I believe Juventus are the superior team. However, manager Unai Emery knows how to play these kinds of tournaments. Sevilla never gives up — just ask Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup — the team is as flexible as it gets and the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan is a fortress.

The key for this match is Juventus' talent. When you're a better team, you must match your rival´s intensity and let your skills be the tiebreaker. This is going to be a real test for the young bianconeri. Juve don´t have Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo anymore, so Álvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba are all calling to step up.

Juventus will host Sevilla on Sept. 30 and they'll visit the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in the group stage's last game on Dec.8. Let's hope Juventus is qualified by then.


Borussia Monchengladbach

"Die Fohlen" are in theory the weakest team of the group, nevertheless you know what the experts say about Germans. Right now, Monchengladbach are the antithesis of Manchester City — they lost midfielder Christoph Kramer, who returned to Bayern Leverkusen, and have also started the Bundesliga really slow with two losses against Borussia Dortmund and Mainz.

Borussia Monchengladbach's virtue is their defense. Last season they conceded just 26 goals and know how to create havoc with the youngsters Ibrahima Traore and Patrick Herrmann.

These matches are made for Mario Mandzukic. He knows how to score in Germany and against a solid defense, Juventus will need help from their Croatian enforcer up front.


Fearless Forecast...

Sept. 15: Manchester City 2. Juventus 1

Sept. 30: Juventus 1, Sevilla 0

Oct. 21 : Juventus 2, Borussia Monchengladbach 0

Nov. 3: Juventus 2, Borussia Monchengladbach 1

Nov. 25: Juventus 2, Manchester City 1

Dec. 8: Juventus 0, Sevilla 0

[Socrates 7964]

Juventus' Champions League Luck
Runs out After Group of Death Draw

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2556371-juventus-champions-league-luck-runs-out-after-group-of-death-draw?

 
Aug 28, 2015

Everyone's luck has to end sometime. On Thursday, Juventus' charmed Champions League life finally ran its course.

Starting from December 15 of last year, the Bianconeri were on a terrific run of fortune. Of the seven teams they could potentially have played in the round of 16 in the Champions League knockout phase, current form said three of them offered good chances of progressing and four were likely certain death.

They got one of the three: a struggling Borussia Dortmund team that they squeaked past 2-1 in the first leg before wiping them out with a 3-0 away victory in the return. When the quarterfinal draw came up later that week, Juve got the best possible matchup: a Monaco side that had only scored seven goals in its eight games—three of which had come in one match.

The two best defenses in the tournament threw up stone walls, and a questionable first-leg penalty call was the only difference in the 1-0 aggregate.

Going into a draw with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the semis, memes like these posted on the Daily Mirror's web site flew around the Internet. But Lady Luck was kind again—Juve got the easiest of the three giants: a Real side that was without key cog Luka Modric and slipping in form.

Three weeks and some heroics from the likes of Alvaro Morata and Stefano Sturaro later, Juve were in the final on the back of a 3-2 aggregate win.

Juve's play during the knockout stages was generally fantastic, of that there is no doubt. But in the Champions League, luck in the draw is just as important as playing well on the field. Juve's was abnormally good last year, and that couldn't possibly have lasted forever. In Thursday's group stage draw, their coach finally turned into a pumpkin.

This year's rule change—which put the title holders and the champions from the top seven European leagues into Pot 1, or the top eight if the winner of the title also won their league—was going make this draw different for Juve. Under last year's system they would have been solidly in the middle of Pot 2 rather than in Pot 1, which would have made facing the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea or Bayern Munich a distinct possibility.

Not that the matchups they were looking at from Pot 2 would have been gimmes.

Staring them in the face were six teams with higher UEFA coefficients including both Madrid teams, Manchester United, Arsenal, Valencia and Porto. Manchester City was lower in the coefficient rankings, but they had won the English Premier League two of the last four seasons and had leaped out of the gate this season like someone had poked them with a cattle prod.

The Pot 2 matchup was always going to be rough. Getting Manchester City is probably better than Real Madrid or Atletico, but the more desirable options would have been offensively challenged Arsenal, a Man U team that is still pulling itself together under Louis van Gaal or a Porto club that had just been raided of top talent like Jackson Martinez and Alex Sandro.

Having problems with a second-seeded team won't necessarily be a shock. For Juve, it was the third and fourth pots that housed the biggest potholes, the teams that could stun them if given the chance.

Now they may need a trip to the body shop.

Of the seven teams they could have been matched with in Pot 3—competition rules prohibit two teams from one league in one group, so Roma could not have been drawn with them—Sevilla was the nightmare scenario. The Andalusian outfit has won the Europa League two years running. That's a massive amount of experience going deep into European competition.

