Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8041]

TORINO - JUVENTUS

1 - 4

 

Paul Pogba (33')
Sami Khedira (42')

Andrea Belotti (48'-Penalty)

Álvaro Morata (63')
Álvaro Morata (76')

 
 

MATCHDAY 30
Sunday, March 20th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

RATINGS: Pogba stars in derby win

Gianluigi Buffon makes history as the Serie A champions claim an impressive
Derby della Mole victory, with Alvaro Morata and the brilliant Paul Pogba inspiring victory.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/torino-vs-juventus/2120672/ratings

Mar 20, 2016
 
 

Torino

1 D. Padelli - Did little wrong and actually made a couple of smart saves in the first half, but he was ultimately beaten by several fine goals and rarely helped by poor defending.

19 N. Maksimović - Made a few well-timed tackles around his penalty area, particularly one of Morata at the end of the first half, and he looked composed on the ball, bringing it out himself to good effect more than once.

25 K. Glik - A nightmare afternoon for the captain. Looked nervous from the off with several botched clearances, then conceded the foul for Pogba's free-kick and was beaten too easily by Khedira for the second. A day to forget.

24 E. Moretti - Tracked Mandzukic quite well for long periods, helping to keep his influence to a minimum, though he did produce a couple of clumsy challenges and was lured out of position by the Croatian for Khedira's goal.

33 Bruno Peres - Torino's brightest attacking player. He was comfortable on the ball, playing a couple of decent one-twos and fortuitously winning the penalty, while at the back he put in a good shift for the most part.

6 A. Acquah - Neat and tidy in possession, he enjoys a couple of eye-catching runs and linked well with Peres out towards the right.

20 G. Vives - Busy and industrious in midfield, but he failed to track the run of Khedira for the second Juve goal.

15 M. Benassi - Had a couple of encouraging moments in midfield, as the Italy Under-21 international looked confident on the ball and tested Buffon a few times from distance.

21 G. Silva - Worked hard on the left, offering an outlet in attack and some defensive support, but he gave away a few fouls and was beaten in his duel with Lichtsteiner at both ends of the pitch.

9 A. Belotti - Full of effort and running in attack. He tried to make the most of the service to him, but often he was not given much of a hope. Scored Torino's goal and ended Buffon's streak with a smart penalty.

10 C. Immobile - Cut a frustrated figure for much of his time on the pitch. Did his best to be a physical nuisance to the Juve defenders, but there is only so much you can do when you are provided with poor service. Replaced due to injury at the interval.


Substitutes

11 M. López - Immobile's half-time replacement, he made himself a nuisance and enjoyed a good tussle with Bonucci, but he could do little more than he did without better service.

7 D. Zappacosta - Replaced the booked Silva in the second half and offered a little more defensive discipline.

16 D. Baselli - Thrown on late but was not given enough time to make much of an impact.


 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Surpassed Sebastiano Rossi's Serie A record of 926 minutes without conceding a goal and produced a typical display, as he made everything look simple, though he was beaten by a coolly taken penalty.

24 D. Rugani - Did little wrong as the right-sided centre-back. Used the ball well and held his line, never getting carried away and charging out of the back.

19 L. Bonucci - Engaged in plenty of theatrics with the likes of Immobile and Lopez, but it did not get in the way of his job, as he was solid throughout.

15 A. Barzagli - The experienced defender looked a little nervous when ran at, particularly by Peres, but other than that he was solid, doing well in the air and made a crucial block to deny Lopez.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - A presence going forward, but he needlessly got involved in a lot of histrionics and was eventually withdrawn because he was in danger of picking up a second booking.

6 S. Khedira - A fairly typical performance from the German, as he kept his passing neat and simple, while he scored a fine goal, bursting through the middle and stroking home in composed fashion. He ruined his day with a late red card for dissent, though.

18 M. Lemina - A rare start for the 22-year-old who has struggled with injuries this term, he looked at ease and composed in the middle, doing his job well without ever really catching the eye.

10 Paul Pogba - Quiet during the early stages but came to life with a glorious free-kick strike and then had fun in midfield, setting up Morata's first goal in brilliant, outrageous fashion, then the second with a little less finesse, but a true sensation nonetheless.

12 Alex Sandro - Occasionally caught out at the back and penalised - perhaps unfairly - for the penalty, but going forward he was effective and he won the free-kick leading to Morata's second.

21 P. Dybala - A real livewire, as he ran at the Torino defence continuously and made them nervous. His set-pieces were poor and was then forced off injured just before the break.

17 M. Mandžukić - Lured Moretti out of position as he set up Khedira's goal, but otherwise he was ineffective and had little impact.


Substitutes

9 Álvaro Morata - Dybala's replacement towards the end of the first half and he made a huge impact. Looked lively in general, then scored a delightful first and poacher's second.

16 J. Cuadrado - Brought on for Lichtsteiner early in the second period but was fairly quiet, with his only notable contribution being losing the ball in dangerous position with a failed piece of skill.

7 S. Zaza - A late introduction for the poor Mandzukic. Almost set up Morata for a third goal just before stoppage time.

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

TORINO - JUVENTUS

1 - 4

 

Paul Pogba (33')
Sami Khedira (42')

Andrea Belotti (48'-Penalty)

Álvaro Morata (63')
Álvaro Morata (76')

 
 

MATCHDAY 30
Sunday, March 20th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Torino 1-4 Juventus: Player Ratings

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/03/torino-1-4-juventus-player-ratings/?

Mar 20, 2016

Juventus beat their local rivals Torino 4-1 in what was a controversial encounter.

Paul Pogba and Sami Khedira made it 2-0 to the Bianconeri before half-time but Andrea Beloit’s penalty made things interesting before Alvaro Morata’s brace killed the game off.
 
 

Torino

Daniele Padelli – 4.5 – Unreliable - Conceding four goals is never acceptable for a goalkeeper and this time the Italian could have perhaps been more decisive in coming out for the second goal as Khedira was allowed to slice through the Granata defence.

Nikola Maksimovic – 5.5 – Insecure - The young Serbian started the game well enough but his performance gradually deteriorated and his decision to play Morata offside for the fourth goal did not pay off.

Kamil Glik – 4.5 – Must improve - The Granata captain seems to be nowhere near the levels, which he was at the last season having difficulty in struggling with the Juventus attack. The Pole could have and probably should have been sent off for a foul on Alex Sandro

Emiliano Moretti – 5 – At Sea - The experienced Italian, just like Glik, proved Torino’s defensive decline this season by committing various errors and exposing the entire backline.

Bruno Peres – 6 – Energetic - Grew in influence in the game and made some great runs forward, one of which resulted in a disallowed goal.

Afriyie Acquah – 5.5 – Opportunistic - The Ghanian energetically made bursts forward but that exuberance also got himself booked for a rash challenge.

Giuseppe Vives – 5.5 – Diminishing - In the first 15 minutes Vives had a strong influence on the game but that influence dissipated quite quickly and he was swamped by the Juventus midfield in the second half.

Marco Benassi – 5.5 – Lazy - Not tracking back for Khedira’s goal was a key error but in the second half, the 21-year-old recomposed himself and made a couple of vital interceptions in the second half.

Gaston Silva – 5 – Poor - Really insecure performance demonstrated by a yellow card for a foul on Lichtsteiner, with whom he had a lot of trouble dealing with.

Ciro Immobile – 5 – Unfortunate - Lively running in the first half but the Italian forward seemed to have picked up an injury towards the end of the half and was replaced by Maxi Lopez

Andrea Belotti – 6 – Ruthless - In the first half the young striker seemed to be overawed by the occasion but in the second he won himself a penalty, which he transformed with the upmost of coolness to reopen the game.

 

Substitutes

Maxi Lopez (45 minutes) – 5.5 – Unlucky - Came on for Immobile and had a valid goal chalked off for being in an offside position.

Davide Zappacosta (76 minutes) – n/a

Daniele Baselli (81 minutes) – n/a


 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Recordbreaker - The veteran keeper beat Sebastiano Rossi’s long standing record of the most amount of minutes without having conceded a goal. Unfortunately he could not keep a clean sheet as he was wrong footed for Belotti’s penalty.

Daniele Rugani – 6.5 – Rising - The young centre-back seems to have slotted seamlessly in the Old Lady’s backline and is growing in confidence with every game.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Rock - The 28-year-old certainly made his presence clear at the heart of defence especially on Belotti as he frequently came into close contact with the Torino forward.

Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Solid - The 34-year-old took time to adjust to the running of Immobile and Belotti but in the second half he composed himself and made a vital block on 75 minutes.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 5.5 – In the wars - In amongst the thick of the action in the first half bombarding forward and even going close to scoring.

Sami Khedira – 5.5 – Immature - Imperious in dominating the centre midfield. The German was all over the pitch in the middle of the park and made a bursting run to make it 2-0 to the visitors. His performance, however, was heavily marred by a red card in the dying moments off the game for dissent.

