Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus 2 - Carpi 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/1/11548580/juventus-carpi-2016-serie-a-round-36-final-score-result-initial-reaction

May 1, 2016

Some kind of squad rotation was to be expected when Max Allegri announced his starting lineup Sunday afternoon. That's just what happens when you clinch the Scudetto with some time to spare — you can sit some of your regulars and have no regrets about it at all. And surely, knowing how Allegri proclaimed two-thirds of his lineup 24 hours earlier, he wasn't going to back away from any kind of changes he first envisioned.

But come on, people, let's be honest here: Who had Hernanes scoring Juventus' opening goal against Carpi?

If you in fact did have exactly that, well, then you're probably sitting here with a massive smile on your face larger than one of those awkward yet hilarious pictures of Allegri from right before kickoff most weekends.

It was Hernanes' 42nd-minute bender of a strike that proved to be the eventual game-winner in Juventus' 2-0 win over Carpi at Juventus Stadium to extend their home dominance on their home turf in the 2016 calendar year. And leave it to a guy who hadn't done a whole heck of a lot for basically the entire season to be the one to set Juve off on the right trail to claim three more points once again.

This season couldn't have been easy for Hernanes, who was a deadline-day arrival from that black and blue club in Milan. He didn't come cheap, either, and wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms compared to somebody like Paulo Dybala and his boyish good looks.

But when that ball hit the back of the net, and he rose up off the ground for his customary backflip, it was finally time for Hernanes to celebrate, finally time to hear the crowd cheer for something he's done. There had to be plenty of chutzpah behind that post-goal howl into the sky of his — both because of what he just did and for being able to make a serious impact as a member of Juventus' starting lineup.

Yet, on Sunday, it was Hernanes who had reason to celebrate. And so did Juventus. Again. At home.

Juventus winning at home will never get old. Never, ever, ever. Sorry 'bout it.


Random thoughts and observations

It's Leonardo Bonucci's birthday, and if that means he wants to rock a fancy mustache, then he can damn well rock a fancy mustache. It's also allowed when he drops a pass over the top of the opposing defense like he did to Paul Pogba within the first six minutes of the game.

Seriously, though, I want to know what Stephan Lichtsteiner had running through his head when he first saw Bonucci stroll into the locker room with that mustache of his. Pretty sure it wasn't like Sami Khedira's "Good, very good!" review of Mario Mandzukic from the other day.

Through the first 17 minutes, Juventus had 72 percent of the possession. Let me repeat: SEVENTY-TWO PERCENT POSSESSION. It also seemed like Carpi had almost as many men behind the ball defending during that same time period, too.

Allegri picked a pretty good side to try out the 'Patrice Evra: Left-center back' experiment out on. Carpi did almost as little attacking toward Juventus' goal in the first half as I did from my recliner all those thousand of miles away. To the surprise of no one, there weren't many mistakes made by Evra simply because he rarely had the chance to actually do so.

Gigi Buffon made one save in the first half. It was pretty damn impressive. You should not be surprised by either of the two previous sentences.

Daniele Rugani was shown his second yellow card of the season on Sunday. That's two yellow cards in his last two games. This is an outrage.

Ladies and gentlemen, Paul Pogba is now your new Serie A leader in assists. Remember the days where he was best known for scoring insane goals? The boy's improved his game quite a bit this season.

Simone Zaza played 45 minutes after replacing Álvaro Morata at halftime, scored a goal and didn't get shown a yellow card. This might be some kind of record or something.

Knowing what he's dealt injury-wise, it's always nice to see Kwadwo Asamoah play well. It gives you warm and fuzzy feelings inside about what we used to see on a regular basis when things were all good and he was in his pre-injury days. Who knows what his role will be going forward, but seeing Asamoah play well is never a bad thing.

Seriously, Hernanes played pretty well.

No, seriously. I'm not B.S.-ing you here, people.

I hope Carpi stay up in Serie A just so we can get another season of a top-flight Italian team owning a player by the name of Kevin Lasagna.