Even without Carlos Bacca, who moved to AC Milan this summer, Sevilla will have firepower to spare with Kevin Gameiro leading the line and a pair of former Juventini—Ciro Immobile and the recently arrived Fernando Llorente, as confirmed Thursday by Juventus (h/t Football Italia)—taking places up top while Argentina international Ever Banega gives them service. Jose Antonio Reyes and Michael Krohn-Dehli provide added backbone in midfield.

The Rojiblancos also boast one of the hottest coaches in Europe in Unai Emery, who can coach circles around anyone when he's on his best day. The tactical matchup between him and Massimiliano Allegri will surely be fascinating.

None of the other six teams in that pot pose the same kind of threat to Juve.

Shakhtar Donetsk lost top goalscorer Luiz Adriano and midfielder Douglas Costa this summer and are about to embark on a second season of nomadic existence after their imposing home, the Donbass Arena, was engulfed by the armed conflict in Ukraine.

Olympiakos and Galatasaray have claimed scalps against Juve in the last two editions of this competition, but both loses were as much self-inflicted by Juve as they were earned by the opposition. They are easily superior to them, as well as Dynamo Kiev, Lyon and CSKA Moscow.

Pot 4 was the cruelest blow. Traditionally inhabited by minnows, there were a pair of sharks to watch out for.

Both from Germany, Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach were in Pot 4 due to prolonged absences from European competition and represented dangerous land mines. While Juve managed to avoid the particularly dangerous Wolfsburg, they weren't able to miss the Foals, who finished a convincing third in the Bundesliga and made the knockout rounds of the Europa only to fall to Sevilla.

While it is not nearly the worst-case scenario of this draw, it's definitely the toughest route any of the top seeds have to face. On paper Juve are better than Sevilla and Gladbach. They are at the very least the equal of City. But there are other factors to consider.

What makes this draw so difficult is not only the quality of the opposition—which is very high—but also the state of the Bianconeri themselves. Juve lost a trio of major contributors this summer in Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal. All three played a huge role in their run to last year's final.

Tevez scored seven times; those goals included the clincher in a must-win group game against Malmo, three against Borussia Dortmund and the penalty that proved the difference in the 2-1 first-leg win over Real Madrid and probably was decisive in the tie as a whole. Pirlo dropped in a textbook free kick in a crunch home win over Olympiakos in the group stage, and Vidal's penalty was the only goal either team scored in the quarterfinal.

They reloaded with the likes of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira and Sandro. But while the team isn't necessarily worse, they're certainly different, and they're going to need time to produce the same kind of cohesion of last year's squad, which developed virtually unchanged in the three years prior under Antonio Conte.

Apart from the new arrivals, injured striker Alvaro Morata has yet to play a competitive game, and star midfielder Claudio Marchisio is nursing a minor knock of his own. The hodgepodge of newbies, youngsters and reserves that participated in Sunday's shocking opening loss to Udinese clearly didn't have the chemistry of the teams that have lorded over Serie A with an iron fist over the last four seasons.

An easier draw would have been a boon to this team. Juve's presumed first unit has the talent to become a juggernaut, but they need time to learn to play as one. The competition opens three weeks from now, and one of those weeks will be taken up by the international break, further limiting the time this team has to gel.

No one is saying that Juve will be crashing out to the Europa League the way they did two years ago. On paper they are still very much favorites to go through. Fans can also take solace in the fact that the defensive unit—the best in Europe over the last four seasons and arguably the most important aspect of the team—remains unchanged, perhaps even augmented by the arrival of Sandro and of wunderkind Daniele Rugani.

But this draw is going to force Juve to grow up in a hurry.

They start the group with a trip to the Etihad, and their home games are front-loaded. They end on December 8 with a trip to Seville that could be the difference between advancement or elimination. Any hope that the qualifying process would be easier on the nerves than the last three have been can be considered dashed.

Juventus made the final last year because they played fantastic football, but luck was a big factor as well. That luck has finally run out and put Juventus into the Group of Death. Now it's time for them to truly prove that they have what it takes to claim a full-time seat at Europe's big table.

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Roma V Juventus – Preview: Giallorossi Take
On Bianconeri In Huge Serie A Clash

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/roma-v-juventus-preview-giallorossi-take-on-bianconeri-in-huge-serie-a-clash/?

 
Aug 28, 2015

Roma face Serie A champions Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday in what amounts to a stern test of their title credentials.

The Bianconeri hold the upper hand during their last 47 meetings across all competitions, with 21 victories to Roma’s 11.

Juve have dominated on their 10 most recent league trips south to challenge the Giallorossi in their own backyard, winning six times and losing just once throughout a period stretching back to March 2005.

