Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8974]

There and Back Again: Defense has propelled
Juventus back to first place in Serie A

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/16/11011752/juventus-2016-serie-a-defense-buffon-barzagli-bonucci

Feb 16, 2016

First place. It’s taken me two days to fully comprehend what exactly this Juventus team has accomplished in the span of four months. I am literally typing flabbergasted by the fact that this team has strung together 15 wins on the trot while climbing 12 (12!) spots in the standings. Ask the majority of Juventus fans back in October if they would be happy with Champions League qualification and I can safely assume 80 percent of us would have signed on the dotted line.

However, we should’ve known our Old Lady always has a few tricks and surprises up her sleeves and that this season was far from over.

Let’s get one thing straight, this season is not finished. There is no trophy for best comeback of the season and team spirit. What matters is that Juventus finishes the 38th game of this Serie A season with more points than all of the other 19 teams. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take a few minutes to sit back and acknowledge just exactly what this team has done. September seems like so long ago, doesn’t it? It was not long ago it looked as if our empire was crumbling at the bits, but our champions never quit, and that is exactly what our players are — Champions.

That is the only way to describe the composure, calmness, and serenity with which our boys handled the disastrous start to the season. Make no mistake, any other team would have collapsed at the first sign of distress, but fino alla fine is not just a catchy merchandising phrase, it is a way of life. A motto passed down to our Bianconeri from every single Agnelli generation and that’s what makes this epic resurgence all the more sweeter. The fact no matter how low we plummeted in the standings Gigi Buffon & Co. knew it would be alright, and even if we as fans woke up in cold sweats thinking about the standings, our team was working tirelessly while never pressing the panic button.

There is one particular facet of this comeback that I would like to heap praise on and that is our superb defenders. It was not long ago that the efficacy of our defence was being questioned by those around the team but they have rebounded and look like the elite defensive presence that stood in front of Buffon in 2015.

Maurizio Romeo @Mau_Romeo
Nel 2016 la @juventusfc ha giocato 10 partite (8 A e 2 CI): 14 tiri subiti nello specchio e 1 solo gol, quello di Cassano in #SampJuve

Quick translation of that tweet says "Juventus has played 10 games in 2016 (8 Serie A and 2 Coppa Italia) allowing 14 shots on goal and conceded only one goal by Cassano against Sampdoria." That is an absolutely incredible feat. It is a winning recipe for success when you can keep opponents to 1.4 shots a game and unless they take advantage of that one chance on Gigi, chances are Juve is going to score and win.

Just take a look at the Napoli game. Remember Gonzalo Higuain's shot attempts? Me neither.

Your eyes do not deceive you, Serie A's leading goal scorer and one of the most in-form strikers in Europe was held to ZERO shots on target throughout the entire 90 minutes. Andrea Barzagli man-marked Higuain like a hawk and it paid dividends to Juventus' game plan. And just when it looked as if Higuain had snuck by Barzagli for his one chance on goal, Leondaro Bonucci proved why he is one of the best in Europe.

It isn't just the men in the middle who form the defensive bone of this team, Max Allegri has his team playing a team defence that would make the Juve of Scirea and Gentile jealous. Take a look at the compactness of the entire defensive unit just before Simone Zaza breaks the deadlock with his rocket outside the 18:

Willy Signori @willy_signori
Per capire com'è stata la fase difensiva della @juventusfc:
Questo è il primo (e unico) tiro di Higuain, minuto 81 pic.twitter.com/2YTHZGsne1

Willy Signori @willy_signori
Lo schieramento della @juventusfc 30 secondi prima del gol:
Spazi strettissimi, umiltà e concentrazione al massimo.

Total defensive cohesiveness in that video — 11 men behind the ball shifting side to side making sure there are no open spaces available for Napoli to penetrate our 18. The result is a giveaway and the rest is history, 1-0 Juve and the greatest comeback in the three point era was finally complete.

There is no particular player who deserves the accolades in Juve's revitalized defence since that gloomy Wednesday night defeat to Sassuolo way back in October, but this team has given us a reason to believe again and with the biggest clash of the season coming up, we have every right to dream and to dream big.

This staunch defence was left for dead only a few short months ago but if this is what we will be witness to against Bayern Munich, maybe our dreams just aren't big enough.

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

Leonardo: Juventus And Roma Can Be
Dangerous In The Champions League

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/leonardo-juventus-and-roma-can-be-dangerous-in-the-champions-league/?

Feb 17, 2016
 
Former AC Milan player and coach Leonardo believes that both Juventus and Roma can be dangerous to their upcoming opponents in the Champions League.

The two Serie A giants have some potentially tough times ahead of them in the round of 16, with the Giallorossi set to face Real Madrid on February 17 and the Bianconeri scheduled to battle Bayern Munich on February 23, though Leonardo is confident that that the two sides can advance in the competition.

Leonardo spoke to Tuttosport about his predictions for Juventus and Roma in the Champions League and admitted that he could see the Old Lady reaching the final again.

“Juventus have everything necessary to reach the final again and I see them facing Barcelona in a rematch at the end,” said the current Paris Saint-Germain sporting director.

“Real Madrid must be careful, as Luciano Spalletti has revitalised Roma.”

[Socrates 8974]

Juventus duo Alex Sandro and
Juan Cuadrado could miss Bayern clash

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2809458/juventus-alex-sandro-and-juan-cuadrado-may-miss-bayern-clash

Feb 17, 2016

Juventus could be without both Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado for their Champions League round-of-16 first leg game at home to Bayern Munich next week.

Defender Sandro picked up a thigh injury in training on Tuesday, with tests on Wednesday set to determine how long he will need to rest.

Winger Cuadrado is also set for further tests on the ankle injury he suffered during Juve's win over Napoli last weekend.

Turin newspaper La Stampa reported that both will miss Friday's game at Bologna and could sit out the Bayern match in an injury-ravaged season for Juventus.

In the absence of Sandro, Patrice Evra is likely to keep his place in the starting XI and may have to deal with former Juve forward Kingsley Coman in the Champions League.

The Frenchman moved to Bayern in the summer -- initially on a season-long loan but with an option for a permanent switch -- and Juve forward Alvaro Morata told Sport Bild: "Coman is one of the players with the most potential I have ever seen.