Speaking of Lasagna — mmmmmm, lasagna... — this is a way of working him into the post-game thread even though he came on as a second-half sub against Juventus and proceeded to not do much of anything of note. Good on you, Carpi, you've got a player with the last name of Lasagna and it's the lunchtime kickoff. If there ever was a time for Kevin Lasagna to play...

Scudetto wrapped up and Juventus still gets the win and another shutout. How you like them apples?


POLL

Who was your Juventus Man of the Match against Carpi?

56% Leonardo Bonucci's mustache (132 votes)

18% Hernanes (43 votes)
18% Paul Pogba (43 votes)
3% Kwadwo Asamoah (8 votes)
3% Simone Zaza (6 votes)
1% Leonardo Bonucci (2 votes)

234 votes total

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus vs. Carpi: Winners
and Losers from Serie A

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2637117-juventus-vs-carpi-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a?

May 1, 2016

With a fifth consecutive Serie A title secured, Juventus welcomed Carpi to Juventus Stadium on Sunday with the visitors in the midst of a tough relegation battle. The home side were merely fulfilling their obligations, as they had no need for the points on offer.

What followed was a mediocre performance that simply underlined the fact the Bianconeri had already accomplished their aims, although they did enough, emerging as winners once again courtesy of a 2-0 scoreline that added to their opponent’s relegation fears.

It was a match that, on paper, Juventus had little motivation for, with their next meaningful fixture being the Coppa Italia final later in May. Yet speaking to reporters ahead of the game, coach Massimiliano Allegri made it clear that he expected his players to maintain their focus every time they take to the field.

“We can’t afford to let our intensity drop at all,” the Juve boss said at his post-match press conference after the recent victory over Fiorentina. “We’ve got a crucial cup final on the horizon and we want to be in the best possible shape for that.”

Doing so proved to be difficult in the early going, but Allegri’s men soon showed his words were no empty gesture, turning up the pressure on their overmatched opponents and taking yet another victory in what has been a remarkable run of form.

Having won 25 of their last 26 matches, the Bianconeri are on course to amass more than 90 points this term. What follows is a look at the best and worst performances in this encounter, highlighting those names who decided this fixture.


Winner: Hernanes (Juventus)

Having made 19 appearances since his move from Inter Milan last summer, Brazil international Hernanes has been a major disappointment for Juventus. It seemed that would continue against Carpi until some excellent work from Paul Pogba and Kwadwo Asamoah picked out the midfielder at the edge of the box.

Hernanes made no mistake, rifling a first-time shot beyond goalkeeper Vid Belec for his first goal for the Bianconeri before wheeling away to showcase his traditional somersault celebration.


Loser: Stefano Sabelli (Carpi)

While the visitors found themselves outmatched all across the pitch, no player arguably suffered more than right wing-back Stefano Sabelli.

Repeatedly beaten by Alex Sandro on the Juve left flank, the 23-year-old Carpi defender continually gave the ball away in a torrid performance he will quickly hope to forget.


Winner: Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)

Having masterminded Juve's impressive run of form to deliver the title, Massimiliano Allegri will have been pleased his players did enough to collect three more points here.

The coach will have also have been happy to see supporters in the Curva Sud honour him, with a banner displayed by Juventus ultras declaring him a “true leader.”


Loser: Simone Verdi (Carpi)

If Carpi were ever going to gain a foothold in this encounter, they needed attacking midfielder Simone Verdi to create something when they gained possession.

However, the 23-year-old, on loan from AC Milan, did little to help them do so before being taken off after 84 disappointing minutes.


Winner: Simone Zaza (Juventus)

Despite once again finding himself on the bench, Simone Zaza added to his impressive goals-to-minutes ratio, bagging a late goal shortly after being introduced as a substitute.

Prior to kick-off, the former Sassuolo striker had scored seven times in just 542 minutes and added Juve’s second despite seeing only 45 minutes of action here.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Castori: 'Carpi deserve praise'

http://www.football-italia.net/83677/castori-carpi-deserve-praise?