Last season’s corresponding fixture saw the Lupi bounce back to claim only their sixth point against the Bianconeri in a decade, thanks to Seydou Keita’s equaliser after a Carlos Tevez opener.

Hosts Roma began the new Serie A campaign with a 1-1 draw at Hellas Verona last weekend, while Juventus were caught cold by Udinese in a sensational 1-0 defeat.

It also represented a first home defeat for the Bianconeri since January 2013, when 10-man Sampdoria shocked the perennial Scudetto holders.

Giallorossi coach Rudi Garcia hopes to have experienced defender Maicon back in the fold after his recovery from a knee injury which plagued him last term.

Recent addition Lucas Digne is pencilled in for his debut at left-back, following the completion of his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Fellow new boy Antonio Rudiger is expected to be out for ten days, while Kevin Strootman’s injury nightmare continues, amid speculation that the Dutchman will be forced to undergo a third operation on his left knee in the space of 18 months.

Massimiliano Allegri has a selection headache to contend with up front, where he must decide whether to risk Juve star Alvaro Morata on his return from a calf problem.

Midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira are both missing due to thigh injuries, plus long-term absentee Kwadwo Asamoah. Fresh arrival Alex Sandro from Porto appears likely to begin life with the Turin giants on the bench.

It’ll be interesting to see if Allegri sticks with the 3-5-2 formation he utilised when taking on unfancied conquerors Udinese, though the smart money suggests that he will persevere along those lines for now.

Ahead of this huge clash, Roma boss Garcia will be only too aware of the significant damage his side could inflict upon the visiting champions’ confidence levels by grabbing all three points from the eagerly-awaited contest.

Juventus can ill-afford to be four points down on their rivals, even at this early stage of proceedings.

Form Guide: Roma (D) Juventus (W-L)


Expected Starting XIs

Roma: Szczesny; Maicon, Manolas, Castan, Digne; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Salah, Dzeko, Iago Falque.

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Padoin, Pogba, Evra; Morata, Dybala.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Digne: ‘Ready to face Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/71728/digne-%E2%80%98ready-face-juventus%E2%80%99?

 
Aug 28, 2015

New Roma signing Lucas Digne says he’s ready to make his debut against Juventus on Sunday.

The left-back has joined the Giallorossi from Paris Saint-Germain on loan with an option to buy, and insists he’s prepared for what could an early Scudetto showdown.

“It’s a huge game, it’s very important for the squad and the club,” Digne told journalists at his presentation Press conference.

“It’s up to the Coach [Rudi Garcia] to choose, but I’m ready. Footballers want to play in big games. Like I said, I’m ready, and it’s up to the Coach to choose.

“Juventus? They’re a very good team. I had the chance to see the matches last year, and Roma were able to make it very difficult, so we hope to do the same again on Sunday.”

Digne worked with Garcia when they were both at Lille, and the 22-year-old admits his old mentor didn’t have to say much to convince him to come to Serie A.

“He didn’t have to say much, this is a great club. Everyone in Europe knows Roma, and they’re in the Champions League too.

“I’m very happy to be here.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Preview: Roma vs. Juventus

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/roma/preview/preview-roma-vs-juventus_242407.html?

 
Aug 28, 2015

The first heavyweight clash of the Serie A season will take place this weekend, as Italian champions Juventus visit Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Bianconeri suffered a shock defeat in their opening league match against Udinese, while Rudi Garcia's side came from behind to earn a draw at Hellas Verona.


Roma AS

Roma are seen by many as the biggest threat to Juventus's dominance over Italian football, but they cracked under the pressure last season and saw their hopes of winning the title fade before the end of January.

They managed to put together a strong run of four wins from six games in the final month of the campaign to seal a place in the Champions League, but there was still an air of disappointment around the Stadio Olimpico.

Rudi Garcia will be hoping that his team can get closer to Juventus this campaign, after finishing 17 points behind the Old Lady for the past two seasons, and he has made a number of new additions to his playing squad, with the likes of Edin Dzeko, Mohamed Salah and Iago Falque brought in to bolster their attack.

In the past 10 days the Giallorossi have also made a number of defensive signings, as Antonio Rudiger, Norbert Gyomber and Lucas Digne have all joined.

However, despite the changes made by the club, they started their season with a 1-1 draw at Verona. Bosko Jankovic had given the Gialloblu the lead, but five minutes later Alessandro Florenzi fired in to earn his side a point.

They created numerous chances to score a second late on, but despite having 20 efforts on goal, they could not force a late winner. It was a familiar result for supporters of the club, as their team drew 13 games in the league last season, which was the highest of any club in the top six.