Mario Lemina – 6 – Cog - The Gabon international, like Rugani, has made strides in his recent performances and was an important cognitive link between defence and attack.

Paul Pogba – 7.5 – Outstanding - Fairly anonymous in the first 30 minutes then the Frenchman goes and lights up the game with a magnificent free-kick and stepped it up a gear to provide the difference.

Alex Sandro – 5 – Forgetful - Incredibly lucky not to get sent off at the start of the second half for a second bookable offence for conceding the penalty. Allegri promptly took him off on 50 minutes.

Paulo Dybala – 5 – Rushed - Perhaps the Argentine magician was rushed back a little too quickly after missing the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. He was taken off after half an hour due to an ankle injury.

Mario Mandzukic – 5.5 – Disappointing - Yes the Croatian target man provided the assist for Khedira but overall he could have contributed more to the game perhaps due to the fact that was wasn’t physically in the best condition.


Substitutes

Alvaro Morata (32 minutes) – 7 – Impact - Got more game time than perhaps he might have expected with Dybala’s injury and once again he scored two pivotal goals that killed off Torino

Juan Cuadrado (50 minutes) – 6 – Limping - The Colombian winger provided velocity in the second half but suffered a muscular problem and showed perseverance in remaining on the pitch

Simone Zaza (87 minutes) – n/a

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

TORINO - JUVENTUS

1 - 4

 

Paul Pogba (33')
Sami Khedira (42')

Andrea Belotti (48'-Penalty)

Álvaro Morata (63')
Álvaro Morata (76')

 
 

MATCHDAY 30
Sunday, March 20th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Torino vs. Juventus: Winners
and Losers from Serie A

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2626235-torino-vs-juventus-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a?

Mar 20, 2016

Returning to domestic action after their Champions League exit, Juventus travelled across town for a derby clash with Torino, emerging 4-1 winners in a match that was much closer than the final score suggests.

It was a welcome relief from their European heartbreak—losing as they did in extra time to Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich on Wednesday—and Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri insisted his side had “no regrets” at his pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon.

After stressing a need to “come back fighting,” the coach will undoubtedly have been pleased by the reaction as he went on to explain that there was still much for the Bianconeri to look forward to before the end of the 2015/16 season:

We’re in the hunt for the Scudetto, we have a place in the Coppa Italia final and we’ve won the Super Cup. Perhaps if we had a bit more of the rub of the green we would have reached the Champions League quarter-finals, but we mustn’t allow Wednesday’s game to derail us in our chase for the title. It’s important we keep taking each game at a time, starting with tomorrow’s against Torino.

He and his players will take much confidence from Sunday's result, and what follows is a look at the individual winners and losers from Juventus' latest victory, highlighting the best and worst performances from the Serie A encounter between these two derby rivals.


Winner: Gigi Buffon (Juventus)

After 10 consecutive clean sheets, Juventus skipper Gigi Buffon needed just four minutes of this match to break the all-time Serie A record. As OptaPaolo tweeted during the match, the 38-year-old managed exactly that, adding another 40 minutes to Sebastiano Rossi’s previous high as he turned in a fine performance.


Loser: Kamil Glik (Torino)

If Gigi Buffon and the Juve back line shone once again, the same cannot be said of Torino captain Kamil Glik—normally such a calming influence at the heart of the Granata defence—despite some impressive-looking statistics.

Indeed, figures provided by WhoScored.com show he made an impressive four tackles, seven interceptions and a staggering 14 clearances, but he also committed four fouls and looked unconvincing from the opening whistle.


Winner: Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

While Paul Pogba deserves immense credit for his goal and two assists, the introduction of Alvaro Morata was arguably the difference between the two teams here. Introduced in the 31st minute to replace the injured Paulo Dybala, the Spain international displayed the same fine form he showed against Bayern in midweek.

Netting twice, Morata’s directness and pace were simply too much for the Torino defence to contain, and Juventus will hope that the striker can maintain this level in the coming weeks.


Loser: Alex Sandro (Juventus)

While Juventus celebrated a well-deserved but difficult victory, it was an afternoon to forget for Alex Sandro. The Brazilian conceded the penalty that Torino converted to end Gigi Buffon's record-breaking goalless run, and his yellow card means he has now passed the disciplinary threshold and will be suspended for the club’s next match at home against Empoli.


Winner: Bruno Peres (Torino)

Had Torino taken anything away from this encounter, they would have owed much to their Brazilian wing-back Bruno Peres. As previously discussed, his head-to-head battle with Alex Sandro was always going to be hugely influential in the result, and there is little doubt that he got the better of the Juve man throughout the 90 minutes.

According to WhoScored.com, Peres created two scoring chances, won a penalty and made two interceptions, two clearances and one tackle in an action-packed display.

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

TORINO - JUVENTUS

1 - 4

 

Paul Pogba (33')
Sami Khedira (42')

Andrea Belotti (48'-Penalty)

Álvaro Morata (63')
Álvaro Morata (76')

 
 

MATCHDAY 30
Sunday, March 20th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Gianluigi Buffon breaks Serie A record
as Juventus ease past Torino

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2834065/gianluigi-buffon-breaks-serie-a-record-as-juve-beat-torino

Mar 20, 2016

When it comes to Serie A, Juventus are unstoppable and the team who boast the skill, desire and mentality to overcome all and lift the trophy. They also possess one of the greatest goalkeepers to have ever played the game; Gianluigi Buffon.

The iconic Italy goalkeeper was finally beaten in Sunday's 4-1 win over Torino but not before he had set a new Serie A record without conceding a goal.

Defeating Torino after suffering a heart wrenching midweek defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, the Bianconeri may have been made to suffer at certain moments but possessed the maturity and talent to prevail.

Juventus exploited Torino's fear and Paul Pogba scored the first goal of the game from a free-kick. The traumatised home side's backline then parted to allow Sami Khedira, who was later sent off, to dribble right through and score an exquisite second, underlining Juve's dominance.

Massimiliano Allegri's men, winners of 19 out of the past 20 Serie A matches, were barely forced to try yet they dominated a derby that ought to have been more challenging.

Acknowledging the ease with which the Bianconeri were scoring, Giampiero Ventura did just enough at half time to reinvigorate a Torino side that had mentally collapsed after Pogba's goal. Sending out a much more determined team in the second half, one that focused on its attacking potential as opposed to its weak defence, it took the team only three minutes to earn a penalty and Andrea Belotti beat Buffon, who earlier in the match had overtaken Sebastiano Rossi's previous record of not conceding in 929 Serie A minutes for AC Milan, set in the 1993-94 season.

Playing with a little more physicality, Maxi Lopez did well to apply pressure on Juve's defence and attempt to hurt the players who had expended so much energy during the week. Scoring a second half goal that was incorrectly ruled offside, the Granata matched Juve's efforts. However, it is during these moments that leaders regain control of the team.

Boasting an impeccable Pogba and a beautifully skilled Alvaro Morata, the two combined to score when Juventus were struggling to knock the wind out of Torino's sails. Despite the desire of the home side, the Old Lady's efficiency, coupled with superior skill, made the difference and Morata's double on 63 and 76 minutes sealed an easy win.


Player ratings

Gianluigi Buffon, 8 -- The veteran set an all-time new Serie A record of 974 minutes unbeaten and no one deserves the honour more. A tremendous goalkeeper and an effective leader, he always organises his defence well. Couldn't do much for the penalty.

Daniele Rugani, 7 -- Did well to clear a great chance from the line to protect Buffon, the youngster should be proud of his performance. Mature and alert, his clearances and interceptions ensured defensive security.

Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Lost his composure again and looked troubled often. Bailed out by his partners in defence but he is always determined.

Andrea Barzagli, 7 -- Wonderful and in control, as usual. Secure and a player who always uses his intelligence to defend. Battled against Maxi Lopez and ensured Buffon's security.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, 5 -- A little poor going forward, he failed to penetrate effectively to help a hapless Mario Mandzukic. Still attentive to his defensive duties.

Sami Khedira, 7 -- Good running off the ball and good passes. Running beautifully straight through to tear the home side defence open, he scored Juve's fine second. Awarded one point fewer for a silly sending off towards the end.

Mario Lemina, 6 -- A tidy game in midfield in which he often recovered possession cleanly and distributed play well. Hardly thrilling.

Paul Pogba, 8 -- A wonderful performance from the Frenchman, who not only scored from a terrific free kick but displayed his immense quality to assist the second. Attentive, his vision allowed him to deliver another assist for Juve's fourth. When he plays like this, it's difficult to see how a team can cope without him.

Alex Sandro, 6 -- When it comes to taking players on, few are as good as the wing-back. While the penalty decision was controversial, Sandro must be more composed and less reckless at times.

