Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic returns
to training ahead of Bayern Munich clash

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/20/11079282/mario-mandzukic-injury-2016-serie-a-champions-league-knockout-round

Feb 20, 2016

At his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, Max Allegri said that Mario Mandzukic would be returning to training on Sunday. After Juventus' 0-0 draw against Bologna on Friday night, Max Allegri said that Mario Mandzukic would be returning to training on Sunday.

Max Allegri is a man of his word.

Mario Mandzukic has indeed returned to training on Sunday, giving us a pretty good idea of what he will be doing on Tuesday night at Juventus Stadium. He won't be sitting in the stands like the last couple of weeks. Nope, the chances of Mandzukic playing against his former team in Tuesday's first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie in Turin just got a pretty healthy boost.

From juventus.com, where there just so happens to be visual evidence of Mandzukic doing training things:

Those involved in yesterday's stalemate with the Rossoblu underwent a recovery session, while the remainder of the group, which included Mario Mandzukic, underwent fitness and technical drills on the Juventus Center pitches.

Tomorrow will see the Bianconeri ramp up their workload during a morning session.

I wonder what "ramp up" means. Maybe we should ask Max next time we have the chance to talk to him...

Okay, back to Mandzukic.

Based on what the playing time situation before Mandzukic was injured, I feel pretty sure in saying that if Allegri feels the big Croatian striker is good to go for Tuesday, then you'll see him starting alongside Paulo Dybala against Bayern Munich. And you look at how that combination was producing goals before Mandzukic's injury and you have to feel a little better about things compared to if he wasn't healthy.

So, for once, we have more good injury news to talk about compared to bad injury news. There was Alex Sandro being out for 10 days instead of six weeks, now we have Mandzukic making his return to training (and hopefully games in a couple of days). We should be happy, because these kinds of things don't always happen during this injury-riddled season.

[Socrates 8974]

Maldini: Juventus Are Favourites To Win The Scudetto

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/maldini-juventus-are-favourites-to-win-the-scudetto/?

Feb 21, 2016
 
AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini feels that Juventus are still the favourites to emerge triumphant in this season’s race for the Scudetto.

The five-time Champions League winner claims that the Turin giants are by far the best team in Italy despite Fiorentina and Napoli playing some of their best football in recent seasons.

“I honestly expected Juventus to come back in the running for the league title,” the 47-year old said, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.

“They are by far the strongest team in Serie A, although there are other strong teams,”

“Napoli and Fiorentina are playing well but they are not on the same level as Juve.”

Maldini also mentioned Juve’s rising star Paulo Dybala, who he has no doubt in the future, will be one of the best in the world.

“Dybala will have a bright future, playing with the Bianconeri will make him among the best in the world.”

 

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

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Vidal: 'No Juve celebration'

http://www.football-italia.net/80178/vidal-no-juve-celebration?

Feb 21, 2016

Arturo Vidal pledged not to celebrate if he scores for Bayern Munich against his old club Juventus. “I’m an opponent, not an enemy.”

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“I return to Turin as an opponent, not an enemy,” he assured in La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“I don’t know how I will be welcomed, but I hope the fans don’t jeer. I am excited about this game and it’ll be strange to see myself there with another jersey.

“If I score, then I won’t celebrate. In four years I learned and won a great deal. I left because it was an opportunity for me and a good move for Juve, so we were all happy.”

Vidal has been keeping a close eye on his former teammates from Germany.

“I had no doubts the Bianconeri would come back into the Scudetto race. Even when they were in 12th position I knew they’d get back to the top, because the squad is so strong and never gives up.

“I watch Juve on TV. In Munich I spend my whole time at home or playing football.”

Juventus reached the Champions League Final last season, but are Bayern Munich the favourites?

“I think we each have a 50-50 chance of qualification,” argued the Chile international.

“If I could take one of Juve’s players, it’d be Paul Pogba, as if he works hard then he can become among the best in the world.

“I’d also take Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. Paulo Dybala’s success is not really a surprise.”

Bayern were trailing at half-time against Darmstadt yesterday, but fought back to win 3-1 amid an injury crisis in defence.

“Struggling on a few crosses can happen, but even if we’re a fairly short team, we really fight to get the ball. Will I play in defence? No.”

There is also some tension off the field with Pep Guardiola announcing he’ll leave at the end of the season to take over at Manchester City.

“It was strange and we only learned about it by watching TV. Pep reminds me of Antonio Conte in the way he speaks and looks after the details.

“In any case, after him we’ll have a fine Coach like Carlo Ancelotti. For now we want to win everything so Pep can leave happy.

“Who is the stronger team between Bayern and Juve? We’ll see on Tuesday. I haven’t given my teammates any special advice, as they know how strong Juve are even without Vidal.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Atkinson for Juve-Bayern

http://www.football-italia.net/80180/atkinson-juve-bayern?

Feb 21, 2016

Martin Atkinson has been assigned to officiate the Champions League clash between Juventus and Bayern Munich.

The English official will take charge of the first leg in the Round of 16, to be played on Tuesday in Turin.

He has overseen three Bayern Munich games, the German giants winning all three.

His record with Juventus is two victories and a defeat.

Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir will be at the helm for Arsenal v Barcelona on the same day.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Khedira: 'No Juve-Bayern favourites'

http://www.football-italia.net/80181/khedira-no-juve-bayern-favourites?

Feb 21, 2016

Sami Khedira insists “there are no favourites” when Juventus take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The first leg in the Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday evening in Turin.

“Bayern Munich are one of the best sides in the world and have many very strong players,” German international Khedira told Bild newspaper.

“Some might say that they are the favourites in this match, but Juventus are always ready to have their say in this type of game. There are no favourites.

“I am here to bring stability to the Bianconeri midfield and I’m happy that the fans in Turin have recognised that is my role.”

Both sides have injury concerns in defence, above all Giorgio Chiellini and Jerome Boateng.

“Boateng’s absence will really hurt Bayern, because in my view he is one of the best defenders in the world over the last two years.”

It’ll be the last season for Pep Guardiola before he goes to Manchester City, as Bayern Munich already announced his replacement will be Carlo Ancelotti.

“I think Ancelotti’s arrival is a victory for German football,” added Khedira, who worked with him at Real Madrid.

“He is a Coach who is always ready to listen to you and clear things up face to face. His approach with the players is very open and transparent, based on the human rapport.

“Ancelotti is a great Coach, but also a man of real class.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Arturo Vidal won't celebrate if he scores, hopes fans
won't jeer him in his return to Juventus Stadium

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/21/11081498/arturo-vidal-bayern-munich-juventus-2016-champions-league

Feb 21, 2016

It wasn't that many months ago that Juventus and Bayern Munich were conducting transfer business over the phone, not preparing for a Champions League matchup against one another. There was plenty discussed between the two European heavyweights, with two players heading to Germany after they sported bianconero.

One of those players was, of course, Arturo Vidal, who rose to world-class status during his time with Juventus. His transfer to Bayern Munich this past summer surprised some, while confused others. At the end of the 'OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL' thread following the announcement of Vidal's move to Bayern going through, I had this to say:

Thanks for so many good times, Arturo. And may you be conveniently suspended if Juventus and Bayern Munch are to meet at some point in the Champions League next season or the years after. The last thing we need is for you to remind what we no longer have. That wouldn't sit well with us.