"When he was at Juve, he was forced to play in the centre of the midfield and he didn't have much in the way of tactical freedom.

"He had to play with his back to goal, which is not really what he does best -- and that is to run at his opponents at pace, like he is doing now."

Arturo Vidal is also set to line up for Bayern against the side he left in the summer, while Morata could also face Xabi Alonso, his teammate and mentor during their time at Real Madrid.

"He was one of the few people who really cared for me [in Madrid]," Morata said. "He would always keep an eye on the younger players in the first team."

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Bologna v Juventus: Marchisio warns
against Bayern Munich distractions

The Serie A leaders are looking to cement their place at the top of the league
ahead of next week's Champions League clash against the Bundesliga giants.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/bologna-vs-juventus/2120630/preview

Feb 17, 2016
 
Claudio Marchisio has warned Juventus not to become distracted by their looming Champions League last-16 tie when they face Bologna in Serie A on Friday.

The champions' stunning run of 15 consecutive wins, which culminated in a 1-0 victory over title rivals Napoli last week, has seen them soar to the top of Serie A with 25 matches played.

Juve face a pivotal few weeks in their season, with league and cup games against Roberto Mancini's Inter and both legs of the European tie with Pep Guardiola's Bayern over the next month.

But Marchisio insists they cannot turn their focus towards facing the German champions yet as they aim to take maximum points against a Bologna side resurgent under Roberto Donadoni.

"We can't afford to risk thinking about the Champions League. We have to concentrate on the league because we've made a huge effort to reach first and it'll take an even bigger one to stay there," he told Sky Italia.

"Donadoni is doing a great job, as he had been doing with Parma in recent years. He's completely changed the way Bologna play but, above all, he's changed the motivations of the players.

"So he's definitely put his stamp on this good Bologna side, who cause problems for everyone and will make things difficult for us."

Only Juve, Napoli and Fiorentina have taken more than the 27 points Bologna have managed over the last 15 Serie A matches, with their latest 1-0 win away to Udinese moving them to within three points of the top seven.

Donadoni believes his players are beginning to develop a real resilience and insists they are capable of ending their long wait for a home league win against Massimiliano Allegri's side.

"It was hard to get the three points [in Udine]. The attitude is the right one but all the lads can and should grow," he said this week.

"If we don't do anything wrong, and we give 110 per cent, we'll give Juventus a hard time as well."

Juve are without Alex Sandro (hamstring), Giorgio Chiellini (calf) and Martin Caceres (Achilles), while Mario Mandzukic (hip) and Kwadwo Asamoah (thigh) are unlikely to be risked.

Luca Rossettini (back) is set to miss out for Bologna as they look to make it four home league games in a row without defeat.


Key Opta Stats

- Juventus have won each of their last five Serie A clashes vs Bologna, keeping three clean sheets and scoring an average of two goals per game.

- Juventus are unbeaten in 12 Serie A games at the Dall'Ara (8W, 4D): the last time Bologna defeated Juventus at home was back in November 1998 (3-0).

- Juventus have conceded only six shots on target over the last five Serie A match-days, at least four fewer than any other side.
- Only Gonzalo Higuain (16) and Paulo Dybala (9) have scored more goals than Mattia Destro (8) over the last 15 Serie A matchdays.

- Gianluigi Buffon has kept a clean sheet seven times since the start of 2016, more than any other keeper across the top five European leagues.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Bologna  W D L W W

14/02/2016 - Udinese 0 - 1 Bologna
06/02/2016 - Bologna 1 - 1 Fiorentina
03/02/2016 - Frosinone 1 - 0 Bologna
31/01/2016 - Bologna 3 - 2 Sampdoria
24/01/2016 - Sassuolo 0 - 2 Bologna


Juventus  W W W W W

13/02/2016 - Juventus 1 - 0 Napoli
07/02/2016 - Frosinone 0 - 2 Juventus
03/02/2016 - Juventus 1 - 0 Genoa
31/01/2016 - Chievo Verona 0 - 4 Juventus
27/01/2016 - Juventus 3 - 0 Internazionale


HEAD TO HEAD

04/10/2015 - Juventus 3 - 1 Bologna
19/04/2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Bologna
06/12/2013 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus
16/03/2013 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus
31/10/2012 - Juventus 2 - 1 Bologna

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

Juventus left-back Alex Sandro ruled
out of Bayern Munich first leg

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2809885/juventus-full-back-alex-sandro-out-of-bayern-munich-game

Feb 17, 2016

Juventus have announced that left-back Alex Sandro is out for 10 days, ruling him out of next week's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

The marauding full-back has been one of the stand-out performers for the Italian league leaders this season, making 21 appearances in all competitions and scoring two goals.

However, a thigh problem will keep him out of both Friday's Serie A clash with Bologna and next Tuesday's last-16 meeting with Bayern -- arguably the tie of the round.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
MEDICAL UPDATE: #AlexSandro will be out of action for approximately ten days

"Alex Sandro will be sidelined for approximately ten days after an MRI scan revealed an overload of the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh," a Juve statement confirmed.

"The Brazilian wing-back pulled up in yesterday's [Tuesday's] training session at Juventus Center in Vinovo."

Patrice Evra has made a number of appearances at left-back already this season, with manager Massimiliano Allegri keen to keep his wing-backs fresh, so the former Manchester United full-back will replace Alex Sandro and be handed the unenviable task of marking Arjen Robben when German champions Bayern visit Turin next week.

[Socrates 8974]

Morata: Lewandowski is world's best
striker - his six-pack is incredible

The Juventus striker admits he is in awe of the Bayern Munich forward and
is looking forward to coming up against him in their Champions League last-16 tie.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/02/18/20464642/-?

Feb 18, 2016

Juventus' forward Alvaro Morata has hailed Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski as the world's best striker - adding that he has an "incredible" six-pack.

The Poland international has scored 21 goals in 20 Bundesliga appearances this term and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Morata and Lewandowski will go head-to-head next week when they meet at Juventus Stadium for the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie and the Spaniard believes his side must be wary of the threat posed by the 27-year-old.