Paulo Dybala, 7 -- Worked hard, falling deep to reclaim possession and making incisive runs forward. Suffered from injury and had to be taken off.

Mario Mandzukic, 5 -- A poor performance from the Croatian. Gave possession away too cheaply while his forward play was ineffective.


Substitutes

Alvaro Morata, 8 -- Another brilliant performance from the Spaniard, who possesses beautiful skill. So intelligent with his runs and positioning, he scored a fine brace.

Juan Cuadrado, 5 -- Ineffective going forward, his arrival made no impact on the game.

Simone Zaza, N/R -- Barely given any time to make an impact.

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

TORINO - JUVENTUS

1 - 4

 

Paul Pogba (33')
Sami Khedira (42')

Andrea Belotti (48'-Penalty)

Álvaro Morata (63')
Álvaro Morata (76')

 
 

MATCHDAY 30
Sunday, March 20th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Allegri bemoans 'immature' Juventus
despite derby victory

The Bianconeri extended their unbeaten Serie A run to 20 games with
a win over their derby rivals, but their coach criticised their inability.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/03/20/21529292/-?

Mar 20, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri complained that Juventus were "immature" in aspects of their play despite a 4-1 derby victory at Torino.

Paul Pogba's free-kick gave Juve the lead and Sami Khedira - who was sent off for dissent in the closing minutes - made it 2-0 before half-time to send the side on their way to an unbeaten run of 20 matches in Serie A.

An Andrea Belotti penalty saw Gianluigi Buffon's record run without conceding end at 973 minutes before substitute Alvaro Morata made sure of the points with two well-taken finishes.

However, Allegri felt his team were still guilty of poor decision-making when it came to killing off their opponents and ticked off his side for showboating at times.

"It was a fine victory, especially as we managed to put the [bayern] Munich blow [when Juventus bowed out of the Champions League] behind us," the trainer told reporters after the match.

"It's just a shame we went for too many solo moves and dribbles when Torino were struggling. We need to improve in that sense, as we are still too immature and think the situation is easy."

Torino coach Giampiero Ventura was left fuming by referee Nicola Rizzoli's decisions after Maxi Lopez crucially had a goal chalked off for offside when the score was 2-1.

"It hurts to lose a derby like this," he said. "Alex Sandro should've been sent off, the same goes for Leonardo Bonucci, and in the second half we should've been at 2-2 with an extra man.

"With all due respect for Juventus, an extraordinary team, but today I will not accept this situation. I won't stand for it.

"The incidents were so incredibly obvious that I have to wonder how on earth the referee didn't see them? How is it possible that all this can happen?"

But Allegri did not think the referee had an impact on his side's win, which keeps them on track for a fifth successive Serie A title.

"I understand they were upset, as we were after Wednesday in the Champions League," the Juventus coach said.

"I never usually talk about referees and I think two incidents do not take away from the good things we did in this game.

"After the Maxi Lopez goal we continued playing and Torino sat back to wait, so it didn't really change anything."

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

TORINO - JUVENTUS

1 - 4

 

Paul Pogba (33')
Sami Khedira (42')

Andrea Belotti (48'-Penalty)

Álvaro Morata (63')
Álvaro Morata (76')

 
 

MATCHDAY 30
Sunday, March 20th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Torino vs. Juventus 1-4, Gigi Buffon gets his record
as Juventus put Munich memories in the past

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/21/11272954/home-away-2016-COMPETITION-final-score-recap-result

Mar 20, 2016

I didn't take what happened in Munich well. Sure, I was proud of our display but seeing Juventus get five to six minutes from beating Bayern Munich, to then lose was devastating. I avoided anything Juve until today. My worry was that the boys would be equally affected by the loss. Not caring so much about the game, or not preparing well for it.

Of course, I am a fan, whereas they are professionals, and for them, what happened in Munich was a lesson and a source of strength and motivation. And if we are talking about motivation, there was plenty this game. There was Gigi Buffon's record, and also, there were bragging rights for the winner of the Derby della Mole.

So all in all, a team coming back from a tough loss, playing a game with lots of history and the possibility to make history.

Juventus started with a classic 3-5-2, with Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli covering Buffon; Stephan Lichtsteiner and Alex Sandro on the wings and Sami Khedira, Mario Lemina, and Paul Pogba in the middle of the park; up front Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala were leading the charge.

The first 15 minutes of the match were really intense, partly because of Gigi's record. It seemed like Juventus were in the dying minutes of a 1-0 game holding on to prevent Torino from scoring a goal. However, nothing happened for the first four inutes when Gigi took the goalless record from Sebastiano Rossi. A befitting honor for who I consider is the best keeper of all time and certainly of our generation.

Once we got past those four minutes, I realized the game was really physical. Juventus were fouling Toro players and vice versa. Referee Nicola Rizzoli thought that he could just talk players out of committing fouls but instead he appeared to lose control of the match. After 29 minutes of play, and out of nowhere Dybala pulled a muscle and was substituted by Álvaro Morata. Dybala came off after Juventus got a free kick in their favor. Pogba stepped up to take the free kick and curled it like Andrea Pirlo would have a few years ago. It certainly would have made Il Maestro proud.

With Juventus going ahead there was plenty of space to be exploited but the teams continued to hack at each other for the remaining of the half. Then, after 41 minutes of play, Khedira intercepted a pass a run unchallenged to the Torino goal. When Kamil Glik noticed that Khedira was heading straight for goal it was too late. Sami released a well-positioned shot to the side of Padelli and Juventus were up 2-0.

The second half started at a pretty frantic pace and that is when Buffon's record ended. Bruno Peres was given too much room and Sandro tackled him from behind. This was one of those fouls that was 50/50. Sandro got the ball, but he came in from behind, and in the speed of the play the ref decided to give it to Torino. Andrea Bellotti coolly scored leaving the new record to beat at 974 minutes.

May it be Buffon to beat his own record in the future. The Juve players were not rattled by the score, reminiscent of Munich a few days back. Instead, they got back to attack. After 50 minutes, Lichtsteiner came off for Juan Cuadrado to show Torino that Juventus were not backing down at 2-1. And Morata was intent on putting any ghosts to bed. After 63 minutes, Morata controlled a perfect pass from Pogba and made it 3-1. The Pogba-Morata connection paid dividends again, with the Frenchman assisting the Spaniard of a failed free-kick. The Derby will see Juventus emerge victorious again, maintaining a 3-point distance with Napoli ahead of the international break.


Pagelle

Buffon 10 I can care less about the goal, because of him all of us got to see history in the making. If that is not a 10, I don't know what is.

Rugani 7.5 Rugani was grown leaps and bounds lately, and that is no surprise as 33% of his playing minutes have come in the last two games. With five interceptions and three tackles, you can see that he is both very good at reading and taking action when needed.

 

Bonucci 7.0 Did very well and his passing is always great. He could have set Pogba for a second goal but the pass was just a tad too strong.
 

Barzagli 7.5 Once again the strongest player in the backline. And that says lots because Bonucci and Rugani were close to perfect today. He started on the left but then moved to right exchanging places with Rugani. Theories as to why? Leave them in the comments section below.

Lichtsteiner 6.5 Solid defensively and combined well with Khedira and Lemina to open up spaces up front.

Khedira 6.0 Yes he scored a goal, but a player of his experience should not be getting a red card for mouthing at the referee. Minus one point for the red card, otherwise he played a great game. Most importantly he is staying fit.

Lemina 7.0 Three tackles and five interceptions. He is a solid presence in the middle and I am glad to see Allegri picking the the on-loan Gabonese midfielder over Hernanes.

Pogba 8.0 He started a little subdued but then grew into the game and showed everything he is capable off. One greatly placed free kick and two assists. Never mind his five dribbles, six tackles and two interceptions. He was simply unstoppable.

Sandro 7.0 A thorn on Torino's side. He attempted 10 dribbles and succeeded in six. Although he is to blame for the goal, we allowed that was a 50/50 challenge. He shouldn't have done it, but I am sure he learned to trust the rest of the team to help clear those balls.

Mandzukic 6.5 His moving was crucial in making space for Khedira's goal and he was full of running for the first 30 minutes of the match. But besides that, his contributions really diminished. I don't know if he is carrying an injury or if he is physically exhausted but no matter what I hope we see more Zaza or Morata over the next few weeks.

Dybala s.v. Didn't really have a chance to do much. With that being said, he had a beautiful slalom run that was shaping up like a beautiful goal but then he lost his balance. Let's hope the injury has a quick recovery time.

Morata 7.5 The last few matches we have seen the real Morata back. His second goal was not an ease feat, but he managed to control the ball and put it past the keeper in an acrobatic fashion. You can tell that goal meant a lot to him.


Things I think I think

- Buffon and the team should be proud of what they accomplished today. I also think this team has it in them to beat this same record in the future.