Well, Vidal will be available to play in Tuesday night's first leg against Juventus in Turin. And, as you can guess, the topic of Vidal making his first appearance at Juventus since the summer move back to Germany has been one he's been asked a good amount of the time. That involved a very good interview with the former Juve midfielder in Sunday's giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, where Vidal went on to say the following:

"I return to Turin as an opponent, not an enemy. I don't know how I will be welcomed, but I hope the fans don't jeer. I am excited about this game and it'll be strange to see myself there with another jersey. If I score, then I won't celebrate. In four years I learned and won a great deal. I left because it was an opportunity for me and a good move for Juve, so we were all happy."

(Source: Football Italia)

There is nothing wrong with what he said above. Nothing at all. I would like to think that the Juventus Stadium crowd gives Vidal a warm welcome on Tuesday night considering all that he won and sacrificed during his four years at the club. The transfer probably stirred up some things that have since been said — like Beppe Marotta saying the player wanted a transfer, for one. But nobody can deny how crucial Vidal was to the team and how much of a beloved figure he was since signing from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2011.

"I had no doubts the Bianconeri would come back into the Scudetto race. Even when they were in 12th position I knew they'd get back to the top, because the squad is so strong and never gives up. I watch Juve on TV. In Munich I spend my whole time at home or playing football. Juventus reached the Champions League Final last season, but are Bayern Munich the favourites? "I think we each have a 50-50 chance of qualification."

Based on how big of a part he played in Juventus getting back to being Juventus, there's nobody who knows that grinta better than Vidal. I really do hope that he gets that warm reception when he is announced over the PA system. He can enemy for 90 minutes on the field once the game begins, but he's a huge part of this Juve title run we hope has been continued come the start of next summer's transfer business getting underway.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus Midfielder Believes Bayern Munich Are Favourites

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/juventus-midfielder-believes-bayern-munich-are-favourites/?

Feb 21, 2016

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has admitted Bayern Munich are the favourites ahead of their Champions League clash at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Tuesday evening.

The 28-year-old Germany international believes the underdog tag could suit the Bianconeri who had won 15 consecutive league matches before Friday’s goalless draw with Bologna.

“Bayern are among the best teams in the world,” Khedira told German newspaper Bild ahead of the match.

“It is no mystery that they are absolute favourites, but Juve is a team on a similar level to Bayern, with the experience and the characteristics suitable for playing games of this magnitude. I believe that in the end it could come down to physical condition.”

“Although we lack two strong defenders like Chiellini and Caceres, we will be hoping to trouble the defence of the Germans. For them the absence of Boateng will be big as in my opinion he has been their best central defender over the last two years.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Know your enemy: Talking Juventus-Bayern
Munich with Bavarian Football Works

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/21/11058930/rival-question-and-answer-juventus-bayern-munch-2016-champions-league-round-of-16

Feb 21, 2016

As of this post hitting the internet, Juventus vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League is all of about 48 hours away. Fans from both teams have been awaiting Tuesday night — some eagerly, some nervously, probably some a little in between — for the better part of the last two months.

The thing is, though, Juve-Bayern isn't two months away now. It's just two days away.

We're halfway through the first round of opening-leg matchups. And come Tuesday night. Juventus' turn to jump into the fray and try to make their stay in the Champions League knockout stages last more than just two games.

So, in typical big game kind of fashion around these parts of the internet, we've sought out or opposition's blog on the SB Nation European football network. In this case, we've employed one of the editors over at Bavarian Football Works, Ryan Cowper, to talk to us about what's going on over at Bayern Munich these days.

And don't you worry, there's no talk of loans with options to buy. We'll leave that up to Beppe Marotta, I guess.


BWRAO: Hey, Ryan. We can talk about the absolute goofiness of Thomas Muller later, but first let's get to what truly matters this week: Leg 1 in Turin on Tuesday night. Juventus and Bayern are both dealing with key injuries. How much do you think the injuries to Bayern will impact the first leg (or even both)?

BFW: Bayern Munich may have Medhi Benatia back from injury but I'm not going to hold my breath for it because everytime I turn around he's injured again. Besides that, Bayern Munich have no centerbacks so any attack on the break or dead ball situation that Juventus can send in on goal is going to be extremely dangerous.


BWRAO: The last time these two clubs saw each other in the Champions League, Bayern were storming through Juve â and every other opponent â on its way to a European championship. How does this Bayern compare to that Bayern?

BFW: The Bayern team of yesteryear was strong in every facet of gameplay. They struck the perfect balance between strong possession play, staunch defense, lightning fast counterattacks, and formational and tactical familiarity.

Pep Guardiola's Bayern when it's fully healthy can do the same thing with intent a direct imposition of possession that could be described as smothering. The only real issue being that it's never healthy. Combining imposing play in possession mirrored with a directness that his Barcelona sides never could manage, this team is an offensive juggernaut. On the other side of gameplay, they're held together with scotch tape, toothpicks, and more than their fair share of luck right now.


BWRAO: If there is a weakness on this Bayern team, what do you think it is?

BFW: In a word; defense. Bayern Munich have no centerbacks right now and have been relying on the experience of David Alaba and makeshift centerback Josua Kimmich. Their defense against teams on the break is suspect and their ability to win balls in the air is all but gone. Bayern need to keep Juventus in front of them and in their half of the field. If Medhi Benatia is fit and ready to play on Tuesday, they may have some semblance of defensive form but one aerial defender is still too few.


BWRAO: When looking at Juve's likely starting XI, who gives you the most worry?

BFW: It's not so much a single Juventus player that gives me pause, but Juventus' ability in the air. From Giorgio Chiellini to Leonardo Bonucci to Mario Mandzukic to Paul Pogba, Juventus has enough players with impressive aerial ability to really scare me. Especially given Bayern Munich haven't been able to defend a corner kick with any effectiveness since Pep Guardiola took over. So in a roundabout way, the Juventus player who scares me the most is the man standing over the ball on set pieces. Single game loans for Andrea Pirlo aren't allowed, right?


BWRAO: 'Sup with Arturo Vidal?

BFW: Who knows.... Arturo Vidal has been enigmatic for Bayern Munich this season. Early in the season he stamped his influence on matches with authority, but since then he's waned to the point where I seriously asked whether he should be on this team because he just never fit with his teammates. Since then, Bayern Munich's centerback have all succumbed to injury and Vidal's had to shoulder this team on his back. He's become that highly aggressive two-way juggernaut again -- the one that Juventus fans know so well. Only time will tell if this version of Vidal is going to be the one that shows up for the rest of this Bayern season.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Breitner: Juventus have no chance if
Bayern reach their normal level

The Munich legend believes only Barcelona and Real Madrid can compete with
the Bundesliga leaders ahead of the Champions League last 16 clash in Turin on Tuesday.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2565/exclusive/2016/02/22/20585682/-?

Feb 22, 2016

Paul Breitner does not think Juventus stand a chance of beating Bayern Munich in the Champions League last 16 if the Bundesliga club play at their normal level.

Bayern, who travel to Turin for the first leg of their clash with the Serie A champions on Tuesday, will face a side unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions.