"Lewandowski is the best striker in the world for me," Morata told Sport Bild. "I remember swapping shirts with him, he has an incredible six-pack.

"It will be an eye-opener for me to see him play again."

Despite the threat of Bayern star, Morata is confident his side can make it difficult for the Bundesliga champions, insisting a tense atmosphere awaits them in Turin.

"The first leg will be very difficult for Bayern," the 23-year-old added. "Our stadium will be like hell for them.

"We are very well organised and compact. We have conceded only once in our last nine games. We are a very intense team and everybody is willing to go the extra mile for a team-mate.

"We are playing a very strong pressing game and we have to be cautious, because one minor mistake could cost us against Bayern and that could cost us the tie."

[Socrates 8974]

Areas Where Bayern Munich May Be Vulnerable Against Juventus

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2616488-areas-where-bayern-munich-may-be-vulnerable-against-juventus?

Feb 18, 2016

Bayern Munich face a tough test in the Champions League round of 16 next week as they visit Turin to take on Juventus in the first fixture of their two-legged tie.

The Bavarians finished winners in Group F and were therefore seeded for their first knockout-round test, but Juventus (who were runners-up in Group D with 11 points, one behind Manchester City) will likely prove a much-tougher task than Shakhtar did for Bayern a year ago.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have recovered from a poor start to their season and now are in outstanding form. They beat Napoli last weekend to claim top spot in the Serie A table and have won their last 13 games in all competitions.

At the same time, Pep Guardiola's Bayern are an extremely dangerous side with world-class talent all over the pitch and a great record this season. However, there are some weak spots in the Bavarians' ranks that Allegri and Juve will look to exploit. Sports reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt pointed out the extensive injury list to key players:

Archie Rhind-Tutt @archiert1
Bayern Munich's remarkable run of defensive injuries continues - Holger Badstuber now ruled out for 3 months.

Archie Rhind-Tutt @archiert1
Bayern now have their four first-choice centre backs out injured (Boateng, Benatia, Martinez, Badstuber). Quite an injury list

The most obvious weakness for Bayern is in central defense, where the Bundesliga leaders are extremely thin. Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber could be out for the rest of the season, while Javi Martinez won't be available until the second leg at best.

Medhi Benatia could play against Juve, but the Moroccan has made just 10 appearances this season, with his last being on 9 December. He's short of match practice and may not be used in the first leg, even as his side suffers from a personnel crisis in central defense.

Finally, emergency January signing Serdar Tasci is also short of playing time. The former Germany international until recently was on an extended winter break in Russia, having been out of action from early December until his signing with Bayern at the end of January.

Other options who have played at center-back for Bayern as of late have been lacking in size; Joshua Kimmich, Rafinha and David Alaba are prime examples. Thus, the German giants could be weak in the air against some of Juve's more physical targets. To this end, it's fortunate for Bayern that Mario Mandzukic will miss the first leg and that Sami Khedira is also a doubt. Yet those two are not the Italian giants' only threats in the air.

Even if Bayern play with two natural center-backs, their lack of match practice could be costly. Juve have strikers that are far better than the average ones Bayern face, and Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala could run in circles around the Bayern defenders.

Beyond the defense, another Bayern soft spot could be in midfield. Xabi Alonso's age is a concern, and in truth, the veteran has been a defensive liability for years. Arturo Vidal hasn't looked to be fit enough to cover the Spaniard, and although healthy, Thiago lacks size and power to compete in midfield. Bayern will have plenty of skill in the center of the park, but Paul Pogba's combination of strength and technical skill could prove extremely difficult to contain.

Bayern's real advantage is in attack, where their forwards at least have an individual advantage against Juve's aging and ailing back line. Patrice Evra and Andrea Barzagli both turn 35 in May, and Stephan Lichtsteiner is 32. The fact Giorgio Chiellini will miss the first leg is a huge blow for the Italians, and the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Douglas Costa, Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller will be licking their chops.

At the same time, Guardiola will have to be very careful as he prepares his game plan for the Juve match. There is little room for error in the Champions League, and his opponents next week may be his toughest of the season to date. Although Juve will have clear weaknesses, so will Bayern. The key to victory could rest in the tactical battle between Guardiola and Allegri.

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Donadoni: ‘Bologna focused on Juve’

http://www.football-italia.net/80029/donadoni-%E2%80%98bologna-focused-juve%E2%80%99?

Feb 18, 2016
 
Bologna Coach Roberto Donadoni says his side are ‘focused on what we need to do’ against Juventus tomorrow.

The Rossoblu host a Bianconeri side currently on a 15-game winning streak at the Renato Dell’Ara on Friday evening, with kick off at 19:45 UK time.

The hosts are also on a good run of late and currently occupy 10th place, having lost only once in their last six Serie A matches.

“If the team has the same kind of approach and intensity in every game regardless of the opponent, we will grow better and find less difficulty,” Donadoni said at today’s pre-match Press conference.

“We must be able to work a lot on ourselves rather than on others, it’s the only way to reap the rewards.

“We’re facing the top team, the absolute strongest in terms of results, for our part there’s great enthusiasm and we want Bologna to always test ourselves more often in matches of this value because we want to say that our level is above the average.

“We’re very focused on what we need to do, we don’t want to disappoint anyone.

“We’re expecting a hard game that will require a great performance, to the best of our ability.

“The ball must be used well, we mustn’t give away too many chances. Juventus will want to continue their positive run and so do we.”

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Allegri: ‘Juve duty bound to win’

http://www.football-italia.net/80030/allegri-%E2%80%98juve-duty-bound-win%E2%80%99?

Feb 18, 2016
 
Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus are ‘duty bound to win’ against Bologna tomorrow, as ‘Napoli won’t give us an inch’.

The Bianconeri travel to the Stadio Renato Dell’Ara to face the Rossoblu on Friday evening.

After defeating Napoli in the crucial Scudetto showdown last Saturday, the Old Lady are on top of the Serie A table for the first time this season.

Allegri urged his side to be wary of the ‘enthusiastic’ Bologna and stay focused on getting their 16th consecutive league win.

“The game against Bologna is crucial for the Scudetto," he said at today’s Press conference.

"We could go four points above Napoli awaiting other matches.