- Rugani is making the most of his chances. Last week his improvement from first to second half was great. Today he had an even better match. Because of Allegri's tactical switch of Rugani with Barzagli, I imagine that Rugani prefers to play on the left of defense. If that is the case it will be interesting to see what happens when Chiellini comes back.

- Licthsteiner's minutes have been in short supply today. It looks to me like Allegri prefers a more attacking minded player on the wings. I don't see Lichtsteiner as being physically unable to carry the task, instead I see Allegri's vision of what the team should be like moving forward.

- Pogba has so much left to give this club and Juventus is still the best place for the Frenchman to make his mark. I know that, and I hope he recognizes this as well.

- Morata is finding his form again, a little late in the season but he is coming back. I still don't know if he is the best partner for Dybala but hopefully we can test that when the two players are firing on all cylinders.

- Rizzoli refereeing was terrible for both sides. Referees need to protect players like Dybala, not let them get hacked time and time again. Just because Dybala doesn't roll around and hold his face like he just got shot it doesn't mean he wasn't fouled.

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

TORINO - JUVENTUS

1 - 4

 

Paul Pogba (33')
Sami Khedira (42')

Andrea Belotti (48'-Penalty)

Álvaro Morata (63')
Álvaro Morata (76')

 
 

MATCHDAY 30
Sunday, March 20th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

PAUL POGBA SCORES A BREATHTAKING FREE
KICK AS JUVENTUS THUMP TORINO

Juventus stamped their authority over cross town rivals Torino with an emphatic 4-1 victory at the Olimpico di Torino.
French superstar opened the floodgates after curling in a scintillating free kick in the 33rd minute.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/multi-media/2016/03/21/video-paul-pogba-scores-breathtaking-free-kick-for-juventus-against-torino/?

Mar 21, 2016

Goals from Paul Pogba, Sami Khedira and a brace from Alvaro Morata ensured that Juventus maintained their three point lead over second placed Napoli in the Serie A. In a match that also saw veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon set a new Serie A record for going the longest period of time without conceding a goal, Pogba stole the show early on.

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS INJURY ROUNDUP

http://www.juvefc.com/injury-roundup/?

Mar 24, 2016

A day doesn’t seem to go by without yet another Juventus injury woe, so in an effort to stay on top of the mounting list of casualties, here’s a brief roundup of who’s out of action.

Paulo Dybala – Despite travelling to South America to join up with the Argentina team, Dybala has been forced to pull-out of the squad due to a tear to the right biceps femoris muscle he sustained in the Derby Della Mole. He’s expected to return to Turin today for further tests.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – The Swiss right-back skipped training yesterday due to a calf injury. He’s expected to miss tomorrow’s friendly match against the Republic of Ireland but will return to the Switzerland squad for the second match, according to GdS.

Claudio Marchisio – Il Principino is still out with a muscular problem affecting his left calf. The original statement from the club read: “During training yesterday Marchisio suffered a muscular problem to his left calf. Checks late last night showed a first grade soleus muscle injury and the prognosis is for 20 days.” Given that was posted on 15th March, Marchisio could be expected back in action for 3/4th April, the same weekend as Juve’s match against Empoli.

Giorgio Chiellini – The defender suffered ‘an overload of the soleus muscle in his right calf’ during the Bianconeri’s 2-0 victory over Inter in week 27. “Chiellini is due to return to action in approximately ten days” read the original statement, but the centre-back hasn’t been seen since, missing the all-important Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. There’s been no official word from the club as yet, but today’s GdS suggests Chiellini will be fit and ready for the match against Empoli.

Andrea Barzagli – The veteran defender had to drop out of the Italy squad with a thigh injury which was later confirmed in a statement from Italy’s team doctor: “The other problem concerns Barzagli, who has a muscular strain in his left leg so we decided along with the CT [Antonio Conte] to send him back to Turin for treatment.” According to GdS and Sky, Barzagli is expected to undergo tests today and may return to the squad for Empoli if the results are positive.

Martin Caceres – The Uruguayan centre-back is out for the remainder of the season and the latest news from Sky/Gianluca Di Marzio suggests Napoli will be hoping to sign him on a free transfer this summer.

In addition to the above, Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira are suspended and will miss the Empoli match (Juventus are expected to appeal Khedira’s red card).

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus striker Paulo Dybala could be healthy
and available to face Empoli next weekend

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/25/11306774/paulo-dybala-injury-juventus-empoli-2016-serie-a-round-31

Mar 25, 2016
 
We were in the same kind of situation with Paulo Dybala last weekend as we've been in regarding Giorgio Chiellini for a handful of times over his Juventus career. We saw Dybala's name in the starting lineup, wondered how truly healthy he was after missing the midweek game against Bayern Munich, then saw Juve's leading scorer have to leave before the first half came to an end.

After five days of no official news regarding the condition of Dybala's injury from the win over Torino, we got word. Finally, we got word, and it may actually be good news! From Juventus' Friday training report:

After returning from South America, Paulo Dybala underwent medical examinations to assess his progress following the muscle injury he sustained against Torino last Sunday. These have shown an improvement in the player's condition.

His progress will continue to be monitored as the Bianconeri work towards next weekend's return to Serie A action against Empoli.

Yes, don't worry, you weren't the only one wondering why Dybala went on international duty in the first place. I guess Leo Messi and Sergio Aguero needed some goal-scoring tips on the first day or two of training, but that's just me taking a wild guess on this one.

But good injury news is the best kind of news. Even if Dybala isn't 100 percent healthy to face Empoli — and I feel like that should be a huge factor in when he does return — then he isn't that far away from making a return to the field. And with no more Champions League football (/sad/), Juventus only have one more midweek game this season. Based on when that game is, April 20 at home against Lazio, then there's plenty of time in between games to reach full fitness.

Yes, that's a fact even with a three-point lead over Napoli. Empoli can be a tough out, but a potential striker tandem of, say, Álvaro Morata and Simone Zaza is plenty good enough to get the win over Daniele Rugani's former team. Let's be honest, nobody wants to see Dybala struggling with his fitness, and nobody wants to see him rushed back, either. Thank goodness there's still over a week to go in the international break.

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

Cannavaro: 'Juve superior to Napoli'

http://www.football-italia.net/81926/cannavaro-juve-superior-napoli?

Mar 26, 2016

Fabio Cannavaro considers “Juventus superior to Napoli,” but would love to see his hometown club celebrate.

The Ballon d’Or winner played for both clubs in his career and was asked to give a verdict on the Scudetto race.

“I consider Juve to be superior to Napoli, because the Bianconeri have a stronger overall squad,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Napoli paid the price for having so many games between Serie A, the Europa League and Coppa Italia, because it was almost always the same XI.

“That was the difference, as Juve can afford to let the second string play and still reach the Coppa Italia Final, whereas Napoli can’t rotate in the long run and keep the quality level high.”

There is a three-point gap at the top of the table and Cannavaro hasn’t completely lost hope of Napoli’s first title since 1990.

“I was fortunate enough to experience it as both a ball boy and a fan at the Stadio San Paolo. It makes you so proud, because the city is often criticised and treated badly by the rest of the country.

“The fact you can win a Scudetto makes you feel stronger than everyone else and it’s a real show of pride.”

[Socrates 8041]

March’s Juventus Thoughts:
Icarus, Power, and the Sun

Juventus things happened in March. We discuss them here.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/28/11306988/juventus-march-2016-in-review-serie-a-champions-league

Mar 28, 2016

The month of March began in pretty dramatic fashion. After the utter meltdown against Inter in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal, Juventus almost pulled off a similar stunt with a nervous display in Bergamo a few days later. As fantastically entertaining as the Coppa game was for the neutral, the Atalanta game was a poor and drab affair where Juve flirted with disaster until the late cracker by Mario Lemina shut down the game.

The Sassuolo victory was a welcome return to routine before the emotional ending to the month with the infamous game in München. The wonderfully-entertaining Turin derby was a comforting, albeit slightly hollow-feeling, closure to the month’s action. I think it's fair to say that the month of March was an extremely emotional ride for all Juventini.


Icarus

So it is with the myth of Icarus, the legend of a boy who fashioned wings from feathers and wax, daring to fly into the heavens. His father was fearful and warned Icarus to be careful, begging him not tempt to fate by flying too close to the sun. But in the end, the boy couldn’t resist. His waxen wings melted from the sun’s rays. And he plunged to his death.

Why did Icarus fly to the sun? Did he want to break away in order to have something so beautiful, so powerful, and so seemingly unattainable? He came so close to it, so close to the sun, until its power ultimately overwhelmed him. For some reason, this story emerged so strongly in my mind after the Bayern Munich game. All the odds were against Juventus, they weren’t expected to break away and come so close the winning, so close to the sun. Ultimately, we were painfully and badly burned, but we were desperately close…

However, this team has shown that it is capable of extraordinary things, capable of surprising even the most pessimistic of spectators. We have proven that we rightfully belong amongst the elite of Europe. The sun really isn’t that far from our grasp.