But former Bayern captain Breitner believes the Bundesliga leaders will have no problem eliminating Juve, who he claims are not on the same level as the Munich club, Barcelona or Real Madrid.

"That's about Mia san Mia [bayern motto 'We are We']," Breitner told Goal. "That means we have to show our class against Juventus two times. Then we don't have to wonder about anything. If I am strong, my opponent only interests me as a subsidiary.

"If we reach our normal level Juve has no chance. Even PSG would have had no chance, only Barca and Real [would]. Only against these two teams you need 100 per cent in total.

"In my eyes PSG is a little bit stronger than the other teams we could have faced. Apart from that I am wondering what is the difference between the other teams and Juve? There is none."

Breitner does not expect Bayern to struggle to break down Juventus, having spent much of the season facing defensive teams.

He said: "If I take a look at the season so far, there is no need to even question this. Up to now we played every game – it doesn't matter in which competition – against opponents, that defended 70 minutes with nine players near the box.

"In comparison to the playing style in Serie A, this style is nearly revolutionary. The Italians are born to play nil-nil, to defend. This is the way the Italians played, as I faced Italian teams the first in the 1970s. And this is the way they play even today. This won't change in foreseeable future."

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Caldirola: Juventus should bless themselves
before facing Bayern's organised chaos

Speaking exclusively to Goal, the Werder Bremen defender, who is on loan to Darmstadt,
says that the Bianconeri may need Divine Intervention to beat the Bavarians.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/02/22/20592722/-?

Feb 22, 2016

For Luca Caldirola, when it comes to Bayern Munich's brilliance, seeing is believing - but not necessarily understanding. Now in his third season in the Bundesliga, the Werder Bremen defender, who is currently on loan at Darmstadt, knows full well just how good the German champions can be, but he finds it difficult to define their tactical approach.

"Organised chaos" is the term that the 25-year-old Italian feels best describes a playing style in which each player's role is impossible to define. Pep Guardiola's men move in mysterious ways. As such, Inter academy product Caldirola feels that Serie A leaders Juventus would do well to consult the Almighty himself before Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first-leg meeting with Bayern in Turin...


Goal: What advice would you give to Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri and his players before the game?

Caldirola: "To bless themselves before going onto the pitch! I'm joking, of course, but I know Bayern and I know how hard it is to play against them. The game in Turin is fundamental for Juve. They absolutely must not lose it and if they manage to win, even 1-0, then in Munich they can batten down the hatches and maybe that will be enough to go through. But if they don't win at home, then it becomes really difficult."


Goal: So, is this a case of 'Mission: Impossible' for Juventus?

Caldirola: "In football, nothing is impossible, but hard, very hard, yes. If there was a team to avoid, it was probably Bayern. They're impressive, they know their game off by heart and they have extraordinary quality. However, let's not forget that Juventus made the final last year - even though everyone gave them no hope after drawing Real Madrid in the semis...


Goal: Have this Bayern team got a weak spot?

Caldirola: "If you find it, let me know because we'd also love to know it! If you really want to nit-pick, sometimes - although not often - they leave some space at the back. They have an offensive mentality that pushes them to attack with a lot of men. When that happens, you have to be able to take advantage and strike, because it will not happen again."


Goal: Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata: if you were Allegri, which pairing would you pick?

Caldirola: "With Bayern having a tall and physical defence, I would certainly not leave out Dybala. Also, rather than Mandzukic, I would maybe count on the speed and mobility of Morata, a player that doesn't offer defenders a point of reference and can also surprise them on the counterattack. Mandzukic is more static and he could be more predictable and easier to control for the Bayern back-line."


Goal: There have been reports that the Bayern dressing room is in turmoil, apparently tired of Guardiola and his methods...

Caldirola: "Maybe, but then you see them on the field and you don't see any of those supposed divisions. You seem only a team playing as a team, all fighting together, running for one another, covering one another and helping one another. If this is a divided squad!..."


Goal: Would the current situation at Bayern, with the players already aware that Guardiola is leaving at the end of the season, be unthinkable in Italy?

Caldirola: "Yes, definitely, because in Italy one imagines that the player would not be able to handle it. The fact is that we are under more media pressure in Italy and a coach that announces he's leaving months before his departure would lose the players. At Bayern, however, they know what they're doing. You only have to look at what happened the last time that they announced the imminent departure of a coach... Jupp Heynckes said goodbye by winning the treble!"


Goal: Looking at Guardiola as someone who has seen the fruits of his labour at close quarters, is he really the phenomenon that his results suggest?

Caldirola: "I would not know any other way to define a coach who started with the Barcelona B team, then took over the senior squad and in one season won it all. Then, he left Barcelona and is now doing the same with Bayern. Sure, he has great players available to him but so many of them have become great thanks to him."


Goal: Is 3-5-2 the best formation to play against Bayern?

Caldirola: "Speaking about tactics is absolutely pointless when it comes to Bayern. I have yet to figure out how they play! They don't have a formation; their players are constantly moving around the field. In one game, you see David Alaba on the flank and he seems like a winger; the game after, he's in the centre like he's been playing there his whole life. Bayern's style seems like organised chaos. I don't believe that Juve will win or lose because of the tactics they employ. I instead believe that form and certain incidents during the game will determine the outcome."


Goal: How will the tie go?

Caldirola: "As an Italian, I obviously hope that Juve go through because I always support the Italian teams in Europe. But knowing Bayern so well and having seen them play first hand, I know that it's going to be really tough for Juve. As I said before, the result in the first leg will be decisive because going to the Allianz Arena is tough for everyone and if Juve arrive there trailing, it really will be Mission Impossible. With a win in Turin, though, you can at least go there with a chance."

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus V Bayern Munich – Preview: Bianconeri
Out To Face Old Friends At Bayern

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/juventus-v-bayern-munich-preview-bianconeri-out-to-face-old-friends-at-bayern/?

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus will host Bayern Munich at the Juventus Stadium in the first leg of their last 16 tie in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

La Vecchia Signora qualified for the Round of 16 after collecting 11 points, one behind Manchester City in Group D, and they sealed their qualification with a 1-0 victory against the Citizens.

The Bavarians qualified for the knock-out rounds after topping Group F with 15 points in six matches and the only time they dropped points was in a shock 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in London.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side dropped points in their latest Serie A fixture. After drawing 0-0 against Bologna on Friday night, their winning streak of 15 Serie A matches came to an end.

Pep Guardiola’s team go into this game on the back of a 3-1 win against Darmstadt on Saturday in the Bundesliga. They are now on 59 points after 22 league games and eight points ahead of Borussia Dortmund.

Former Bianconeri players Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman are expected to play for Bayern in Tuesday’s match. Vidal has scored three goals and got seven assists in 32 matches in all competitions while Coman has scored four goals and assisted in seven others in 22 games.

November 2005 was the last time Juventus beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League. David Trezeguet scored both goals for the Bianconeri in a 2-1 win at the now demolished Stadio delle Alpi. Their most recent meeting was the quarter-final tie in 2012 when Bayern knocked out Antonio Conte’s side 4-0 on aggregate.

Juve will be missing Alex Sandro, Giorgio Chiellini and Kwadwo Asamoah with short-term injuries while Martin Caceres is out for the season with an injured Achilles tendon.