Many of Roma's problems last term also came at home, as they went on a frustrating spell between December and March without winning any of their league games at the Stadio Olimpico.

Recent form: D


Juventus

Having romped to the Serie A title for the past four seasons, the major favourite to win the league this campaign is once again Juventus.

The Bianconeri brushed aside all of their rivals with ease last season on the way to a domestic double, and they also enjoyed a run to the Champions League final, which culminated in a defeat to Barcelona.

Despite losing key personnel over the summer, including Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez, the general consensus is that the Scudetto is theirs to lose, and they opened their campaign last weekend with a clash against Udinese.

Things do not go according to plan, though, as a late strike from Cyril Thereau condemned them to a shock 1-0 defeat in Turin.

Massimiliano Allegri's side had gone the past two seasons without suffering a home league defeat, in a run that stretched to 47 games.

The result has left many of their rivals sensing that the title race could be a much more open affair this season, but Allegri has refused to panic and has said that he expects his team to bounce back quickly.

Recent form: L


Team News

Roma will have Maicon available for this weekend's match after the Brazilian's return to training.

Florenzi, who has been covering at right-back, is expected to play in a more advanced role in support of Dzeko and Salah.

The club have also signed Digne from Paris Saint-Germain, but Vasilis Torosidis could keep his place at left-back.

Meanwhile, Juventus will welcome Alvaro Morata back to their starting lineup, after the striker missed last week's game against Udinese.

Alex Sandro is in contention to make his debut following his recent move from Porto, but Claudio Marchisio is still ruled out with a thigh injury.


Roma possible starting lineup:
Szczesny, Maicon, Manolas, Castan, Torosidis, Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan, Salah, Florenzi, Dzeko

Juventus possible starting lineup:
Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Pogba, Pereyra, Evra, Morata, Mandzukic


Head To Head

These teams last met in March when a late header from Seydou Keita cancelled out a Tevez free kick to earn Roma a 1-1 draw.

There was also plenty of excitement in the reverse fixture, as Leonardo Bonucci crashed in a late volley to give Juventus a 3-2 win under controversial circumstances in Turin.

Overall, it is Juventus who possess the better record between the teams, as they have lost just four of the past 21 meetings against their opponents.


We say: Roma 1-1 Juventus

There has been a wealth of drama in recent meetings between these teams and it is expected to be another heated affair in Rome. Juventus will be under added pressure to get off the mark following their defeat last weekend, but Roma are also expected to perform this season and provide a genuine title threat. Although the Bianconeri have had a lot of joy at the Stadio Olimpico, we think that the match will end all square, with both teams claiming a point.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Roma Winger Believes Juventus Game Is Special

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/08/roma-winger-believes-juventus-game-is-special/?

 
Aug 28, 2015

Roma winger Iago Falque admits this weekend’s match against Juventus is special.

The Giallorossi drew their opening game of the season 1-1 away to Hellas Verona last weekend and face Juventus this Sunday night in the biggest fixture of the season so far.

“Every game is important, but this is a bit more special for the fans,” Falque told Mediaset Premium.

“It is a match between the two best teams in Italy so it should be entertaining.”

The 25-year-old then talked about Roma’s season in general, saying there was no need to worry about the team’s form after just one game because there are still lots more matches to be played.

“There are always some difficulties in the first game of the season.”

“The season is still very long, it does not end with Sunday’s game and there is still plenty of time to recover and push on.”

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

ROMA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Dzeko: 'My first Juve game'

http://www.football-italia.net/71739/dzeko-my-first-juve-game?

 
Aug 28, 2015

Edin Dzeko is fired up for his first ever match against Juventus and called Roma teammate Francesco Totti “a legend.”

The Giallorossi host the Bianconeri in Serie A on Sunday at 18.00 CET.

“It is curious, as in my career I have played against almost every big club in Europe and the world, but never against Juventus,” the Bosnian told Sky Sport Italia.

“They are a great team and you just need to look at the numbers. They’ve won the last four Scudetti in a row and that says it all.

“Now finally I can face them and I hope to do well. I respect Juve a great deal, but we must give our all to get a good result.”

Both giants struggled in the opening weekend, as Juventus lost at home to Udinese and Roma were held 1-1 at Verona.

“Clearly they lost the first game and therefore want to do better, while we are playing in front of our home fans and therefore want all three points.”

Dzeko partnered Mohamed Salah and Gervinho in the opening game, but can he co-exist with Totti?

“Of course I can, he is a legend and a fantastic player. Everyone can play with him, but it depends on Coach Rudi Garcia to decide.

“Lucas Digne is a player who certainly improves the squad and we hope he can get to know his teammates as soon as possible. There are big games coming up and Digne is one of those who can give us a big hand in future.”

 

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