“Bologna are good technically, they’re a well-organised team. Since Donadoni arrived the collective has found balance, it’ll be a difficult match.

“They’re a team with nothing to lose, they’re in a good position in the table and very enthusiastic.

“We’re duty bound to come away with three points tomorrow. Napoli won’t give us an inch and we need to stay out in front. We can’t afford to get our approach wrong tomorrow."

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Bologna - Juventus MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/80030/allegri-‘juve-duty-bound-win’?

Feb 18, 2016
 
Juventus can’t afford to be distracted as they travel to face in-form Bologna.

Before the glamour tie with Bayern Munich next Tuesday, Max Allegri’s all conquering side head to the Emilia-Romagna capital on Friday evening looking to register three points for the 16th consecutive match.

Fresh from the last gasp victory at home to Napoli, Bianconeri supporters will be hoping it is business as usual against Roberto Donandni’s side. However, the Old Lady’s injury problems are mounting with Leonardo Bonucci and Alex Sandro now joining Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, Kwando Asamoah and Mario Mandzukic on the treatment table.

This will give Daniele Rugani some much needed time on the pitch - the highly rated 21-year-old has only started two Serie A matches this term and should see this as an opportunity to force his way into Allegri’s first XI thoughts.

Bologna have undergone a similar renaissance to their opponents this season. Initially finding themselves in the bottom three in the early stages of the campaign, since Donadoni took charge the Rossoblu have won eight of their 15 subsequent games. This is form that would now see them in fourth place if the league had started the same time as the 52 year-old.

The likes of high profile signings Mattia Destro, Emanuele Giaccherini and Anthony Mounier have all found form in the last few months, and together with the consistently performing youngsters such as Amadou Diawara and Adam Masina, the nucleus of a solid team is now in place for Donadoni, as he looks to cement a place in the half.

Juventus are unsurprisingly favourites for this encounter, but with the Napoli match mentally draining Allegri’s men, a mounting injury list and the Munich match on the horizon, don’t be surprised if the Turin giants fail to pick up their customary three points at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.


Keep an eye on: Emanuele Giaccherini (Bologna) – Set to face his former club, the versatile 30 year-old will be looking to carry on his terrific form for the Emilia-Romagna side. He has already found the net for Bologna on six occasions in Serie A, two more than in his entire career in Turin.


Form Guide: Bologna (W L D W W) Juventus (W W W W W)

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: These two sides have the joint least amount of draws in Serie A with three each.


Bologna (probable):
Da Costa; Ferrari, Oikonomou, Gastaldello, Masina; Donsah, Diawara, Taider; Mounier, Destro, Giaccherini

Suspended: None


Juventus (probable):
Buffon; Lichsteiner, Rugani, Barzagli, Evra; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Zaza, Dybala

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Bologna vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2617280-bologna-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Feb 18, 2016
 
Juventus will be already thinking about next week’s UEFA Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, but they would be making a major mistake if they underestimate a vastly improved Bologna.

Indeed, before welcoming the German side to Turin, the Bianconeri travel to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara to face coach Roberto Donadoni’s men.

After initially struggling on their return to the top flight, the arrival of the former Parma boss has revived Bologna's fortunes, and they are sitting 10th in the Serie A table.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
5 - With Roberto Donadoni Bologna have won five of their seven away Serie A games. Conqueror.

Oddly, however, the Felsinei have done much better away from home, with only Juventus (nine) and Napoli (seven) having won more games on the road than Bologna (six), something Donadoni addressed in a recent interview with Sky Italia.

“Sometimes the pressure of playing at home can make the players so eager to prove themselves that they struggle,” he said (h/t Football Italia). “They should play with joy and that is when entertaining matches emerge.”

He also acknowledged the “gap in quality” between themselves and the reigning champions, who will also face a number of injury concerns ahead of this encounter.

Alex Sandro is the latest addition to a lengthy list of Juventus players with fitness issues, with the club’s official website noting he withdrew from training on Tuesday with a muscle problem.

With Kwadwo Asamoah, Mario Lemina, Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic and Martin Caceres all already out, head coach Massimiliano Allegri will have to balance his selections carefully with that Bayern fixture looming.

WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored
Juventus: Are on the longest current winning run (15 games) in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season

Nevertheless, having finally climbed back to the summit of Serie A, the Bianconeri will hope to reinforce their advantage by taking all three points from Bologna and continuing their club-record winning streak.

“These have been three very intense months and it was a great achievement to overtake Napoli,” Allegri told reporters at his post-match press conference last weekend. “We are improving, but can do even better.”

 

Probable Formations

Bologna: (4-3-3):
Angelo da Costa; Alex Ferrari, Marios Oikonomou, Daniele Gastaldello, Adam Masina; Godfred Donsah, Amadou Diawara, Saphir Taider; Anthony Mounier; Mattia Destro, Emanuele Giaccherini.

Unavailable: Emil Krafth, Luca Rossettini (both injured).


Juventus (3-5-2):
Gigi Buffon; Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro, Hernanes, Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra; Alvaro Morata, Simone Zaza.

Unavailable: Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Rubinho (all injured).


Player to Watch

While the Bianconeri will be looking towards their next match, Emanuele Giaccherini may relish the opportunity to go up against his former club.

The 30-year-old is at Bologna on loan from Sunderland, having spent the previous two seasons with the English Premier League side.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
6 - Emanuele Giaccherini has scored six goals in the current Serie A, four of which in 2016. Shape.

Prior to that, the Italy international was an important part of Antonio Conte’s Juventus, winning two Serie A titles and scoring six goals in 52 appearances for the club.

While his time back on the peninsula has been disrupted by injury, Giaccherini has already netted the same number of times in just 16 matches for Bologna after immediately becoming part of the first choice XI.

“I also wanted to return to Serie A to get back on the national team,” he told Sky Italia last year (h/t GianlucaDiMarzio.com). “The last time I was selected proved I'm held in high regard, now it's up to me to make it difficult for [italy coach Antonio] Conte to keep me out of the squad.”


Key Battle

As well as ensuring Giaccherini is kept in check, Juventus will also need to be aware of the danger posed by Mattia Destro. Another player who has spent the past few years on the move, the striker finally appears to be delivering his best form under the guidance of Bologna coach Donadoni.