Jaguar: At last, something beautiful you can truly own – Mad Men

I want us to fly to the sun again. Not to look at it, marvel at its beauty, and ultimately get burned by it...but to harness its power that belongs to us. This team is capable of this. This team deserves such glory.


Success and power: Time to pivot

From three competitions to only two. One dream has faded, so now we’re at the point where we have to ask the one tough question: What constitutes success for the rest of the season? There have been some claiming that a Coppa-Scudetto double is a minimum for the remainder of the season. Others might disagree and consider the Scudetto sufficient. Others simply have no opinion. Again others believe that even a domestic double would still be deemed a "failure."

Success is a tricky beast — tame it once, and it becomes only harder to tame again afterwards. Juventus' domestic domination of the last few years has served to constantly raise fans’ expectations and demands, while making it ever more difficult to satisfy them.

Money is the McMansion in Sarasota that starts falling apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stands for centuries. I cannot respect someone who doesn't see the difference.

Frank Underwood (House of Cards)

My opinion on the matter? I touched upon it above, but it’s straightforward stuff. I want to dominate. I want to crush teams. I want even the slightest thought that we are not the best in Italy to be vanquished. We win, but at all times we win with honor. We won four Scudetti in a row? Good, now let’s win a fifth, a sixth, a seventh, and seven times seven more. But no matter what, I will celebrate in and recognize this team’s every success, a success that I so desperately want.

What do I want? In one word: Power.


Won't you come home again?

Roberto Maximiliano Pereyra. His bright start to the season was unfortunately hampered by a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him for months. Nevertheless, his return from injury was rightly touted as being like a new signing, so we all patiently waited for him to come home again.

The underwhelming performance against Bologna (in February) was fairly attributed to rustiness and a lack of match fitness. The 81-minute run-out against Atalanta was more encouraging, although still not quite as sparkling as we’re used to from the Argentine playmaker. However, given the injuries, and his unique skill set, I genuinely believed he could play a strong impact role against Bayern, but man was I disappointed.

That game was the point where I became worried about El Tucumano. He had the freshest legs that game and a skill set that should have perfectly facilitated our counter-attacking game by providing the crucial out-ball to turn defense into attack. Here was a man with a point to prove as well, given his lack of sustained form since his injury. But he huffed and puffed and, ultimately, disappointed.

Pereyra has reached an interesting point in the season. We all know of the quality that he can provide on the pitch, but he absolutely must finish the season on a high to remind everyone of why we so dearly longed for his return. Juventus is only going to reinforce the squad in the summer so he has to solidify his position in the team in order to remain a valuable asset in the team.

Come home, Roberto. We miss you.


A Captain's Message

If anybody wants to know why I'm so emotionally-connected to the game, this is one of the best examples why. Who knew that Gigi Buffon was so wonderfully poetic? But then again, who knew that a game like this could mean so much to so many? To put so much emotion into something that, to the plain eye, looks so ordinary is absolutely moving. It speaks to me of giving your full heart and soul for even the simplest things in life, no matter how rudimentary they may seem to the average person.

We have always been opposites yet we are complementary, like the sun and the moon. Forced to live side by side without being able to touch. Team-mates for life, a life in which we are denied all contact.

Grazie, Gigi, I could read the purity of your emotion in every syllable and every letter of that beautiful message of yours. Grande Capitano!


Spanish Bombs

But not in Andalucía this time. No, I’m talking about our boy Álvaro Morata. It’s fair to say that he’s had a difficult, challenging season so far. A lack of confidence and goals on the pitch and some unfortunate issues off the pitch. Add to that the arrivals and performances of Mario Mandžukić and Paulo Dybala last summer, and you can see how Morata has had all sorts of problems to face this season. There have been flashes of positivity here and there, but he hasn’t been able to maintain and build on that momentum. I feared the worst for Morata; forget about a lack of form, I feared that he might fall into a deep spiral of negativity and lose the enthusiasm in his play.

But then I saw his performance against Bayern. The confidence to run rings around 3 Bayern defenders in their very own stadium. The audacity to lob Manuel Neuer for an exquisite disallowed goal.

And then his goals and, most wonderfully, his subsequent celebrations against Torino.

The genuine joy in his face. The positivity of his body language towards his teammates. I smiled for him because these were not the signs of a man that I thought would be broken, negative, and void of joy. These were the signs of a man that has not yet given up and that will not give up anytime soon. These were the signs of a man that, once he tightens the laces of his boots, smells that fresh, green grass of the pitch, and pulls on that beloved shirt, puts all other things to one side and puts every fiber of his being into his play.

Surely this speaks towards the support system that Morata has in place in his life. Of course, this largely consists of the environment at Juventus and his day-to-day interaction and relationships with his teammates, but also outside of that. He clearly must have the genuine support, love, and strength from those closest to him that is helping him battle through a difficult and potentially defining period of his career. And that is something we can all learn from.

Going forward, though, my question to him remains the same: Are you going to stand strong for long like that old stone building, or are you going to fizzle out and fall apart like that McMansion on Sarasota?


Quote of the Month

Totally unrelated to Juventus, but I just heard it on one of the weekly podcasts I listen to and thought it was hilarious:

Joining a Facebook group about productivity is like buying a chair about running.

The Fizzle Show

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Corsi: ‘Juventus are a war machine’

http://www.football-italia.net/82008/corsi-‘juventus-are-war-machine’?

Mar 29, 2016
 
President Fabrizio Corsi says Empoli “will try” to stop Juventus but “they’re a war machine”.

The Bianconeri lead Napoli by three points at the top of Serie A, with the Partenopei Coached by Maurizio Sarri, who took Empoli to Serie A.

The Tuscan travel to Turin this weekend, and the patron is keen to do his former Coach a favour.

“We’ll try to stop Juventus in the next match, even if just putting in a good performance would be nice,” Corsi said on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“They’re a war machine, they always have a perfect approach. Before the game they don’t even greet the opposition, then they’re transformed on the pitch. They never leave anything to chance.

“I don’t think Napoli are weaker though, if they play each other 10 times they’d win five each.”

Corsi also discussed defender Lorenzo Tonelli, who has been linked with a move away in the summer.

“Tonelli is one of the best Italians after the Juve defence, he could even do well with the Bianconeri.

“In January Napoli, Roma and Juve wanted him, with the latter always being more and more interested.”

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

The Juventus-Napoli Scudetto race: A look
ahead at the month of April

What does the coming month hold for the title challengers?

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/29/11317314/the-juventus-napoli-scudetto-race-a-look-ahead-at-the-month-of-april

Mar 29, 2016
 
With eight games to go in the 2015-16 Serie A season, defending champions Juventus lead Napoli by three points. AS Roma are seven points adrift of second and Fiorentina and Inter Milan round off the top five a further five points behind.

There will be no further European football distractions for any of the Italian teams, and this is the last international break as well, so the players can fully focus on the Scudetto going forward. Here are the April schedules for Juventus and their closest rivals Napoli.
 

The Bianconeri are at home for three of the five games, hosting 11th placed Empoli, 18th placed Palermo and 8th placed Lazio. They will travel to Milan for the showdown with the 6th placed side, and also to 4th placed Fiorentina who are battling for a Champions League spot.

Against the same opponents in the first leg, Juventus collected a maximum of fifteen points. Away matches at the Rossoneri and Viola could prove to be the toughest tests, especially with the injury situation the Old Lady finds herself in currently.

 

The Partenopei play twice at home, against last-placed Verona and 10th placed Bologna. They are away at 16th placed Udinese, 5th placed Inter and 3rd placed Roma. Napoli had 10 points from these five games, slipping to defeat at Bologna and being held at home against the Giallorossi. The Neapolitans' biggest challenge could come on visits to Milan and Rome in this month.

Roma's last loss was against Juventus over two months ago, and if they sustain their current form, they could come pretty close to nipping on Napoli's heels by the time the two sides meet at the end of the month.


POLL

How do you think the top of the Scudetto will look by the end of April?

70% Juve lead Napoli by 3+ points (152 votes)

20% Juve lead Napoli by 1-3 points (43 votes)
4% Juve tied with Napoli on points (9 votes)
4% Juve behind Napoli by 3+ points (8 votes)
2% Juve behind Napoli by 1-3 points (5 votes)

217 votes total

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Carli: ‘No fear with Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/82010/carli-‘no-fear-juventus’?

Mar 29, 2016
 
Marcello Carli admits Juventus will be “difficult” but Empoli will travel to Turin “with no fear”.

The Tuscan side face the League leaders on Saturday night, and their sporting director doesn’t believe the match is a foregone conclusion.