May 1, 2016

In spite of the 2-0 defeat to Juventus, Coach Fabrizio Castori says his 'young Italian Carpi' deserves 'credit and praise'.

The relegation contenders' positive streak, with seven points in the previous three games, reached an end against the Serie A champions.

“This wasn't the right match for us to try and make points,” Castori told the Press. “We confirmed our fantastic moment of form. We lost, but we were up against Juventus.

“None of our starters are injured or suspended, so we can work with the whole squad in view of the next game. And this is good.

“Juventus have a winning mentality, it's in their DNA. There could still be some surprises in the final games though.”

Carpi are currently tied with Palermo at 35 points, as the Rosanero won 2-0 against Sampdoria. The one to come out on top between these two teams in the last two games will remain in Serie A next year.

“We had an incredible comeback and we proved that we can defend our place in Serie A. We'll evaluate our potential in greater detail in the future.

“We've been growing constantly, and now we're in this category. Carpi are like Crotone. Football is enjoyable because teams are so diverse.

“We have many young players, primarily Italian ones. This is something that teams like ours deserve credit and praise for.”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus cruise to victory vs. Carpi
as Paul Pogba runs the show in midfield

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2862756/juventus-cruise-to-victory-vs-carpi-as-paul-pogba-runs-midfield

May 1, 2016

A routine win for the champions of Italy, Juventus wrapped up a 2-0 win over a vastly inferior opponent in Carpi, who rarely looked interested. With banners hanging all over the stadium, most dedicated to Massimiliano Allegri and the extraordinary job he's done with the team, Juve were in a celebratory mood. Lacking in intensity against a side that attempted to push in fits and spurts but devoid of genuine belief in their capabilities, the Bianconeri were allowed to take control of the match.

Prioritising defence, Carpi defended in numbers and as a unit. Taking care to block and intercept anything that came in their path, they were limited in their attempts to create offensive moves that would have troubled the opponent. Whatever they did manage going forward usually involved Simone Verdi but with Leonardo Bonucci reading the game well, the visitors suffered.

Without their usual men in midfield, Juventus were not as solid in midfield and by the second half, they were barely making an effort resulting in some mistakes and a chance for Filippo Porcari. However, even a Juve side in second gear is better than most and the home side sealed all three points when Simone Zaza scored the second of the day to secure the team's 25th win in their last 26 matches.


Player ratings

Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- Attentive enough to make a great save in the first half, the goalkeeper had little to do thereafter, pushing forward to the half way line to watch his teammates attack.

Daniele Rugani, 6 -- A steady performance from a young player who looks increasingly comfortable on the ball but a little aggressive today and earned his second yellow card of the season.

Leonardo Bonucci, 7 -- Excellent in his reading of the game on Sunday. Always found himself in good positions to deny the opponent from mounting a challenge and surged ahead to contribute to the attack well.

Patrice Evra, 6 -- Did well as a stand-in centre-back today, closing down well and remaining attentive to danger.

Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- Good with his crossing and always mesmeric to watch when he takes players on, but he still has a tendency of slowing play down too often. However, most of Juve's attacks flowed down the right flank as the player pushed forward.

PAUL POGBA, 8 -- Ran the show for the hosts. Started on the right side before switching with Kwadwo Asamoah to move to the left. Spreading play, shielding the ball and creating countless attacking opportunities, all of Juve's offensive patterns of play involved the starlet. As if that wasn't enough, the player was impeccable at winning back possession.

HERNANES, 8 -- A strong performance from the player who did well to protect the ball, spread play and defend to keep his team ticking. Scored his first league goal for Juventus demonstrating his skill but earned a silly yellow card for delaying the match.

Kwadwo Asamoah, 7 -- Good at keeping the ball moving and tackling his opponents. Switched positions with Pogba and helped keep the midfield flowing. Had a great opportunity to spread play and help the team score but took the shot himself -- made the wrong decision but he did provide the assist for Hernanes' goal.