The 24-year-old striker has weighed in with eight goals and three assists, including a brace in a win against Napoli and vital efforts that earned draws against Lazio and his former club AS Roma.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
There's a reason why he is known as The Wall. Ladies and gentlemen, @andreabarzagli2

“I like our attitude of attacking, even if sometimes we lose the balance” Donadoni told Sky Italia last weekend (h/t Football Italia), and the task of preventing that approach paying dividends will fall upon Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli.

As discussed previously, the duo were superb in the top-of-the-table clash with Napoli and will need to be so once more as they face off against a team who have surprised many of the better sides in the division.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 50-111

Home win: 13-2

Draw: 16-5

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

Rivera: ‘Juventus can progress but…’

http://www.football-italia.net/80037/rivera-%E2%80%98juventus-can-progress-but%E2%80%A6%E2%80%99?

Feb 18, 2016

Gianni Rivera believes Juventus can progress in the Champions League - but it would make Napoli Scudetto favourites.

The Bianconeri take on Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Last 16 tie on Tuesday, and the former Italian international believes they can reach the next stage.

“Anything is possible,” Rivera told Radio Cusano Campus.

“Football is beautiful because it’s unpredictable, you never know what will happen during a game.

“It’s a very complicated draw, but Juve have shown they can play on a par with even the best teams in Europe.

“The Scudetto? It’s between Juve and Napoli, I don’t think you can put any other teams in there.

“If Juve were to advance in the Champions League they’d have a few more problems than Napoli, who are in a less onerous European competition [the Europa League].”

Rivera was then asked to assess the national team’s chances at the European Championships this summer.

“We won our qualifying group quite easily. That’s a good sign. There are high hopes, and so far the squad has reacted well.

“They can also overcome obstacles a bit more complicated than the ones faced in qualifying.”

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Bologna V Juventus – Preview: Rossoblu
Out To Halt The Old Lady Juggernaut

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/bologna-v-juventus-preview-rossoblu-out-to-halt-the-old-lady-juggernaut/?

Feb 18, 2016
 
Bologna host Juventus at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on Friday night in Serie A, as the Rossoblu hope to put the skids on the Bianconeri’s winning streak of 15 league games in a row stretching back to the end of October.

The home side will by buoyed by Sunday’s 1-0 victory away to Udinese thanks to a 79th minute goal by top scorer Mattia Destro, and they have looked a different side since Roberto Donadoni took the reins back in October.

The Rossoblu were 18th when the former AC Milan midfielder took over from Delio Rossi and now sit in 10th position on 33 points after gameweek 25. The Felsinei have being very inconsistent at the Stadio Dall’Ara though, suffering six defeats already, while four victories and three draws make their tally of 15 points on their home patch from 13 games.

The Old Lady, meanwhile, have Inter’s record of 17 Serie A wins in a row firmly in their sights as they head to Bologna, and will be boosted by last Saturday’s 1-0 win over former leaders Napoli at the Juventus Stadium.

That win sent the Bianconeri to the top of the standing for the first time this season on 57 points after gameweek 25, one point ahead of the Partenopei in second. Since losing to Sassuolo 1-0 away at the end of October the Old Lady have now won eight straight games on the road, scoring 23 goals in the process and only conceding four.

When the two sides met earlier in the season at the Juventus Stadium, the Old Lady ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira.

The Bianconeri have also won the last two encounters at the Stadio Dall’Ara between the sides and are looking for their sixth straight victory over Bologna in Serie A on Friday. The Rossoblu have only beaten Juve once in the past eight encounters, and haven’t tasted victory at the Stadio Dall’Ara over the Old Lady since November 1998.

In team news, the Rossoblu have a doubt over first-choice goalkeeper Antonio Mirante, while defender Luca Rossettini is not expected back for another couple of weeks.

The Old Lady are expected to rest Leonardo Bonucci with their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich next Tuesday in mind after the defender suffered a knock against Napoli, while fellow centre-back Giorgio Chiellini is out until the end of March.

Goalscoring hero against Napoli, Simone Zaza, is set to replace Morata and partner the Bianconeri’s 13 goal top scorer Dybala up front.


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


Expected Starting XIs

Bologna (4-3-3)
Da Costa; Ferrari, Oikonomou, Gastaldello, Masina; Donsah, Diawara, Taider; Mounier, Destro, Giaccherini

Juventus (4-3-1-2)
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Rugani, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Zaza, Dybala.

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

Bayern Munich must make early work
of Darmstadt with Juventus looming

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/bayern-munich/132/blog/post/2810174/bayern-munich-need-fast-start-v-darmstadt-as-juventus-loom

Feb 18, 2016

Bayern will play host to Darmstadt in a "David vs. Goliath" encounter on Saturday afternoon. The magnitude of the match is a significant contrast to Tuesday's mouth-watering Champions League last-16 clash away to Italian giants Juventus.

The main interest ahead of the trip to Turin surrounds injury-hit Bayern's defensive options. History shows it doesn't pay to second-guess Pep Guardiola's team selection, but with the Moroccan Medhi Benatia returning to full training, you would assume that he has to play against Darmstadt if he is to feature against Juventus. We could also witness a Bayern debut for Serdar Tasci: Saturday's duel against Darmstadt is exactly the type of low-key affair the former German international, on loan from Spartak Moscow, was acquired for.

Mario Gotze and Franck Ribery will also need some game time against the "Lilies" if they are to play any sort of role in Turin. Sebastian Rode will likewise hope for a second league start of the season against the club where he played youth football just over a decade ago.

However, any idle thoughts about the "Italian Job" will have to wait. "We're not thinking about Juve yet. We're taking it a game at a time: first Darmstadt, then Juventus," assured Douglas Costa, while fellow dribbling midfielder Thiago echoed this sentiment: "I'm 100 percent focused on Darmstadt, then on Juventus."

Darmstadt boast the third-best away record in the league (behind Bayern and Borussia Dortmund) and therefore shouldn't be underestimated on their travels, having won three out of their last four away games. However, it seems like the visitors have already conceded the three points to the record German champions.