“We’re facing a a difficult game against a team which hasn’t lost in 19 games,” Carli acknowledged in an interview with TuttoJuve.

“We’re not resigned though, even though it’s a match which is at the limit of our abilities. We want to play a great match, we want to do our job with no fear, but with great respect.

“Whoever plays will have to put in a performance of great sacrifice.”

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus sweat over injured trio

http://www.football-italia.net/82128/juventus-sweat-over-injured-trio?

Mar 31, 2016
 
Claudio Marchisio, Paulo Dybala and Andrea Barzagli missed Juventus training again today.

The trio are all carrying injuries, and have been following personalised recovery programs ahead of the visit of Empoli on Saturday.

While Giorgio Chiellini has retuned to the squad, Marchsio, Dybala and Barzagli again worked alone at Vinovo today.

Juan Cuadrado has returned from South America, but was given a day to rest after playing for Colombia against Ecuador on Tuesday night.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri will be without Alex Sandro and Leonardo Bonucci through suspension, while Martin Caceres is out for the season.

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

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus V Empoli – Preview:
Bianconeri Look To Crush Hapless Azzurri

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/04/juventus-v-empoli-preview-bianconeri-look-to-crush-hapless-azzurri/?

Apr 1, 2016
 
Juventus will look to inflict further misery on out of form Empoli when the two sides meet at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Azzurri’s season has collapsed in 2016, with Marco Giampaolo’s side having won just once since the turn of the year. By contrast, the Bianconeri have not been beaten in Serie A in 2016 and have risen to the top of Serie A in the process.

The champions have won 19 of their last 20 games, with a draw against Bologna the only blip in that run. By contrast, the Azzurri stopped a four game losing streak with two recent draws, but have gathered just four points in eight games.

Massimo Maccarone gave Empoli the lead in the corresponding fixture at the Stadio Carlo Castellani only to see Juventus surge from behind to claim a 3-1 victory. That win ensured that Juventus extended their unbeaten run against the Azzurri to 11, with their last defeat coming as long ago as 1999.

Indeed, the Tuscan side have emerged victorious just twice in the 19 meetings between the two, losing 14 of the games so far. They have avoided defeat just once in Turin, a 0-0 draw in 1998.

Empoli will hope to take advantage of a much-weakened Juventus team that have a number of star players missing for differing reasons. Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira will all sit out through suspension, while Massimiliano Allegri has a sizeable injury list too.

Paulo Dybala is a doubt, while Martin Caceres, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio are all almost certain to miss out, giving something of a makeshift feel to the Bianconeri squad.

Daniele Rugani will deputise for Chiellini, while Hernanes is set to start in midfield. This will allow Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic to play up front, with the Croat looking to add to the goal he scored in the aforementioned win earlier in the campaign.

By contrast, Empoli’s squad is reduced only by the injury to Uros Cosic, so Giampaolo can count on his first team as he looks to pick up desperately needed form.


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


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus:

Buffon; Lichsteiner, Rugani, Barzagli, Evra; Pogba, Hernanes, Asamoah; Cuadrado; Mandzukic, Morata.

Empoli:

Skorupski; Laurini, Costa, Tonelli, Mario Rui; Zielinski, Paredes, Croce; Saponara; Pucciarelli, Maccarone.

 

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

[Socrates 8041]

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

JUVENTUS VS EMPOLI MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-vs-empoli-match-preview-scouting/?

Apr 1, 2016
 

Juventus

After the useless March international break, Serie A returns and the home stretch begins: the next eight games will decide the Scudetto winner as Juventus are hanging on a small three-point lead over Napoli. As we have seen with the brouhaha after the controversial calls in the Derby della Mole, the situation has already heated up and it will not quiet down, probably until Euro 2016, I guess.

Giorgio Chiellini has indicated April 25th, three weeks from now, as the key date for the title race: Juventus will visit Florence, while Napoli will face Roma on the road. The definitive verdicts will likely arrive on that day and, in the meantime, the Bianconeri will try to expand the gap right from this weekend as they host the fading Empoli, while Napoli travels to Udine, a city where victory has eluded them in recent years.

The two-week pause did not really help heal wounds as there are more banged up players now than before. Luckily, everybody avoided major injuries, but there are several doubts heading to the Saturday game and the lineup is still up in the air.

Let’s start with the certainties: Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira will miss the match because they are suspended. Bonucci and Khedira are hurt too: the defender has a sore groin that forced him out of Germany-Italy, but it could have been worse. Khedira, who will start serving a two-game suspensions for cussing at the referee the club has appealed against, sat out that game because of muscle fatigue and has yet to take further tests.

The list of players who are ailing is long and somebody will inevitably have to bite the bullet. Claudio Marchisio is dealing with a calf strain and he is not expected to play this weekend, but he should be ready for the Milan bout next week. Hernanes is slightly favoured to replace him, should Juve use a three-man midfield because he spent the break in Turin, while Mario Lemina was with Gabon and this is a pet thing coaches like to do.

Giorgio Chiellini has recovered. Patrice Evra has a bruised tibia and Stephen Lichsteiner a bad calf, but they should gut it out. The most uncertainty involves Andrea Barzagli and Paulo Dybala: the centre-back made a quick trip to Italy HQ in Coverciano but returned to Vinovo because of a fatigued hamstring. Paulo Dybala, who left the Torino game with a similar ailment, travelled all the way to Argentina, but made the trip back because he was unable to play. The early reports indicating he suffered a strain were quickly dismissed, likely it was just a translation blunder, but it is said that the coaching staff will be cautious. The fact that he missed the Bayern clash, although with a calf problem, and then played four days later was a bit suspect to me.

The absence of Dybala would not be a big problem as Alvaro Morata is in good form and Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza are available as well. However, Barzagli missing the game would most likely force Massimiliano Allegri to move away from 3-5-2. I guess Lichsteiner could play as RCB, but that is not really ideal. An interesting wrinkle to keep an eye on, in case Barzagli recovers, is whether the coach will entrust Rugani with the Bonucci role: Allegri has gone back and forth on whether the youngster can take on those responsibilities that are not strictly defensive.

There seems to be some optimism about Barzagli but the fact that he has yet to re-join the rest of the group two days before the match worries me. Not having him would open up three different tactical scenarios, all involving a four-man defence: 4-4-2 with Cuadrado and Asamoah, 4-3-1-2 with Stefano Sturaro in the midfield and Roberto Pereyra in the hole, 4-3-3 with Cuadrado and Morata as offensive winger. The first one is reportedly gaining steam, with the alternative of Pogba slotted as tactical left winger and Hernanes in the middle.

UPDATE: Dybala has not been called up, while Barzagli and Marchisio are in the squad list, but not expected to start. Allegri talked up Pereyra in the press conference and the favourite lineup as for right now is 4-3-1-2.


Probable lineup 4-4-2:

Buffon; Lichsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Evra; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Pogba, Asamoah; Mandzukic, Morata.


Injuries:

Caceres (Achilles), Dybala (hamstring).

Suspensions:

Bonucci, Alex Sandro, Khedira.


 

 Empoli

Empoli, after a so-so start, had a really nice run in December that catapulted them in penthouse of the table. Unfortunately, they quickly realized that they could not compete with the top teams vying for a European spot, and fizzled out. They have not won in the last eleven matches, mostly due to lack of motivation. In this period of the season, we see numerous teams that are stuck in no man’s land, comfortably above the danger zone but distant from the top six, therefore having nothing to play for.

Still, considering all the summer changes and gambles, it has been a remarkable season for them. They lost their mastermind Maurizio Sarri, half of the defence (Elseid Hysaj and Rugani) and half of the midfield (Mirko Valdifiori and Matias Vecino) and they are still having a better year than the last one. Five of their seven best players and an outstanding coach left to join top teams, but they did not flinch.

Hiring Marco Giampaolo, who was navigating in the lower leagues, was a big risk but it panned out. Giampaolo kept the same system in place, accommodated the newcomers and made it look like nothing changed. I think that his best call was replacing the early revelation Assane Diousse with Leandro Paredes as deep-lying playmaker not for performance-related reasons, but to change the style of the team. The move gave them a very technical midfielder, also composed by Piotr Zielinski and Daniele Croce or Marcel Bucher, that is really their driving force.

Riccardo Saponara cooled off after a scorching hot start, he has not scored since mid-December, but he is still their best player and their main source of offense, and the attack mostly play off him. Massimo Maccarone is still doing his thing at 36 and Manuel Pucciarelli is serviceable. Saponara is probably not that top player he was deemed to be in September but I would still take him as a back-up advanced midfielder, should Juventus make the permanent move to 4-3-1-2 in the summer.