Bayern will also miss defenders Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber with long-term injuries while Javi Martinez is out until March with a knee problem.


Form Guide: Juventus (W-W-W-W-D) Bayern (W-D-W-W-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus:

Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Morata, Dybala

Bayern Munich:

Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Tasci, Alaba; Xabi Alonso, Vidal; Robben, Muller, Douglas Costa; Lewandowski

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Barzagli: ‘Juve ready for battle’

http://www.football-italia.net/80216/barzagli-%E2%80%98juve-ready-battle%E2%80%99?

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli says they are ‘ready for battle’ against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri take on the German champions in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in Turin on Tuesday.

The veteran centre-back underlined that it’s ‘crucial’ that Juve come away with a good result and reflected on the ‘really difficult’ 0-0 draw with Bologna on Friday in Serie A.

“We know that Bayern are one of the three best teams in the world, but we’re playing at home and Juventus Stadium will give us a real boost,” Barzagli said to Juventus TV.

“Every team has its weaknesses and it’s our job to find them. We’ll give it a good go and be ready for the battle.

“When you play two-legged games and the first is at home, it’s crucial you come away with a good result in the first encounter.

“We know we’ll face some difficult moments, but we’re used to playing these kinds of matches.

“Bologna was a really difficult game, we had little space in which to operate and both teams did well at the back, meaning goalscoring chances were few and far between.

“Nobody has won easily at the Dall’Ara, and some of the big teams have come away empty-handed.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Rummenigge: ‘Draw good for Bayern’

http://www.football-italia.net/80221/rummenigge-%E2%80%98draw-good-bayern%E2%80%99?

Feb 22, 2016

Bayern Munich director Karl Heinz Rummenigge says ‘a score draw would be a good result’ against Juventus.

The German and Italian champions meet at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday evening in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

“Unfortunately a great team will have to exit the competition, I said that to my friend Andrea Agnelli at the moment of the draw,” Rummenigge told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“And now, having seen the first matches of this round, we’ve had confirmation that it was the best of the draw.

“We have a mutual respect and I must say that currently Juve are the only Italian club that has done well with their stadium, with their success on international pitches, including the Champions League final last season: it’s no coincidence that they’re at the top.

“I’m not superstitious. Juve’s run is impressive, they started less strongly, but have now made a comeback and lead the league table. I think that one of the crucial qualities to the recovery was their patience.

“There’s no favourite in this tie. We don’t have fear but only a lot of respect for a very strong team.

“Our dressing room is calm, despite what people think on the outside. Seen from the inside, our group of players is united, they have spirit and friendship.

“The defence must grow for Juve, everyone can improve. A score draw would be a good result for us in the first leg, with Lewandowski and Muller you can expect a goal, we’re well equipped up front.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Bayern Munich must overcome injuries
to make a statement at Juventus

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/bayern-munich/132/blog/post/2812718/injury-hit-bayern-munich-must-show-calibre-at-juventus

Feb 22, 2016

Injury-hit Bayern Munich face the strongest possible opponents available to them in the Champions League last 16 -- barring PSG -- last season's finalists and Italian champions Juventus on Tuesday.

Pep Guardiola's treble-seekers created history with a record-breaking group stage campaign: five wins from six games and 19 goals against Arsenal, Olympiakos and Dinamo Zagreb. After the draw in December, Bayern supporters would have expected their side to progress to the quarterfinals with plenty to spare against a team they've conquered in four of their last six meetings and haven't lost to since 2005.

But now, given Juve's impressive upturn in form and Bayern's injury issues in central defence -- with Jerome Boateng, Medhi Benatia, Javi Martinez and Holger Badstuber struggling with injury -- it's clearly more of an even battle.

Loanee Serdar Tasci was given a chance to impress in the 3-1 win over Darmstadt on Saturday, but failed his audition. Tasci, on loan from Spartak Moscow, was caught napping for Darmstadt's opener and looked short of the required standard. Furthermore, Tasci was subbed off for Juan Bernat with the game tied at 1-1, so you would assume that the Spaniard is in pole position for a start rather than the 14-time German international.

Benatia is back in training but wasn't deemed fit enough for the squad on Saturday, so it's highly doubtful that the injury-prone Moroccan will be thrown in at the deep end on Tuesday. One possible variant of a makeshift backline would see Lahm slot in at right-back, Bernat at left-back, with David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich forming the central defensive pairing. This is the same "vertically-challenged" back-four that performed admirably during the last away game in Augsburg, yet one without an out-and-out central defender amongst their ranks.

Obviously, Juve forwards Mario Mandzukic (if fit) and Alvaro Morata are a step up in calibre to anything Kimmich and co. have faced recently in the Bundesliga, but, Bayern will aim to keep danger well away from their own box with their possession based football. Clearly, Juve will pose a threat from corners and set-pieces but they would do anyway even if the likes of Boateng, Javi Martinez and Badstuber were fit and healthy.

Tactically, Guardiola will surely have something up his sleeve and will likely place more emphasis on playing to his side's strengths and exploiting their array of potent attacking weapons, rather than fretting about who isn't available. Paradoxically, the luxury of riches absent in defence could serve to relieve some pressure on his team and concentrate their minds.

Bayern's attacking weapons are all fit and firing, now that Franck Ribery has made his return to action. Thiago was an unused substitute on Saturday, while Xabi Alonso enjoyed a 10 minute cameo at the end and Robert Lewandowski continues his incredible scoring form up front.

However, he may not be the only striker in focus on Tuesday as Mario Mandzukic could line up for Juve against his old team. The Croatian forward fell out of favour towards the end of the Catalan's debut season -- deemed surplus to requirements after news broke of Lewandowski's free transfer acquisition - and, to put it mildly, the prickly striker will be keen to put one over on Guardiola.

Mandzukic, if fit, won't be the only player on display facing a former employer either. Kingsley Coman and Vidal arrived at Bayern from Juve last summer but neither the French teenager nor the Chilean are guaranteed starters on Tuesday. Having come up painfully short in successive European semifinals against Real Madrid and Barcelona, Vidal was bought with Champions League success in mind, but the €37 million signing hasn't pulled up any trees so far in Munich.

After easily topping their group ahead of the Arsenal, Bayern have what's considered a slight advantage in playing the away leg first. However, Juventus who finished behind Manchester City in their group, are unbeaten in 16 European games at home (10 wins, six draws) and will fancy their chances in front of their own passionate fans. Worryingly, Bayern have proved highly fragile away from Munich -- losing four of their last seven away games in the competition with defeats at Barcelona, Porto and Arsenal in the past year.

Yet, ahead of the trip to Turin, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claimed, "We're not afraid of Juve. We respect them, no question, but I think Juventus respects us too."

Bayern will have pleasant memories of their last visit to Italy, when they dismantled Roma 7-1 for their biggest ever European away victory in last season's group stage, but Juventus are a different prospect. The injury-hit Bavarians have plenty of excuses if things don't go their way, but will need to show why they are considered one of the favourites to win the Champions League in Turin.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Tardelli: "Juve can get through"

http://www.football-italia.net/80228/tardelli-no-sleep-wc-final?

Feb 22, 2016

Marco Tardelli believes ‘Juve can get through’ against Bayern and reveals he didn’t sleep before the 1982 World Cup final.