After picking up a host of bookings in their narrow 2-1 defeat last weekend to Leverkusen, Darmstadt suddenly find themselves down to the bare bones in their already thin squad through suspension. Questions were asked as the 13th-placed side -- suspiciously or cynically -- decided to sacrifice five of their best players for the trip to the Bavarian capital.

The champions-in-waiting should be ultra-confident of maintaining their 100 percent record at home and making it 11 wins in a row at fortress Allianz Arena. In fact, Guardiola will garner high hopes of breaking another record this season by winning all their Bundesliga home games (17) -- before departing for Manchester.

Darmstadt have never beaten Bayern in eight attempts in all competitions. Theirs is a real rags-to-riches story, a side that's climbed all the way to the Bundesliga from the depths of the Oberliga Hessen in the last decade. You have to go back 50 years to the 1964-65 campaign for the first ever meeting between the two sides when Bayern weren't even in the Bundesliga. The Bavarians coasted to a 10-0 win on their way to claiming the Regionalliga Sud title before gaining entry to the Bundesliga later that season via the play-offs.

In 1982, in their last Bundesliga meeting in Munich, current Bayern Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge fired Bayern to a 4-1 victory in a freezing Olympic Stadium in front of a paltry crowd of just over 11,000. At least there were no problems for fans getting tickets to watch their heroes back then.

Unlike in the cagey 1-0 pre-Christmas German Cup bore , expect Bayern to go for the jugular in the first half in search of a comfortable half-time lead against Darmstadt B. If it all runs to plan, Bayern would then engage cruise control in the second half in preparation for the key game against Juventus. It's that simple -- oh and not picking up any fresh injuries, especially at the back, would be awfully nice.

With nearest challengers Borussia Dortmund not in domestic action until Sunday, it's also an excellent opportunity for Bayern to stretch their imposing advantage at the top of the table to double digits, before paying a nervous visit to see the "Old Lady" in Turin.

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Bonucci, Lemina in Juventus squad

http://www.football-italia.net/80047/bonucci-lemina-juventus-squad?

Feb 18, 2016
 
Leonardo Bonucci has been named in the Juventus squad for Bologna, and Mario Lemina returns.

The centre-back went off injured during Saturday’s win over Napoli, prompting fears he could miss the crucial Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

However, the Italian international returned to training during the week, and has been included in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad for the trip to Dall’Ara.

Mario Lemina is also included in the travelling party, and could make his first Serie A appearance since the defeat to Sassuolo at the end of October.

Mario Mandzukic and Giorgio Chiellini are still not fit enough to travel, but could be ready to play some part against Bayern on Tuesday.

Alex Sandro is also absent after picking up a muscular injury in training, but will only be sidelined for around 10 days.

Sami Khedira had originally been named in the squad, but soon after it was announced he would remain in Turin to work on his fitness.


Juventus squad to face Bologna

Buffon, Zaza, Marchisio, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Lemina, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Favilli, Romagna.

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Allegri: Bologna Will Pose
A Fundamental Test For Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/allegri-bologna-will-pose-a-fundamental-test-for-juventus/?

Feb 18, 2016
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted that his side are focused entirely on their Serie A fixture with Bologna.

The Bianconeri defeated Scudetto rivals Napoli in their previous match and also have a Champions League match with Bayern Munich over the horizon, but the man on the bench is adamant that they must only think about the Rossoblu.

“The Bayern game is not weighing upon us, we must not think about it,” said Allegri to reporters.

“The Bologna game is fundamental for us and it will be worth a little piece of the Scudetto because we can go four points ahead of Napoli before their game.

“It will take the right mindset and skill to beat them because they fear nobody under Donadoni.”

The former AC Milan coach also shed some light onto his potential starting lineup.

“You could say that we’ll start with Zaza and Morata up front with Dybala as an important change,” Allegri added.

“I have an excellent squad and it would be stupid to imagine that all the players will always be available and it’s normal that some won’t play.

“It doesn’t make sense to take risks now.”

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

BOLOGNA V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/bologna-juventus-match-preview-and-scouting/?

Feb 18, 2016
 

Juventus

Juventus-Napoli was a masterclass of tacticism and defending. I reckon that the Bianconeri were lucky to come away with three points thanks to a deflected shot, after Massimiliamo Allegri appeared to have settled for a draw by subbing off Paulo Dybala for Alex Sandro and switching to 4-5-1. However, in this season, Juventus are no stranger to scoring very late in games and it should not be forgotten that there is a reason if the club’s motto is “Fino alla fine.”

Juventus extended their winning streak to 15 games, two matches shy of Inter’s record. Ironically enough, they have the chance to tie it if they beat Bologna on Friday night and Inter themselves in two weeks. More importantly, Juventus have overtaken Napoli on top of the table. I think that the Scudetto will be decided in the next month, where both teams will have to deal with a busy schedule because of Champions and Europa League. It would be hard to catch the Bianconeri if they built even a small four, five-point lead. I would not be shocked if Juventus stayed on top until the end of the season.

Mixed news from the infirmary, first the good bits: Leonardo Bonucci avoided a major knee injury after being pulled from the Napoli game because of a knock and Juan Cuadrado has a bummed ankle, but the ailment is so light that it did not even required further tests. Both should be rested against Bologna but will be available against Bayern Munich. Mario Mandzukic aims to be ready too and Kwadwo Asamoah will return soon as well. On the other hand, Alex Sandro has a sore hamstring that will sideline him for ten days or so. I do not think he would have played against Bayern, but he would have definitely relieved Patrice Evra in this one.

In the end, Juventus fielded a standard four-man defence against Napoli and it should be ever more clear-cut against Bologna, because the coach is expected to use his beloved 4-3-1-2. Therefore, Stephen Lichtsteiner and Evra will cover the flanks with Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rugani in the middle. It will be interesting to see whether Allegri will trust Rugani against the German champions, should Giorgio Chiellini not recover in time. Rugani was decent against Napoli, but in that game, the whole team was very focused and really a one-man defence would have been enough because Barzagli played so perfectly. One of the most dominant defensive performances I can remember.

Stefano Sturaro is slated to start in the midfield replacing Sami Khedira, who will stay in Vinovo to work on his conditioning. With Cuadrado likely to be on the bench, Roberto Pereyra will be the attacking midfielder since Hernanes has basically disappeared. The coach said that Simone Padoin could take Cuadrado’s spot, but that is probably just a way to mess with reporters.