They do not rotate the starting XI much and they will have basically all the starters at disposal. Lorenzo Tonelli visited Germany earlier this week to get treatment for knee tendinitis, but he is said to be available. Vincent Laurini suffered a hamstring strain before the break: Empoli is pretty underreported, but the usual timetable for this type of injury indicates that he is unlikely to play and he will be the lone absentee from their usual XI. The veteran Marco Zambelli is the frontrunner to replace him. Uros Cosic and Marko Livaja are sidelined with injuries as well, but they are fringe players.

Empoli underperformed in the past two months because of a lack of objectives: we will see whether they will do better on Saturday night in a big spot. Their sporting director Marcello Carli stated that they would like to do Sarri a solid and stop Juventus, but I personally do not buy much into that stuff.

We can expect them to attack through the middle, as their diamond lineup suggests, even though the fullbacks, especially Mario Rui, are pretty active. Considering the amount of quality players they have, Juventus will have to watch out for the through balls by midfielders. They usually utilize a high offside line. Their defence, while still decent, is not as stout as the past season and they have often given away leads. The goalkeeper Lukasz Skorpuski is a trick-or-treat guy: you never know in advance whether he will have a great performance with three spectacular saves or if he will botch some basic stuff. He is bothered by elbow bursitis.

UPDATE: Levan Mchedlidze will miss the game as well, so they will be pretty short-handed in the attack. Saponara is a little fatigued but he should play.


Probable lineup 4-3-1-2:

Skorupski; Zambelli, Tonelli, Costa, Rui; Zielinski, Paredes, Croce; Saponara; Maccarone, Pucciarelli.


Injuries:

Laurin (hamstring), Cosic (hamstring), Livaja (appendix), Mchedlidze.

Suspensions:

None.

 

Formation

 

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

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: 'Eight-game tournament'

http://www.football-italia.net/82152/allegri-eight-game-tournament?

Apr 1, 2016
 
Max Allegri announces the beginning of a 'micro-championship' and claims Juventus will need 'drive' to reach the fifth Scudetto.

The Bianconeri play Empoli tomorrow evening at 20.45 CET - 19:45 UK time.

“Dybala most likely won't make the game,” Allegri told the Press. “Chiellini recovered and worked with the group.

“Today I'll decide who's in a condition to play tomorrow and who isn't, but I can't tell you now.

“Marchisio is all right. I'll have other injured players returning, so I'll have to evaluate who to play now or I won't be able to play everyone later.

“The game is the most important thing. We're heading into a micro-championship of eight games. We have three points of advantage so we've got to defend that lead to the end. In fact we ought to widen that gap.

“Tomorrow's game is very difficult and complicated, as is always the case against Empoli. Last year it was very difficult as well. They play very well, they've got technique and they've got nothing to lose because their objective has already been reached.

“We play five games at home and we must win them all, because Napoli won't concede a single point. We can't do anything but win.

“Juventus must be careful. We need great intensity, and above all the right approach. But mostly what matters over these eight games is motivation.

“The fifth Scudetto would be something extraordinary. Tomorrow's game must be faced with greater determination than our opponent.

“We're playing at home and the support of our fans is going to be crucial. Our Scudetto will be decided at home.”

 

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

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: 'Bonucci? Not worried'

http://www.football-italia.net/82154/allegri-bonucci-not-worried?

Apr 1, 2016
 
Coach Max Allegri says Juventus have 'solutions' in the absence of Leonardo Bonucci, and denies any remaining game is decisive.

Juventus play Empoli tomorrow night at 19:45 UK time. They currently lead Serie A by three points, but they still have to visit Fiorentina on the same day when Napoli go to the Olimpico to play against Roma.

“That won't be the decisive day, because there are still three matches after that,” Allegri told the Press. “Of course it's going to be an important moment though. Over the next 23 days we'll determine 70 per cent of the possibility of winning the Scudetto.

“But in the meantime we have to win tomorrow so we can defend our lead. So we must think of ourselves, one small step at a time.

“My contract renewal? As I've often said, there's absolutely no problem with the club. And [director general Beppe] Marotta said the same. We'll have a chat soon, but right now the championship matches are much more important than signing a contract.”

Leonardo Bonucci injured himself during Italy's game against Germany last Tuesday night, but Allegri was not overly worried.

“I didn't say anything to him. I just waited for the medical exams, and fortunately nothing was wrong. It was an unexpected motion and he fell to the ground heavily.

“Those movements always give the impression that you're really hurt, but thankfully nothing happened. Bonucci wasn't going to play anyway as he is suspended. He took a few days off, and he'll come back stronger than before.

“I wasn't worried, because if he was hurt then I'd have thought of the possible solutions to reach the end of the championship with Barzagli, Chiellini and Rugani.

“In any case Bonucci is an important and extraordinary player. He played more than anyone else this year and the last, and I'd have missed him for the end of the season.”

 

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

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: Juve's hard work starts now

The Bianconeri coach has warned his players not to slow down as they chase a fifth consecutive
Serie A title and admits Paulo Dybala is still out injured ahead of their next game.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/04/01/21899222/-?

Apr 1, 2016
 
Massimiliano Allegri has stressed that "the hard work starts now" for Juventus as they look to seal their fifth consecutive Serie A title.

The reigning champions have gone three points clear of Napoli with eight games to go following a run of 19 wins in 20 games, but Allegri has stressed they cannot afford to slow down.

"Saturday's game against Empoli marks the beginning of a mini eight-game championship. Our job is to maintain our lead at the top," the Juventus boss said at a media conference.

"We've been excellent so far this season but the hard work starts now. There are two trophies at stake. We need to be very intense and have the right approach. Determination will be very important in the upcoming games.

"We are taking things one step at a time, it will be an open league right until the end. Playing five of our remaining eight games at home could be an advantage, but only if we play with the right mind-set."

Juventus will likely still be without the injured Paulo Dybala on Saturday, while Claudio Marchisio could return to the squad.

"Dybala is unlikely to feature. He's one of a handful we'll be assessing between now and tomorrow," Allegri added.

"Marchisio has been training well, we'll have to see if he's going be fit in time for the match against Empoli.

"With Leonardo Bonucci unavailable, Daniele Rugani is in the frame to start Saturday night."

 

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

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus don't get preferential
treatment from referees - Chiellini

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2841065/juventus-favoured-by-serie-a-referees-is-chitchat-chiellini

Apr 1, 2016
 
Giorgio Chiellini says the talk about Juventus being favoured by referees is "chitchat" which takes nothing away from their rise to the top of Serie A.

The Bianconeri have recovered from one of their worst starts to a season on record to lead second-placed Napoli by three points heading into the final eight games of the season.

But there has been plenty of recent talk about Juve benefiting from refereeing mistakes, most recently in the Turin city derby when their neighbours had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside, which would have taken the score to 2-2.

Juve went on to win 4-1, but the discussion raged on for at least a week.

"It's just chitchat to fill the newspapers," Chiellini told Mediaset television. "All we're thinking about is playing football. Juve have proven that we are the best and we deserve to be top of the table."

The Old Lady host Empoli this weekend with Chiellini still a doubt after missing their last five games, including the Champions League round-of-16 defeat to Bayern Munich, with a calf injury.

The 31-year-old, who has now returned to full training, hopes to be back for the trip to AC Milan a week later, but says the title will not be decided until the second half of April.

"Napoli are right behind us and they're playing a fantastic season," he said. "It's up to us to keep them behind us right to the very end. I think we'll see an almost definite result after the round of matches on April 24 and 25. We go to Fiorentina while they are at Roma."

Before then, Juve also host Palermo and Lazio, while Napoli play Udinese, Hellas, Inter Milan and Bologna in their next four fixtures.

Thanks to their away goal in a 2-1 defeat at the Stadio San Paolo earlier this season, Juve have the advantage in the head-to-head record with Napoli, which would see them come out on top were the two teams to end the season on the same number of points.

 

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

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus vs. Empoli: Team News, Preview

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2629082-juventus-vs-empoli-team-news-preview-live-stream-tv-info?

Apr 1, 2016
 
With the international break finally over, Juventus return to action by welcoming Empoli to Turin on Saturday evening.

Having won their last five Serie A matches, the Bianconeri will look to continue that against the Tuscan side and will be fully aware that doing so is essential to their title push.

Sitting just three points clear at the top of the table, head coach Massimiliano Allegri and his men know how vital it is to maintain their streak, as Kwadwo Asamoah explained to Sky Italia recently (h/t Juventus' website):

We’ve managed to put together a great run of results after a poor start to the season and now we simply can’t throw away all of our hard work.

In the end, the only thing that matters is who sits on top by the end of the season and so we all need to put in a big final push in these eight Serie A matches coming up. They will all be difficult and we need to win at least seven of them in order to lift the Scudetto, but we’re ready. Our aim is to secure another league and cup double. While it won’t be easy to repeat last year’s achievements, we’ll do everything possible to make sure we do.