Alex Sandro, 6 -- Always ready to push ahead and attempt to cross into the box. Well-blocked by his marker but relentless with his desire.

Alvaro Morata, 6 -- Not a great performance from the Spaniard who suffered an early knock and struggled to recover. Taken off at half-time, it was a shame for the player who caused the opponent headaches with his stature.

Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- A player who loves to sacrifice for the team, he attempted to contribute to both phases of the game but struggled to really make an impact going forward. Was well defended by Carpi's rearguard.


Substitutes:

Simone Zaza, 6 -- Nearly always scores when introduced as a substitute, Zaza did well to exploit his opportunity and seal all three points.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, N/A -- A little clumsy with the ball, he did enough to ensure the victory.

Stefano Sturaro, N/A -- Barely on long enough to affect the match.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus, Napoli & Roma secure
Champions League qualification

Goals from Klose and Candreva ended Roberto Mancini's hopes of steering his team
into the competition, and they will have to settle for the Europa league next season.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/05/01/23013152/-?

May 1, 2016

Juventus, Napoli and Roma have secured Champions League football for the 2016-17 season following Inter's loss to Lazio on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini's side had still been in the hunt for a third-place finish until their most recent defeat, but with only two games left to play they can no longer make up the points required to catch Roma.

Miroslav Klose dealt an early blow to Inter's chances at the Stadio Olimpico when the veteran German striker opened the scoring after just eight minutes.

And Antonio Candreva killed off the match towards the end from the penalty spot, after Mancini's men had tried and failed to break down Lazio's stern resistance.

A win for Inter would have kept their hopes alive at least until Monday, where they would have needed Roma to drop points away to Genoa in order to continue the fight.

But the Nerazzurri will have to settle for Europa League football next term, while the three top teams in Serie A gear up for the biggest challenge.

Attention will now turn towards the battle between Napoli and Roma for the second automatic spot in the Champions League.

Napoli could clinch second place if they prevail at home to Atalanta and Roma fail to win, condemning the capital side to a Qualifying Round fixture in order to reach the group phase in 2016-17.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Allegri happy with win
after title celebrations

The Italian giants were assured of the Scudetto on Monday thanks to a defeat
for closest rivals Napoli, but there was no sign of a hangover as they eased to victory.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/05/01/23001082/allegri-happy-with-juventus-win?ICID=TP_HN_2

May 1, 2016

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri hailed his side's professionalism after they ended a week of Serie A title celebrations with a 2-0 defeat of Carpi.

Juve clinched their fifth successive Scudetto on Monday after nearest rivals Napoli were beaten at Roma.

And while not being at their best against relegation-threatened Carpi, goals from Hernanes and Simone Zaza handed the hosts a comfortable victory.

"Happy? Very, especially because we kept a clean sheet. It was difficult after our celebrations," Allegri said.

"We didn't play well. We'll need to switch back on as we have two games and a Coppa Italia final [against AC Milan] remaining.

"Thanks to the fans for their trust and respect. We'll keep working towards the club achieving important results.

"We'll be competitive in Italy and Europe [next season]. Let’s not forget that we were knocked out of the Champions League by one of the favourites."

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Zaza: 'Not satisfied, but no regrets'

http://www.football-italia.net/83670/zaza-not-satisfied-no-regrets

May 1, 2016

Simone Zaza is “not satisfied, but I have no regrets” after scoring his fifth Juventus goal of the season.

The striker came off the bench for a looping header in the 2-0 win over Carpi.

“I am not satisfied with my individual season. In any case, I have no regrets, as I gave my all when called into action,” Zaza told Mediaset Premium.

“I am happy with the success of the team in Serie A and reaching the Coppa Italia Final. If we win that trophy I’ll be doubly happy.”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus vs. Carpi 2-0, Bianconeri continue
unbeaten run, dominance at Juventus Stadium

It was a tale of two teams. One with the championship already wrapped up and celebrated.
The other? With it's back against the relegation wall only three points clear.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/2/11552904/juventus-carpi-2016-serie-a-round-36-final-score-recap-result

May 2, 2016

With the Scudetto already in hand, it was time for the Old Lady to have a lunchtime in Italy kickoff.