Simone Zaza, who by the way said all the right things during the week, should have earned himself a chance to start thanks to his huge goal, probably in lieu of Dybala after Allegri hinted that he has played a lot lately.


Probable lineup 4-3-1-2:

Buffon; Lichsteiner, Rugani, Barzagli, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Morata, Zaza.


Injuries:

Chiellini (calf), Mandzukic (calf), Alex Sandro (hamstring), Asamoah (hamstring), Caceres (Achilles).

Suspended:

None.


 

  Bologna

Roberto Donadoni has done a masterful job at Bologna: he turned what looked like a moribund, Serie B bound team that had lost eight of the first ten games into a decent squad that can stop anybody. They have drawn against Roma, Fiorentina and Lazio and they have defeated Napoli and Milan. If they have a little bit of continuity, they will establish themselves as a first-half-of-the-table side in the years to come, taking into consideration the wealth of the owner Joey Saputo. They are in tenth position now.

Donadoni has not changed Delio Rossi’s 4-3-3 much, but it is interpreted in a different way. The midfield and the defence are stouter now and he has managed to revitalize Mattia Destro, who struggled to score in the first part of the season, by making him the centrepiece of the attack and giving him more responsibilities. The Italian striker has tallied eight goals in his last 13 matches. Emanuele Giaccherini has been brilliant all season long and Anthony Mounier was a nice cheap addition. A playing style that includes quick counterattacks suits them all.

The only absentee will be Luca Rossettini, who was slotted at right-back since Donadoni was appointed, giving the defence great stability. He will be replaced by either the versatile Ibrahima Mbaye or Alex Ferrari. Adam Masina, a very good young player who is a force on the left, should return to the starting lineup after being benched against Udinese. Daniele Gastaldello and one between Marios Oikonoumou and Domenico Maietta will be in the heart of the defence. Antonio Mirante should be available after missing two games with an hamstring injury, otherwise Angelo Da Coasta will be on goal.

They are deep in the midfield and can field different combinations: the best one includes Godfred Donsah, Amadou Diawara and Saphir Taider. Kudos to their sporting director, the veteran Pantaleo Corvino, for discovering the 18-year-old Diawara in the fourth league and foreseeing that he could contribute right away. Donsah’s skills were well known after his stint at Cagliari, snatching him from the greedy hands of the top teams was a nice coup too. I liked it a lot when they used the exciting Franco Brienza in the midfield to have more playmaking, but it should not be the case in this one. The attack should be composed of the aforementioned Mounier-Destro-Giaccherini trio, even though there is a chance that Luca Rizzo replaces Mounier to have a more defensive lineup.

They are a bit better on the road, maybe because home teams played more openly on their own turf and leave some room for quick attacks, which is Bologna’s forte. Masina, Donsah, Mounier, Giaccherini and Destro are all playmakers in the open field. Preventing counters that should be Juventus’ number one priority in this game.


Probable lineup 4-3-3:

Mirante; Mbaye, Gastaldello, Maietta, Masina; Donsah, Diawara, Taider; Mounier, Destro, Giaccherini.


Injuries:

Rossettini (hamstring).

Suspended:

None.

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

Bayern Munich Winger Fearful Of Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/bayern-munich-winger-fearful-of-juventus/?

Feb 18, 2016

Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa has admitted that beating Juventus in their Champions League last 16 tie will be very difficult for the Bavarians.

The Bianconeri are currently on a 15 game winning streak and are full of confidence right now. Conversely, the Bundesliga giants are enduring a defensive injury crisis with both Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber in the treatment room.

“The match with Juventus will be very difficult, it will be a game between two great teams,” said the Brazilian to German press.

“I’ve played games like this with Shakhtar Donetsk, for us it will be a very important match because we want to win the Champions League this season.”

This season Douglas Costa has been fine form, scoring twice and assisting nine goals in 16 Bundesliga starts.

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira out against Bologna

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2810663/juventus-midfielder-sami-khedira-out-against-bologna

Feb 19, 2016
 
Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira will not be included in manager Max Allegri's' 22-man squad to visit Bologna on Friday, a club statement confirmed.

The Germany international will instead stay behind in Turin as he works to recover from a muscle issue.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Sami #Khedira will stay behind to work in Turin.

"Contrary to previous indications, Sami Khedira will remain behind to work in Vinovo," the club's statement said on Thursday.

Due to injuries, Khedira, who took part in Juve's Serie A-topping victory over Napoli over the weekend, has managed just 13 league appearances since joining the Old Lady on a free transfer from Real Madrid last summer.

Juventus have won 15 consecutive top-flight matches, and will face Bayern Munich in the first leg of their round of 16 tie next week.

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus after Bologna players

http://www.football-italia.net/80077/juventus-after-bologna-players?

Feb 19, 2016
 
Juventus have their eyes on Bologna's Amadou Diawara, Adam Masina and Godfred Donsah as they face them tonight.

The Bianconeri will attempt to defend their newly-conquered first place against Roberto Donadoni's resurgent squad, with the game kicking off tonight at 19:45.

It appears the Turin club is impressed with the renewed strength of Bologna, as they are considering three of their players for their next transfer campaign.

According to Tuttosport, the object of the greatest interest is midfielder Amadou Diawara, but they are also evaluating another midfielder, Godfred Donsah, and defender Adam Masina.

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Bologna-Juventus probable formations

http://www.football-italia.net/80079/bologna-juventus-probable-formations?

Feb 19, 2016
 
Juventus put their hopes in Simone Zaza against Bologna's tried-and-tested midfield.

It kicks off tonight at 20.45 CET - 19:45 GMT. The Bianconeri are still without Giorgio Chiellini in defence, but Leonardo Bonucci is expected to play in spite of taking a knock against Napoli in his last game.

Zaza, who came in against the Partenopei and scored the last-minute winner, will be given a chance to start.

Bologna will be responding with their untouchable trio in the midfield, composed of Godfred Donsah, Amadou Diawara and Saphir Taider.