Their opponents at Juventus Stadium this weekend arrive in more difficult circumstances, occupying 10th place but having endured a desperate string of results. A victory over Torino back on January 10 remains their most recent win, but coach Marco Giampaolo insists his players will not be daunted by a fixture against the reigning Italian champions.

“It’s the ideal match for us because we have nothing to lose,” he told ItaSportPress this week (h/t Football Italia) “I have a young team, some are fired-up because they know the interest of the great teams but we need points, even starting on Saturday.”

Perhaps helping them will be suspensions for Sami Khedira, Alex Sandro and Leonardo Bonucci, while Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala are expected to miss out through injury.

 

Probable Formations

Juventus (4-3-3)

Gigi Buffon; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Daniele Rugani, Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra; Stefano Sturaro, Hernanes, Paul Pogba; Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic, Alvaro Morata.

Unavailable: Martin Caceres, Paulo Dybala and Claudio Marchisio (all injured), Alex Sandro, Leonardo Bonucci, Sami Khedira (all suspended).



Empoli: (4-3-1-2)

Lukasz Skorupski; Vincent Laurini, Andrea Costa, Lorenzo Tonelli, Mario Rui; Piotr Zielinski, Leandro Paredes, Daniele Croce; Riccardo Saponara; Manuel Pucciarelli, Massimo Maccarone.

Unavailable: Uros Cosic (injured).


Player to Watch

While Juventus have injury problems in defence, Empoli will be able to call upon the in-demand Lorenzo Tonelli. According to an interview club president Fabrizio Corsi gave to Radio Kiss Kiss (h/t Football Italia), the Bianconeri have joined Napoli and AS Roma in chasing the 26-year-old.

Tonelli has been vital in helping the Tuscan side maintain their solidity, emerging as a fine defender even after the club lost Daniele Rugani and Elseid Hysaj to Juventus and Napoli, respectively, this past summer.

Weighing in with two goals, statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com show he has averaged 1.7 tackles, 3.0 interceptions and 5.2 clearances per game, while connecting with 82.8 per cent of his 51.7 pass attempts per outing.

Faced with the likes of Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata, Tonelli will need to be at his best if Empoli are to stand a chance this coming weekend.


Key Battle

Perhaps the biggest obstacle for Juventus will be Riccardo Saponara, with the Empoli playmaker performing at a consistently high level throughout 2015/16. Contributing an impressive five goals and nine assists, the 24-year-old is another member of the Azzurri squad gathering interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Linked with Napoli, Roma, Fiorentina, Liverpool and Barcelona, Saponara has also been discussed as a Juventus target and seems ready to move on at the end of the season, as he told the Pianeta Empoli website recently.

“I learned that there can be thousands of rumours, but until it becomes concrete then it’s worth very little,” Saponara said (h/t Football Italia). “I have made myself ignore stories that could distract me and on top of it all I doubt there is any foundation to them. Could I go abroad? I will evaluate any proposal and am open to any offer.”

With Claudio Marchisio injured, the task of slowing Saponara will likely fall to Hernanes, who will need to rise to the occasion after a difficult debut campaign in Turin. He has yet to find his best form but has improved recently, giving the Bianconeri hope that he can win this key battle.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 10-1

Home win: 100-333

Draw: 4-1

 

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

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus - Empoli Preview: Chiellini
expecting title battle with Napoli

The Serie A title race could be decided in late April, according
to Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini ahead of their game against Empoli.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/03/31/21882332/juventus-empoli-preview-chiellini-expecting-title-battle?ICID=TP_TNM_ART_5

Apr 1, 2016
 
Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini can feel the heat of the Serie A title race as they prepare to host Empoli on Saturday with Napoli in hot pursuit at the top.

The defending champions have a three-point lead going into the clash at Juventus Stadium and Chiellini - who returned to training this week after a calf injury - believes Juve have shown their quality.

A 4-1 derby win against Torino before the international break extended Juve's excellent form to 19 wins in 20 league outings, while Massimiliano Allegri's men have won their last six home matches without conceding a goal in Serie A.

"We've shown on the pitch that we're the strongest, but we have [Napoli] behind us who won't give up, a team that is having a great season," Chiellini told Premium Sport.

"It's up to us to keep them as far away as possible. The league will be decided later, after the weekend of April 24 and 25 when we're in Florence [playing Fiorentina] and they're in Rome [Napoli playing Roma].

"It's possible we could have almost decisive results then."

Juve had a major injury scare during the international break when Chiellini's defensive partner Leonardo Bonucci appeared to be badly hurt in Italy's 4-1 friendly defeat in Germany, but tests showed the centre-back did not suffer a serious injury, though he is suspended for the Empoli match regardless.

Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira are also banned, while Andrea Barzagli (hamstring), Paulo Dybala and Claudio Marchisio (both calf) are not expected to be fit to play.

Visitors Empoli are on the longest winless run in Serie A, having picked up just six points from their last 11 matches, but coach Marco Giampaolo claims Juve is the perfect opponent.

"It's the ideal match for us because we have nothing to lose," Giampaolo told ItaSportPress.

"I have a young team, some are fired up because they know the interest of the great teams, but we need points, even starting on Saturday.

"Riccardo Saponara is outstanding - and definitely ready for a great team."

Giampaolo is expected to be without centre-back Uros Cosic and left-back Mario Rui for the trip to Juventus, where Empoli have not won since April 1999.


OPTA FACTS

The last time Empoli beat Juventus was back in April 1999: nine Juventus wins and two draws since then.

Empoli have scored two goals in the last seven Serie A meetings against Juventus, including Maccarone’s goal in the reverse fixture.

Juventus have won 19 of their last 20 league games, along with a draw against Bologna.

Empoli haven’t won in their last 11 games (D6 L5), the current longest winless run in Serie A.

Empoli are one of four Serie A teams to have gained more points in away games than at home (19 vs 17).

Juventus have lost the fewest points from leading situations this season (2), while Empoli have squandered the joint-most (18).

Juventus have scored 15 goals in the last 15 minutes of play (only Lazio with 16 have netted more) – on the other hand Empoli have conceded only three goals, joint record this season.

Empoli have conceded the most headed goals in Serie A in 2015/16 (11), while Juventus have conceded the fewest (two).


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W L W W W

3/20/16 - Torino 1 - 4 Juventus
3/16/16 - Bayern München 4 - 2 Juventus
3/11/16 - Juventus 1 - 0 Sassuolo
3/6/16 - Atalanta 0 - 2 Juventus
3/2/16 - Internazionale 3 - 0 Juventus


Empoli D D L L L

3/19/16 - Empoli 0 - 0 Palermo
3/12/16 - Empoli 1 - 1 Sampdoria
3/6/16 - Genoa 1 - 0 Empoli
2/27/16 - Empoli 1 - 3 Roma
2/21/16 - Sassuolo 3 - 2 Empoli


HEAD TO HEAD

11/8/15 - Empoli 1 - 3 Juventus
4/4/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Empoli
11/1/14 - Empoli 0 - 2 Juventus
3/19/08 - Empoli 0 - 0 Juventus
1/15/08 - Juventus 5 - 3 Empoli
 
 

SERIE A TABLE

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Giampaolo: ‘Nothing is impossible’

http://www.football-italia.net/82163/giampaolo-%E2%80%98nothing-impossible%E2%80%99?

Apr 1, 2016
 
Empoli Coach Marco Giampaolo insists “nothing is impossible” ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Juventus.

The Bianconeri have won 18 of their last 19 Serie A games, and welcome the Tuscan side to Turin with a three-point lead at the top. Click here for a match preview.

“All we can do is believe in our own abilities,” Giampaolo shrugged in his pre-match Press conference.

“We go into the game in the knowledge that nothing is impossible in football. Juventus are a physical and ruthless team who will look to get on the front foot from the first whistle.

“We won’t be heading to Turin to make up the numbers though.

“The onus is on us to play our very best not just tomorrow but in the matches that follow to ensure that we aren’t dragged down the table.

“Belief is crucial at this stage of the season and a good result and performance against Juve will give us great momentum for the final push.”
 
 

SERIE A TABLE

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MATCHDAY 31
Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Dybala out of Juve-Empoli

http://www.football-italia.net/82172/dybala-out-juve-empoli?

Apr 1, 2016
 
Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli return for Juventus against Empoli, but Paulo Dybala is out.

It kicks off on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time - 18.45 GMT.

There is mixed news for Coach Max Allegri in Turin.

While Chiellini, Marchisio and Barzagli return to the fold after missing international duty with injuries, Dybala is not included in the squad following his muscular setback in Argentina.

Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro and Sami Khedira are all suspended for the Serie A leaders.


Juventus squad for Empoli

Buffon, Chiellini, Zaza, Marchisio, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Lemina, Padoin, Asamoah, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Romagna
 
 

SERIE A TABLE