Massimiliano Allegri would send out a 3-5-2 lineup with Gianluigi Buffon in goal, in front of him would be Patrice Evra, Leonardo Bonucci (and his brilliant mustache) and Dainele Rugani. The midfield shaped up well with Alex Sandro, Kwadwo Asamoah, Paul Pogba , Hernanes and Juan Cuadrado. Rounding things out up top would be Mario Mandžukić and Álvaro Morata all of which would cause all sorts of problems for Carpi.

The action would pick up in the seventh minute as Bonucci would send a sublime ball into the box for Pogba who could only get a toe one it, but not enough to put in the back of the net. Early on the bianconeri looked as though they were a bit too relaxed after their celebration on Monday. It would at times effect the passing though even with the missed passing there was nothing the opposing side could do with any opportunity.

One thing Carpi had on their mind was, fouling and fouling hard. It would take long for Morata draw their attention and anytime they could get a chance they would foul him often and hard. They were definitely a rough and tumble side and had a game plan coming into the match and boy did they stick to it. Which included clogging up the middle of the field causing Juve to play out wide.

Most of his drifting to the other side of the pitch was during the second half, he stayed mostly on the right the entire time.

I'd pretty much say that the both of them had that side on lock down. After, in my opinion, some pretty boring football, Juve picked up the pace and woke out of their slight slumber to Carpi's determent. Two minutes later, Alex Sandro crossed a ball into the box looking for the head of Mandzukic, who got a head on the ball only for it to go wide. It wouldn't be until the 20th minute when Buffon would have to do some work. Carpi would threaten in their own way, getting one shot on goal that Buffon easily turned aside.

The action on the other end of the pitch picked in the 23rd minute. Sandro sent a cross into the box, Mandzukic got a part of his head on it, but it bounced out to the waiting foot of Paul Pogba, who rifled a shot only to have it blocked. This would be how the game would go, bursts of action interspersed with Juve playing keep away from Carpi.

Mandzukic picked up a yellow in the box on a Cuadrado corner for going all body slam on a Capri player. Yellow cards were no strangers in this match, not with the rough and tumble play of the visiting side. Capri tried and to threaten again in the 34th minute that would fizzle out, like most of their attacking plays on the day. There's a reason their only their points from the relegation zone.

The 0-0 deadlock would come to an end in the 42nd minute on a Hernanes goal, his first for the Old Lady. It also ended a nine-month goalless streak for the Brazilian. The build up was a beautiful as it coupled with Pogba hitting the switch to Asamoah who chested the cross down and sent it to the feet of Hernanes, who slid it past the goalkeeper just outside the 18-yard box.

Juve up 1-0 and that's how the half ended.

At the restart, Allegri chose to sub off Morata and bring on Simone Zaza in a like-for-like swap — which was probably a good thing as Morata was the subject of several rough challenges in the first half and why risk it when there is no real reason too.

Carpi came out after the half and picked up where they left off, banging bodies around and only getting shots off at distance. Really it was pretty boring football being played, with not a lot of action caught my mind drifting to whether or not I left the coffee on, what I was going to wear to work and twitter. You'd think a team three points from relegation would put up a bit more of a fight but every time they'd look to string something together Juve was there to remind them of who was really in control of the match. In the 52nd minute, Rugani picked up a yellow, only his second in as many games this season.

It went back to being a bit drab until the 68th minute, where Pogba lofted a pretty sweet cross into the box looking for Manduzukic, who just couldn't get on the end of it. Pogba pretty much owned the pitch, he toyed with Carpi players at times and all they could do is sit and watch as he'd from time to time put on a dribbling clinic.