The former Juve midfielder is fondly remembered for his iconic celebration after scoring in the 3-1 final victory over West Germany.

Today Tardelli was inducted into the Italian Hall of Fame in the ‘Italian veteran’ category.

“Juve-Bayern? I think Juve can do it because Bayern are without their defence,” he said at the award ceremony.

“Juve are a healthy, strong team and have a chance of getting through.

“The night before the World Cup final? Usually I never slept. I went around the rooms and the corridors of the hotel, where I met Enzo Bearzot. He was a great man, he often stopped to speak with me.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus v Bayern Munich: Preview

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/match/439173/juventus-bayern-munich/preview

Feb 22, 2016

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal has admitted to having mixed feelings about Tuesday night's Champions League trip to Turin.

The Chilean comes up against his former club Juventus for the first time since leaving them last summer and admits he would rather not have to face the Bianconeri yet.

"It's a very special game for me because I'm very grateful to Juve and I still have a lot of affection for them," Vidal told Sport1.de.

"I had four incredible years there and felt at home there - the fans and people loved me and I loved them because they always supported me.

"I would have preferred to have met Juventus only in the semi-final or final because I still have a lot of affection for this club.

"I follow practically all of their games because I like Italian football. I wasn't happy with the draw, but that's football."

Vidal insists he is devoted to the Bayern cause and hopes to beat Juve, but he will have a warning for his team-mates not to expect it to be a walkover.

The Bundesliga club beat Shakhtar Donetsk 7-0 at the same stage of the competition last season, but Juventus are a different prospect with one man in particular concerning Vidal: Paul Pogba.

"He's going to be one of the best midfielders in the world," Vidal said.

"Games like these, in the last 16 of the Champions League, will help him grow. He's already a much better player than he was last year.

"But Juventus also have other dangerous players, like Dybala, who is playing very well, as are Mandzukic and Morata.

"They've got some really dangerous players we have got to watch out for."

Bayern will nevertheless be regarded as favourites, having beaten Juve 2-0 home and away the last time these two teams met at the quarter-final stage three seasons ago.

The Bavarians scored more than any other side in the group stage, with 19 goals, while they conceded only three.

Juve also only let in three, but they scored just six on their way to the last 16.

The Bianconeri have hit form in Serie A, however, with a recent 15-game winning streak taking them to the top of the standings for the first time this season.

"I'm pleased for them, but it's a different story in the Champions League," Vidal said. "The opponents are tougher in Europe and it's going to be a much harder game for them against us than in Italy."

Bayern will once again have a makeshift defence with Serdar Tasci set to take his Champions League bow for the season while former Roma defender Medhi Benatia could return from injury with Javi Martinez, Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber ruled out.

Giorgio Chiellini is Juve's only absentee, with Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli - a Bundesliga winner with Wolfsburg in 2009 - set to start at the heart of their defence, faced with one of Europe's most prolific attacks of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Douglas Costa vs. Stephan Lichtsteiner
Is Juventus vs. Bayern Munich Key Battle

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2618247-douglas-costa-v-stephan-lichtsteiner-is-juventus-vs-bayern-munich-key-battle?

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus vs. Bayern Munich is undoubtedly among the biggest of the last-16 fixtures in this year’s Champions League. Pitting two of European football’s truly giant clubs against each other, it is a clash littered with high-quality matchups.

The Bianconeri will hope Gigi Buffon outshines fellow goalkeeper and World Cup winner Manuel Neuer while believing Turin-born Claudio Marchisio can keep Bavaria native Thomas Mueller in check over the two legs.

The undeniable quality of the Juventus man was discussed at length in a previous post, but it could well be that—despite boasting a high number of Italy internationals—it is one of their imported players who is involved in the key head-to-head battle.

Much of Bayern’s attacking play is focused down the flanks, with Douglas Costa arguably their best winger. And Stephan Lichtsteiner’s ability to slow him down over the 180 minutes of the tie is likely to be crucial.

The Brazil international has contributed five goals and 11 assists this term, blossoming under coach Pep Guardiola following his move from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer. It cost the Allianz Arena side £21 to complete that deal, according to this BBC Sport report, but it has thus far proved to be a wise investment.

According to statistics on WhoScored.com, only four players—Yacine Brahimi of FC Porto, Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal, Neymar of Barcelona and Hulk of Zenit Saint Petersburg—have completed more dribbles per game than Costa in the Champions League this season.


footballisme ‎@footballisme
#Bundesliga GRAPHIC: Douglas Costa

The 25-year-old has also created 2.6 scoring chances per outing, slotting into the first-choice XI of Bundesliga champions almost seamlessly, but he recently told a press conference he believes he can get better.

“On a personal level, I want to score more goals," Costa said, per FourFourTwo. "I still have room for improvement. I needed a bit of time to get back to my best after my injury. My position isn't fixed, I don't care where I play, the main thing is that I play. The purpose of football is to bring people joy."

Often switching flank in search of space, Costa is expected to start on the left at Juventus Stadium, a role that will see him directly opposed by Swiss full-back Lichtsteiner.



Since joining the Bianconeri from Lazio in the summer of 2011—at a cost of €10 million, according to the official UEFA website—Lichtsteiner has been a key member of the side that has dominated the Serie A landscape ever since.

A reliable performer, figures from WhoScored.com show he averaged 1.8 tackles, 1 interception and 1.3 clearances per game in the Champions League last term and has only picked up one yellow card in all competitions during 2015/16.

Furthermore, Lichtsteiner has also made a strong contribution to the Juventus attack, weighing in with 10 goals and 18 assists since landing in Turin. Even surgery to correct an irregular heartbeat could not slow him down earlier this season.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
2898 - In 2014, Stephan Lichtsteiner has been the Juventus' player with the most minutes played in the league (2898). Tireless.

Out of action from September 23 until Juventus took on Borussia Monchengladbach on November 3, 2015, he not only returned immediately to the starting XI but scored a vital equaliser in the 1-1 away draw.

“No, I wasn’t dreaming of a comeback like this, I wanted to win,” Lichtsteiner told Mediaset Premium shortly after the final whistle of that game (h/t Juve’s official website). “Given how it went after we went down to 10 men, we’ll take it!”

The line is typical of a player who works tirelessly on the right flank, and if he can get the better of Costa, he may give new hope to the Old Lady.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Vidal: ‘Bayern must be perfect’

http://www.football-italia.net/80233/vidal-%E2%80%98bayern-must-be-perfect%E2%80%99?

Feb 22, 2016

Arturo Vidal admits Bayern Munich “have to be perfect” against Juventus tomorrow night.

The Bianconeri welcome the German champions to Juventus Stadium for the first leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie, with the Chilean international facing his former team for the first time.

“It will be a special game for me,” Vidal told Sport 1.

“I’m grateful and affectionate toward Juventus, I had four great years there. The fans always made me feel appreciated. I hope it’ll be a good game, we have to be perfect.

“I’d definitely have liked to meet Juventus at a later stage. They started badly, but that’s normal given all the changes.

“Now they’ve recovered and I think they’ll win the Scudetto again in the end. They have great players and a great team, I’m happy for them.

“It’s different in the Champions League though, the opponents play more. It’s a different style to in Italy.

“Their strongest point? Definitely the defence, it’s not easy to score against them. They’re also very quick in attack.”