Coach Roberto Donadoni is believed to be uncertain about fielding Anthony Mounier or youngster Luca Rizzo alongside the usual duo of Mattia Destro and Emanuele Giaccherini.


Bologna probable XI
Mirante; Zuniga, Maietta, Gastaldello, Masina; Donsah, Diawara, Taider; Mounier, Destro, Giaccherini.


Juventus probable XI
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Zaza, Morata.

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

Vidal: ‘I miss Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/80091/vidal-%E2%80%98i-miss-juventus%E2%80%99?

Feb 19, 2016

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal admits “I miss Juventus”, but will still “give everything” to eliminate them from the Champions League.

The Chilean international left the Bianconeri this summer to move to the German champions, and will face his old teammates in Turin on Tuesday.

“It will be a strange game, because I had four fantastic years in Turin,” Vidal told Tk.

“Now I’m representing the shirt and the colours of Bayern, and I’ll give everything because my team can win two games and reach the Quarter-Finals.

“I admit, I miss Juve. I had four intense years where the fans developed a certain affection for me, and I felt the same about the fans.

“I also miss the sensational companions I experienced those years with. I still speak with a lot of them.

“Recently I heard from Caceres and Buffon, but I still have a good relationship with all of them and I’ll be glad to see them again.”

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus title favourites, Barzagli
best in the world – Legrottaglie

The ex-Bianconeri defender believes his old club are too strong to truly compete
against, especially when their defence boasts an "insurmountable" 34-year-old.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2565/exclusive/2016/02/19/20510182/-?

Feb 19, 2016
 
Former Juventus centre-back Nicola Legrottaglie feels the Bianconeri will beat Napoli to the Serie A title, and believes fellow defender Andrea Barzagli is the best in the world in his position.

The Old Lady suffered a stuttering start to their domestic league campaign but have since found consistency, knocking Napoli off top spot with a 1-0 win last weekend.

And Legrottaglie is confident his former club will be celebrating a fifth successive Scudetto at the end of the campaign.

“I've said for a long time that Juventus are favourites for the title,” Legrottaglie told Goal. “Napoli are having an outstanding season, but Juventus have a stronger squad – they're much more complete.

“They proved that against Napoli: Zaza is Allegri's fourth-choice striker and he settled the match. The Bianconeri have already made up for their slow start and I think they'll get to May with the wind in their sails.”

Despite their early struggles, Juventus boast the best defensive record in Serie A - a fact that Legrottaglie puts down to having the man he considers the world's best centre-back in their ranks.

“For five years now Andrea Barzagli has been the best defender in the world,” he said. “Even after suffering a serious injury he's hugely effective.

“Against Napoli he was insurmountable, a real ruthless marker – even Higuain couldn't handle him.

“He's an example to all defenders both for his mentality and his ability to read the game. It's no surprise that Juventus once again have the best defence in Serie A.”

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Line-ups: Bologna-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/80111/line-ups-bologna-juventus?

Feb 19, 2016
 
Juventus rotate the squad with Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata, but won’t let Leo Bonucci rest against on-form Bologna.

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

The Bianconeri beat Napoli last week to recapture top spot for the first time this season, setting a new club record of 15 consecutive Serie A victories.

Now the pressure is on to maintain that position and their new status as Scudetto favourites, especially with a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich coming up on Tuesday.

Some decisions are foisted upon Max Allegri, as Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira, Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres are unavailable.

The Coach hopes to have Chiellini, Khedira and Mandzukic back against Bayern.

He had been widely expected to rest Bonucci after the defender limped off during the 1-0 win over Napoli with a bruised knee, but there’s still no faith in Italy Under-21 international Daniele Rugani.

Stefano Sturaro gets a rare start and Roberto Pereyra is picked in a change of formation to 4-3-1-2.

Zaza gets the nod after his last-gasp goal against Napoli, partnering Morata so Paulo Dybala can rest.

Bologna have been on spectacular form since Roberto Donadoni replaced Delio Rossi and would currently be in fourth place had the campaign started at that moment.

Luca Rossettini is the only absentee, as Antonio Mirante is back in the gloves, while Emanuele Giaccherini gets to face his old club.

Mattia Destro has scored all but one of his goals on home turf this season and aims for another this evening.

There was a scare for the Bianconeri on the way to the stadium when a paper bomb was thrown at the team bus, but no injuries are reported, just a very loud bang.

Juve have won their last five meetings with Bologna, home and away, scoring 10 goals and conceding two. They kept three clean sheets.

The Bianconeri are unbeaten at the Dall’Ara since a 3-0 thrashing on November 29 1998, as the hosts managed just four stalemates and nine losses.


Bologna: Mirante; Mbaye, Maietta, Gastaldello, Masina; Donsah, Diawara, Taider; Rizzo, Destro, Giaccherini

Bologna bench: Da Costa, Pulgar, Floccari, Zuniga, Brienza, Stojanovic, Mounier, Morleo, Ferrari, Brighi, Oikonomou, Constant


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Zaza, Morata

Juventus bench: Neto, Rubinho, Rugani, Romagna, Padoin, Lemina, Hernanes, Cuadrado, Dybala, Favilli

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 26
Friday, February 19th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Marotta: 'Intelligent Pogba answers'

http://www.football-italia.net/80112/marotta-intelligent-pogba-answers?

Feb 19, 2016
 
Juventus director Beppe Marotta prepares for Bologna and shrugs off Paul Pogba’s comments on Pep Guardiola.

It kicks off at the Stadio Dall’Ara at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

There was a scare as the players were stepping off the team bus, as someone threw a paper bomb in their general direction. It let off a loud bang, but did not do any damage.

“There was this paper bomb thrown at the team bus, but in all honesty it was just an act of hooliganism that has nothing to do with this match, which ought to represent an advert for football,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

“In any case, it is a very happy time for us, we have found consistency and that is important.

“It’s a very dangerous game, but we are Juventus and must honour first place. We have a highly competitive starting XI.”

Marotta was also asked about Pogba’s comments on Sky Sport Deutschland, in which he said he’d like to work with Bayern Munich manager Guardiola one day.

“He gave intelligent answers to some really obvious questions. He is happy with us.

"Could Guardiola do well at Juventus? I can't see five years into the future."

 

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