Carpi got a shot on goal in the 76th minute that just curl past the post on a shot from distance there only real clear cut chance since the first half. Things started to pick up as Juve would start pressing again playing the predator looking for it's next meal. In the 79th minute we got a glance and what was coming as substitute Stephan Lichtsteiner whipped a ball into the box for Simone Zaza, who wasn't able to connect.

The ball kicked back outside the box on the right. The 80th minute saw through a beautiful cross from Pogba into Zaza, who headed it into the back of the net to give Juve a 2-0. And that's how it played out — a 2-0 win over a team who really couldn't afford to drop points. Juve are now unbeaten since the final day of October in Serie A, a streak we hope will continue into the end of the season and see us on to the Coppa Italia, where there's another trophy waiting for the Bianconeri.


Pagelle

Buffon 10: He really didn't have much to do, and when called to action he got the job done. So I see no reason why not to give him a straight up 10. Rack up another clean sheet.

Evra 7.5: He put in another solid performance, Solid, a rock in the back. He rocked a 96 percent pass completion.

Bonucci 8.5: His sublime pass to Pogba in the seventh minute were things that dreams and unicorns were made of, it would even been better had Pogab been able to put in the net.

Rugani 8.0: He picked up a silly yellow. Other than that indiscretion he was solid helping break up what little attack that Carpi were able to muster. Highlight for him were 3 tackles and 3 aerials won.

Alex Sandro 8.5: Had three chances created, including that chance with Mandzukic and Pogba in the 23rd minute.

Asamoah 7.9: Picked up an assist on Hernanes' goal with a beautiful pass.

Hernanes 8.0: Ended a 9 month scoring drought. First goal in a Juventus kit.

Pogba 9.0: Picked up an assist on Zaza's 80th-minute goal and owned the pitch. What else was there to say? He was all over the place, if you forgot scroll up for the heat maps.

Cuadrado 7.5: Another great outing for him. He created three chances today all from set plays. He's just so stinking fast and had a few nice open runs during the course of the match.

Mandžukić 7.5: Solid.

Morata 7.0: Getting beat up for the most part wasn't part of the plan. Still he had a shot blocked and another that was just off target.


Things I think I think

- As a man with facial hair, I've got a bit of 'stache envy.

- Don't get me started on BeIn Sports. Seriously. Bite me.

- Love how the defense snuffed out each and everyone of Carpi's attacks, if you really can call it that. They fought but just didn't have what it takes to score for the first time ever on Juve.

- Hermanes, Mandzukic and Pogba are going to miss the next match due to yellow card accumulation.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Simone Zaza Scores Against Carpi to
Once Again Prove His Value to Juventus

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2637224-simone-zaza-scores-against-carpi-to-once-again-prove-his-value-to-juventus?

May 2, 2016

Having already secured their fifth consecutive Serie A title, Juventus had little on the line as they welcomed Carpi to Turin on Sunday. They eventually emerged as 2-0 winners, ensuring—with just two rounds of the 2015/16 campaign remaining—that their opponents remained entrenched in the relegation battle.

However, victory for the Bianconeri extended their own incredible run of form, and head coach Massimiliano Allegri's men have now triumphed in all but one of their last 26 league outings.

That streak extends back to October last year, but the Juve boss was nevertheless pleased to see his side retain their hunger as they await the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan later this month.

“I'm pleased with the win and especially the clean sheet,” Allegri told reporters at his post-match press conference. “Given we'd already wrapped up the league, it wasn't easy to keep up our usual level of intensity.”

One player who did just that was striker Simone Zaza, who was introduced as a half-time substitute for the struggling Alvaro Morata. The Italy international delivered a superb 45-minute display, ensuring the visitors found no way back as he bagged the all-important second goal for La Vecchia Signora.

Lega Serie A ‎@SerieAchannel
#Zaza!!!!!!!! #Juve double up, Simone with his 5th of the season. 2-0 | 81'

Holding off Carpi defender Simone Romagnoli to finish a neat cross from Paul Pogba—who registered his career-high 12th assist of the season—Zaza took his goal tally for the campaign to eight in all competitions.