Vidal was then asked about some of the Old Lady’s star names.

“Mario Mandzukic? There’s no direct duel between us as we play in different positions. He’s a born fighter and he scores a lot.

“As for Sami Khedira, he’s a great player. He’s had some physical problems but now he’s playing consistently and he’s scored some important goals. He’ll be difficult to deal with.

“Paul Pogba? A great player, he’s improving with every passing year, he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. He has a lot of quality.

“I don’t know if he’s their most dangerous player though, there’s also [Paulo] Dybala, Mandzukic and [Alvaro] Morata.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

PATRICE EVRA: ‘I’M RELAXED AHEAD OF JUVE V BAYERN’

http://www.juvefc.com/evra-relaxed-ahead-of-bayern-munich/

Feb 22, 2016

Patrice Evra says he is relaxed ahead of Juve’s Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich.

The veteran defender will likely play from the start and believes Juventus can get something from the game.

“I’m sure that we can pull off a great result, but we’ll require everyone to play their part,” Evra said to Sky Italia.

“We’ll need Juventus Stadium to be bouncing and everyone giving off positive vibes.

“It’s important to play with intelligence, personality, respect and be fearless in our approach.

“If a team-mate gives the ball away we need to think that it might be our fault for not giving him enough options.

“The psychological aspect is what matters in these games. You need to be relaxed and look to enjoy the occasion as much as you can, otherwise you go out and feel like you’re playing in a 20 kilo jacket.

“From what I’ve seen in training I’m perfectly relaxed. Bayern are favourites, but I’ve got plenty of belief in my team-mates and I think that if you asked Guardiola and his players if they think we’ll be an easy side to face, they’d say no.

“Mario Mandzukic will want to hurt Bayern. He’ll have a different hunger and motivation to us. When he’s out there I’ve never seen a defender leave the field of play having had an easy ride, because Mario does a really important job for the team.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus v Bayern Munich Betting: Goals at
a premium when European heavyweights clash

Having gone nine matches without conceding a single goal, Al Hain-Cole is backing the watertight
Bianconeri to frustrate a German team that has struggled for away goals in Europe.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2995/betting/2016/02/22/20601852/-?

Feb 22, 2016

Last season’s finalists Juventus will face a stern test of their Champions League credentials when they welcome Bayern Munich to Turin in Tuesday’s last 16 clash.

Having won 11 consecutive games in all competitions on home turf, the Bianconeri are on offer at 15/8 (2.88) with Paddy Power to put themselves in a strong position by securing a first-leg lead here.

The only foreign team to have beaten the hosts on Italian soil in the past decade, Pep Guardiola’s side are 6/4 (2.50) favourites to come out on top for the fourth consecutive encounter against this opposition.

The hosts saw a 13-match winning streak brought to an end by a 0-0 draw in Bologna on Friday, and there are odds of 11/5 (3.20) available on them playing out another stalemate in this one.

With just six goals to their name in six group stage matches, Massimiliano Allegri’s team possess the least prolific attack of any team in the knockout stages.

In stereotypically Italian fashion, Allegri’s men have their miserly backline to thank for reaching this stage, with their record of three conceded in those six fixtures meaning they have now let in just nine goals in the last 12 Champions League games.

In fact, Juventus have now gone nine games in all competitions without conceding a single goal, and have let in just one in the whole of 2016 so far.

On the other hand, their German opponents struck an unsurpassed 19 goals in their six group stage encounters, meaning this clash will have a defence versus attack feel to it.

However, having struck a relatively modest three goals in their previous six away games in this competition – drawing three blanks in that run, it is fair to say that Bayern have struggled to find their rhythm on the road in Europe.

All things considered, odds of 7/4 (2.75) seem fair on a resilient Juventus keeping the scoreline to under 1.5 goals for their fourth game in five Champions League fixtures, as well as a fourth in five matches on home turf in all competitions.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus and Bayern Munich prepare
for their Champions League reunion

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post/2812785/juventus-and-bayern-munich-prepare-for-champions-league-tie

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus and Bayern Munich meet in Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.

Ahead of the game, we asked Raphael Honigstein and James Horncastle to look ahead by explaining the mood at each club and pinpointing some key tactical battles.

Raf gets the debate going:

Dear James,

I'm writing to you with some pretty sensational news that reflects the elevated levels of paranoia and unease at Bayern Munich ahead of the tie against Juventus. As venerable magazine Der Spiegel reported on Saturday, the club have been accused of spying on employees during their down-time with video equipment!

What did they do and to whom, you ask? Did Karl-Heinz Rummenigge sit outside players' houses in an unmarked car, filming the comings and goings? Or did Matthias Sammer surreptitiously record dressing room conversations with a hidden camera in his cosmetics bag?

Well, not exactly. Der Spiegel cited a legal complaint from a Bayern fan shop worker in Oberhausen. The woman in question had sued the club for not switching off a security camera pointed at the staff room. A judge ordered Bayern to delete any footage and make sure it wouldn't happen again. The club have appealed.

All right, I admit it's a bit of a non-story. But the part about heightened tension is true. The Juve game has overshadowed everything since the turn of the year and the tie has become gradually more daunting as the Italian champions' form has improved and the injuries have piled up in defence for the Germans.

No Jerome Boateng, no Javier Martinez, no Holger Badstuber. For the third time in as many seasons, Bayern are heading into the knockout stages with significant team members missing. As a result, they're not nearly as confident as they were immediately after the draw was made.

But that's not the worst of it. The fear now is that, even if they get past Juve, they will once more come up short against one of the superpowers. Add behind-the-scenes-volatility due to Guardiola's departure into the mix and what you've got is a club on the edge.

Anyway, how's the mood at Juventus?


Venerable Rapha,

Well, I have to say it's definitely better than it was when the draw was made in December. Inter fans took no little pleasure in seeing their former captain and vice-president Javier Zanetti pair their rivals with Bayern. I think you have a word for that. What's German for Schadenfreude?

Regrets were plentiful that Fernando Llorente, who they let join Sevilla for nothing, then went and scored the goal that ensured the Old Lady finished runners' up in their group behind a Manchester City team they beat home and away.

The Ex-Factor is still enough to make Juventus nervous. I suspect that, if he plays, the Bianconeri will follow Arturo Vidal closely. As for Kingsley Coman, you may recall he was starting for Juve ahead of Paulo Dybala at the beginning of the season. Max Allegri certainly didn't want him to become Coman the Bavarian.

Overall Juventus are realistic about this one, Raph. Captain Gigi Buffon has said throughout this season that while he would back his team against anyone, there are two in particular that he considers to be a cut above the rest of the competition: Barcelona and Bayern.

As a "Star Wars" enthusiast I know you'll appreciate Allegri's take on this game. He imagined himself as Master Yoda in "The Empire Strikes Back," tweeting: "Do. Or do not. There is no try." Just as Luke Skywalker absorbed that pearl of wisdom and managed to raise his X-Wing from the swamps of Dagobah, the force has awakened in Juventus and that must be a worry for Bayern.

Their club-record 15-game Serie A winning streak ended on Friday with a 0-0 draw in Bologna but where once there was pessimism, now cautious optimism resides. Juventus have got no problem with being the underdogs.