That return may appear modest, but the 24-year-old has managed that contribution despite limited playing time that has seen him earn just four league starts over the course of the current season.

Adam Digby ‎@Adz77
Simone Zaza vs Carpi: 3 shots, 1 goal, 7/10 passes, 2 tackles, 1 int, 1 clearance (via @StatsZone)

Clearly behind Paulo Dybala, Morata and Mario Mandzukic, Zaza used his second-half cameo against Carpi to show Allegri just what he can do, with the graphic in the tweet above—courtesy of FourFourTwo StatsZone—highlighting just what he brought to the side.

Taking three shots, the former Sassuolo striker also connected with seven of his 10 pass attempts (70 percent) and won two of the three aerial duels he contested. His relentless energy also troubled the Carpi defence, with his effort when not in possession arguably outweighing his attack contribution.

Making two tackles, one interception and one clearance, Zaza ensured that the minnows never troubled Juventus and speaking to Mediaset Premium (h/t Juventus.com) shortly after the final whistle, he said he was “looking to take full advantage of every chance that comes my way.”

It was an impressive display, and one that may serve to heighten the transfer speculation surrounding the Policoro native whom Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) recently identified as a target for the likes of AS Roma, Chelsea and AC Milan.

Indeed, in that aforementioned post-match interview, Zaza was content with his personal contribution and was happy to put the team's collective success before his own efforts:

I’ve no regrets this season as I’ve always given my all whenever called upon by the coach. I’m satisfied with the fact that we’ve won the league and reached the Coppa Italia final and I’d be doubly pleased if we were to end the campaign with yet another trophy to celebrate.

The club is—as director general Beppe Marotta admitted to Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) prior to the clash with Carpi—certainly "looking at the market to seek opportunities" but would do well to hold onto Sunday's goalscorer.

If they can convince him to remain in a similar role next term, Zaza has already shown Italian football's grand Old Lady that he is a man to rely on when she needs him as a more-than-adequate reserve for her first-choice strikers.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

April’s Juventus Thoughts:
The Sound of Silence

Overall, April was a quiet month with a spectacular finale against Fiorentina. Aside from a nervy comeback-victory against
Milan, there were only stable victories this month as we crossed the finish line and secured a historic fifth consecutive Scudetto.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/2/11552410/juventus-april-2016-in-review-serie-a-scudetto-title

May 2, 2016

Unfortunately, I missed what proved to be April’s most exciting game due to holiday, the dramatic 2-1 victory against Fiorentina. After watching the extended highlights and reading the match review, it seems like it was an absolutely absorbing game of football, especially after halftime. What a great way to win the Scudetto and march on towards what will hopefully be an 11th Coppa Italia title!


History is now

I have to say, I actually expected the title to go down to the final one or two games of the season. However, once Bruno Fernandes and Cyril Théréau banged in the goals for Udinese, and the livid Gonzalo Higuaín left the pitch seething in anger after receiving a second yellow card, I knew for sure that it was merely a matter of when and not if. In a way, it was quite sad the way Napoli fizzled out of the title race after pushing us so hard this year, but on the other hand I’m immensely proud of our achievement. We simply are the best in Italy. We are the strongest. We are the most talented.

We. Are. Juventus.

Juve hit some extremely low points this season that forced the players to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask themselves some tough questions: "How much do we want the Scudetto this year? Who and what are we doing this for?"

"I’m starting to question all of it, Francis. What are we doing this for?" — Claire Underwood, House of Cards

It was a pressing question that needed to be asked in such situations. After winning so much for so long, and you reach such an impasse, you begin to question it all.

Is this really worth it?

Maybe we’ve won enough titles for long enough?

I sure know that I questioned things intensely during these times, but as I wrote in March, I eventually realized how much I do want Juventus to keep winning titles regardless of the name of the title, the size of the trophy, or its international perception. Winning is utterly addictive and this rollercoaster season reminded me of how intensely fundamental it is to me and the entire ethos of this club.

Andiamo ragazzi. Let’s keep winning next year, the year after that, and all the years after that. Fino alla fine!