The trouble is that they've got injuries of their own. In fact, they've had 44 this season and while it looks like Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic will make it, Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro -- their best crosser -- remain doubtful.

What do you think Pep's got up his sleeve for this one?


Ciao James,

Coman has been a revelation although he won't start on Tuesday night. It will be Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa on the Bayern flanks, with the Frenchman probably be given chance to hit Juve for pace late on in the game, when we could also see the return of Mario Gotze. Even Franck Ribery is nearing match fitness.

But the depth of class in attacking positions only brings the problems at the back into sharper relief. Gottseidank, as they say in Bavaria, David Alaba is capable of playing centrally -- he didn't know he could until Pep told him -- and Joshua Kimmich has been pretty impressive as a make-shift centre-back.

Defensively, Bayern have played with four at the back that becomes a three in possession, with right-back Philipp Lahm moving forward and more centrally into a semi-defensive midfield position next to Xabi Alonso, before going wide again to support Robben in the final third.

Thomas Muller also likes to move out wide on the same wing, so my guess is that Bayern will target Patrice Evra's side. Juan Bernat on the left won't be going forward as often. Whether Vidal features in the starting XI, I'm not sure.

All in all, you will see that Bayern's game has become much more direct and orthodox, compared to the possession masterclass they delivered the last time they met with Juve in the 2012-13 quarterfinals.

But I'd say that the club's re-emergence at top level in Europe can be directly traced to another game against Juve. You'll probably recall that Louis van Gaal was only one defeat away from getting fired in December 2009 when his team obliterated the Bianconeri 4-1 in the group stage to stay alive in the competition.

The Dutchman kept his job, while Bayern overcame the psychological -- and tactical -- problems they've had against Italian teams and advanced to the final for the first time since 2001 and Heynckes inherited a platform he could refine with better defensive organisation and pressing.

Will it be another historic occasion this time around, I wonder? It could be the tie that effectively ends Guardiola's reign.

Mit sportlichen Grüßen!


Servus, Raf!

How funny you should bring up history. The J Stadium is a fortress and has been since it opened in 2011, but one team has had the bad manners to upset Juve there in Europe and that team was Bayern three years ago.

Juventus have come a long way since then. Psychologically, last season was a breakthrough in Europe for this group. The complex they had in the Antonio Conte years was definitively shaken off, which is of great credit to Allegri, who shares a super power with Carlo Ancelotti for getting players to keep their heads when all about them are losing theirs.

A calmer, more patient approach, allied with the experience they have accumulated these past few years, has revealed itself to be the winning formula that had hitherto escaped them in the Champions League. In particular, the Borussia Dortmund games at the stage last season changed everything.

Another difference with that 2013 tie is that Mario Mandzukic, who scored the winner in Italy, now plays for Juventus. His recovery for Tuesday's game is considered key in the local press, first and foremost because his partnership with Paulo Dybala is Juventus' best.

Alvaro Morata has a great record on European nights -- you'll recall that he equalled Alessandro Del Piero's club record by scoring in five consecutive Champions League matches last season -- but, despite recently ending a run of 20 games without a goal, he remains out of sorts.

The second reason why Mandzukic is key concerns tactics. The defenders available to Guardiola have an average height of five-feet-seven-inches and so crosses into the box could be an area where Juventus have some joy.

Bayern will have to watch Dybala too. Operating in the no-man's land between the lines, he is a nightmare to pick up. Both creator and finisher, he's also a threat from set pieces, which has helped Juventus forget Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo.

Much attention will be drawn to Paul Pogba, while Allegri's side have never lost with the ballast of Claudio Marchisio and Khedira in midfield, but Bayern must not neglect Juan Cuadrado, who has come up big on several occasions this season. Late goals are a particular forte of his and Juventus in general. They've scored 14 in the final 15 minutes of matches. Moreover, they have the best defensive record of any team in Europe's top five leagues in 2016, having conceded just once.

Juve's recent game against Napoli, which they won 1-0, served as excellent preparation for Bayern. Cuadrado sought to pin Napoli's strong side back, while Pogba covered Evra diligently on the other flank. The way the defence dealt with Gonzalo Higuain, snuffing out Serie A's leading scorer out entirely, will also make them confident of handling Robert Lewandowski.

Bayern will have to be at their best.

In bocca al lupo!

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Pogba: ‘Nothing to lose for Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/80241/pogba-%E2%80%98nothing-lose-juventus%E2%80%99?

Feb 22, 2016

Paul Pogba says Juventus “are not favourites” against Bayern Munich, but “that can be an advantage”.

The Bianconeri take on the German giants in Turin tomorrow night, the first leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie.

When the sides last met, the Bavarians comfortably progressed 4-0 on aggregate, and Pogba spoke to UEFA’s official website about that encounter, as well as the upcoming clash.

“I was on the bench for the first leg” Pogba recalled.

"That was when Bayern were really, really good – the year they won the Champions League. They had a very well-organised team with some lethal players up front.

“This season they also have a great team, with players with great individual skills who can make the difference at any time.

“But we are Juventus, we are a great club. We are not favourites to win this tie, but that can be an advantage for us as well.

“We have nothing to lose.

"We could have finished first in the group, but the most important thing was to qualify. We're not favourites against Bayern, but that's no problem for us.

“Playing against PSG [Paris Saint-Germain], Barcelona, Bayern ... it's the Champions League. There are no small teams in the Champions League after the group stage. We will give everything and try to qualify from this round.”

Pogba will be facing a familiar face in the shape of Chilean international Arturo Vidal, who left the Bianconeri this summer to move to Bayern.

“'Arturito' went to Bayern and we will be facing Kingsley Coman as well – two ex-Juve players.

“We know all about Arturo's quality – he is very dynamic, he runs a lot and he can score at any moment. He is very skilful, he can play a great final ball, so he is a complete player; everyone knows it.

“We will work in training on stopping him and the other Bayern players. We know him so we will give him a few kicks – but nothing too nasty! We hope to win against my friend ‘Arturito'."

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

JUVENTUS V BAYERN MUNICH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q&A

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-bayern-champions-league-qa/?

Feb 22, 2016

We put your questions to Bayern Central blogger Michel Munger ahead of Juve’s Champions League clash against the German Champions.


What do Bayern fans think about Juventus on the whole (Their opinion on the team)?

I believe there is a lot of respect for Juve. We see them as an excellent football team with a great coach. Tactically smart with plenty of individual class. There is a genuine sentiment that they have a chance when going into this tie.


How as Vidal fared so far on the pitch? Do you think he’s improved or regressed since his time at Juve?

Many fans criticised his performance. However, I think that a part of the problem is the inability of box-to-box midfielders to play for Pep Guardiola. Vidal is one of many central midfielders who struggle, especially when Xabi Alonso is on the pitch. Box-to-box guys like to roam everywhere and they cannot do that with Alonso around.


If you don’t win the CL this season, do you consider Pep’s reign could be viewed as a “failure”?

Yes and no. Guardiola has been highly successful at Bayern, becoming almost unbeatable in the Bundesliga. On the other hand, he was not brought on to win just the league. The treble earned by Jupp Heynckes made winning the Champions League obligatory for his legacy.


In terms of tactics, how would Bayern do in Serie A?

I believe it would keep winning games and it would top the league, but we would see less 5:1 or 4:0 blowout games. Scorelines would be closer. Italian sides tend to be better defensively than Bundesliga teams.


If Bayern could take one player from Juve (money no object) who would they take & how would he improve Bayern?

Paul Pogba. He has a powerful right foot and he is a workhorse in the midfield.


With all these injuries, what is/are your weaknesses? – With all these injuries, what is/are still your strengths?

Central defence remains a question mark because the makeshift back line remains untested at a very high level. Aerial duels and set pieces have been and remain Bayern’s weakest links. Not having tall central defenders can make it worse.


Your Juve & Bayern combined XI?

Keeping injuries in mind…

Neuer

Lahm – Bonucci – Chiellini – Evra

Vidal – Pogba

Robben – Müller – Costa

Lewandowski

If we had anybody but Manuel Neuer as a goalkeeper, Gigi Buffon would be my choice.


How do you feel about Ancelotti taking over next season?

Amazing. I believe he will be a more tactically flexible, practical coach who will use the best strengths in the squad instead of implementing a rigid ball control philosophy!


What mistakes did juve make against Bayern last time, and what do they need to do differently this time?

I would not say that they made a major mistake. They faced a perfect Bayern squad that took no prisoners. The 2013 edition was too complete for anybody to match.


What do you consider to be Juve’s greatest weakness?

I believe they could be a little better on the ball.


How would you rate this Bayern Squad vs the treble winning group that last faced Juve

The treble team was 10 out of 10. This Bayern squad is an 8. It does not often play the direct football it should and the coach makes big mistakes in the big games. Remember how Pep gambled on attacking instead of being conservative against Real Madrid and Barcelona.


What do you fear the most above Juventus and Allegri

They could defend to death and counterattack us, and shut everything down after scoring a goal.


What is the game plan for your back line?

It will most likely go up, control the ball, cross the middle of the pitch and be weak against the counterattack.


Will Benatia or Tasci be fit for Tuesday?

Medhi Benatia has only resumed team training recently. He may be fit to play a few minutes, but I doubt he can start. Serdar Tasci is fit to play, but he may not have earned the coach’s trust when he stopped defending against Darmstadt. They scored a goal that he could have prevented.


As we all know, Guardiola is about to leave Bayern. He has admitted he is already thinking about his team at City. Will this have a positive or negative influence on Bayerns campaigns? (domestic/CL)

It is hard to believe that he will be 100% focused on the task. It also is hard to believe that players completely trust him after learning about his intention on TV! This is speculation on my part, of course, but I believe that football coaches and players are human after all.


Both teams will have to do with a lot of injuries, mainly defensive ones. Which team will be worse off?

A fully healthy Bayern could blow past any team, perhaps even FC Barcelona. It is diminished by injuries to important players such as Javi Martínez and Jérôme Boateng. I believe Juve is doing better without a couple of key players.


Prediction/Expectations for the game in Turin?

I would be happy with a draw or a 1:0 win. Bringing this kind of score back to the Allianz Arena would make it an almost-automatic win because Bayern is unbeatable at home nowadays.


How do you rate Kingsley Coman?

Highly. His intelligence on the ball and ability to find spaces for passes to his mates are remarkable. Nobody expected him to make his mark so quickly in Munich. All I can ask for is for the team to buy him soon.

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Lahm: ‘Juventus a great team’

http://www.football-italia.net/80242/lahm-%E2%80%98juventus-great-team%E2%80%99?

Feb 22, 2016

Philipp Lahm believes Bayern Munich are facing “one of the best teams in Europe” in Juventus.

The Bianconeri return to Champions League action tomorrow, welcoming the German champions to Turin for the first leg of their Last 16 tie.

“After a long break in the Champions League after the group stage we have a classic against one of the best teams in Europe, who are in great form,” Lahm told reporters in the pre-match Press conference.

“It’ll be my 100th Champions League match.

“What are our chances? I’d say 50 per cent, Juventus are a great team. They had their problems at the start of the season, and have stabilised now, they’ve put together a long winning run.

“So it’ll be a very difficult game for us, but it already was when the draw was made.

“We have to try to win, last year they went to the final of the Champions League so this is one of the most difficult games we could have.”

Mario Mandzukic trained today, meaning he is likely to be available to face his old side, and Lahm is looking forward to renewing acquaintances.

“Of course we’re happy to see Mandzukic again, we had a very positive spell with him, we played the biggest games.

“When we celebrate our successes it’s always nice to be reunited with the people who shared in those successes, so I’ll be happy to see him again tomorrow.

“There’s great respect, of course, you always have to have great respect for your opponents but it’s even more important to have respect for a team which has put together a winning run, has some great qualities and one which has a great team spirit.

“They’re well organised on the pitch, and of course there are many players who can decide the game in Juventus’ favour.”

[Socrates 8974]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Guardiola: 'Juve have quality'

http://www.football-italia.net/80243/guardiola-juve-have-quality?

Feb 22, 2016

Pep Guardiola admits Bayern Munich have injury problems, but “we’ll try to play our usual game” against “quality” Juventus.

The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“This stage of the Champions League is always complicated, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is,” said Guardiola in a Press conference.

“Juventus have done great things in recent years, first with Antonio Conte and now Max Allegri. They started this season badly, but then grew so much. They just won 15 games in a row, so I expect a very entertaining game.”

Bayern are certainly weakened in Turin with injuries particularly hitting hard in defence.

“It’s true we have only two centre-backs available, but what can we do? This is the situation, we can’t complain about it. We will try to play our usual game with the players at our disposal. Everyone who has come with us to Turin is available to play.

“Juve are in great shape at the moment and concede few goals. We’ll try to do something different to usual.

“Could Arturo Vidal play in defence? He can play in various different positions, so it’s a possibility. Arjen Robben played in the middle during out last game because we needed him in that position. We have many alternatives and Mario Götze can play centrally too.

“Juventus are a side of quality. You can’t win four consecutive Scudetto titles, fight for a fifth and reach the Champions League Final without it.

“I expect them to press us high up the pitch and if we escape that pressing game then clam up to wait for us and go on the counter-attack. I might be wrong, of course.

“It would be important for us to score an away goal, but Juve have a very strong defence and it’s up to us to play with intelligence. We’ll try to win the first leg and then control the second.

“Compared to last season we have a much bigger squad with men who can take players on. Of course, so do Juve.”

Guardiola was asked which Juve players he would like to have in his team.

“Oh that’s a difficult one… Bonucci, Marchisio, then there’s Pogba, Dybala, Buffon, Evra, Lichtsteiner… They are a fast team, while Pogba and Marchisio help out in defence. We have to avoid their quick counters.”

The Coach was also somewhat irritated by a few questions, including one about his future at Manchester City (“this is not the place for that”) and whether leaving Bayern Munich without the Champions League would be a failure.

“Anyone who judges me only for the Champions League doesn’t realise that my life does not depend on that. I want to win the Champions League too, but I have found a new culture and my objectives have been achieved.

“At Barcelona I won everything and won it again. I wanted to try a new experience, just as I will change again. There is so much more to my life than football.”

Guardiola famously has a close rapport with his former Brescia Coach Carlo Mazzone, so is the Italian invited to tomorrow's game?

"No, I'll invite him to the Final."