The Wayward Son

As Danny reported a few weeks ago, the Berardi saga seems to be nearing its end. The discussion in that thread regarding the impact of his arrival was very insightful which is why I wanted to reiterate the most engaging point: What does this mean tactically for Juventus moving forward?

The forwards (including JUan Cuadrado) that are currently in the squad are clearly geared for the future: 22, 23, 24, 27, and 29 years old while Berardi himself is 21 years of age. Allegri seems to favor the two-striker system combined with either a three- or four-man defense, but if/when Berardi does arrive, how does this change his long-term strategy for the attack? Is he going to stick with the two-striker system or opt more regularly for a lone-striker?

The most important caveat to this issue, in my opinion, is Paulo Dybala. Clearly, he’s the rock upon which Allegri wants to build the Juventus foundation for the future, but the problem is that he really only fits in a two-striker formation. He cannot play as a lone striker nor is he particularly suited for a wide role. So who do you then leave on the bench, Dybala or Berardi? Dybala will have to evolve his game — which I’m sure he can/will do given his young age — in order to provide more clarity and flexibility for Allegri in his long-term strategy for Juve’s attack force.


The importance of the collective

Honestly, I really didn’t have much sympathy for Mario Mandzukic at the start of the season. I was hesitant when he first signed and wasn’t very charmed as he labored through some lethargic performances in his first few games. But then I realized something ... I wasn’t looking.

The second act is called "The Turn". The magician takes the ordinary something and makes it do something extraordinary. Now you're looking for the secret... but you won't find it, because of course you're not really looking. You don't really want to know. You want to be fooled. But you wouldn't clap yet. Because making something disappear isn't enough; you have to bring it back. That's why every magic trick has a third act, the hardest part, the part we call "The Prestige." — Cutter, "The Prestige"

I simply wasn’t looking. Just like in a magic trick, I was looking at all the wrong things in all the wrong places. I was looking for a striker that could make fancy flicks to his teammates, split-second reverse passes, score breathtaking goals, and have 100 touches per game. I was looking for a striker that would excite and captivate me.

Choose the best player for every position, and you’ll end up not with a strong XI, but with 11 strong 1’s. — Johan Cruyff

Finally, it dawned on me: Juventus got something far, far better. Mandzukic is a player that raises the collective of the team to a whole new level. His disruptive harrying of defenders is more than just incessant running and harassing, it is an absolutely fundamental, tactical part of our game plan. I almost want to say that I don’t really care about how many goals he scores anymore, because of the invaluable contribution of his play for the team. His hold-up play is fantastic, his (pre-)assists this month were phenomenal, and his no-nonsense attitude towards anything and anyone is pure grinta.

This is no team of 11 individuals. This is a team where every single player contributes to the core success of the collective. And that creepy-smiling Croatian just reminded me of that.


Mistakes

After swearing profusely at Leonardo Bonucci’s screw-up in the lead-up to Nikola Kalinic’s excellently-curled equalizer, I immediately thought of this discussion piece by Michael Cox on the brilliant Zonalmarking blog. It’s no wonder that one of the best football-journalists in Europe wrote the following:

But what’s better in the long-term – to concede possession in a dangerous position less than once a game, or concede possession on the halfway line 25 times a game and invite 25 separate attacks from the opposition? Doing the former will invite more criticism, doing the latter will probably concede more goals.

This is again a case where sometimes we just...aren’t...looking. Or, in this case, it was once again yours truly who was blind. Instead of looking at an isolated incidence, we must broaden our view to the long-term. It is no wonder that Antonio Conte, and subsequently Allegri, placed such an emphasis on playing the ball on the ground through the back three to start attacks.

I’ve always found it utterly fascinating that when Juve's defenders make mistakes, they always make mistakes that are entirely consistent with their characteristics/styles of play. Bonucci is an elegant, ball-playing defender, and when he gets himself into trouble, it’s often because he tries to be too cute on the ball. Giorgio Chiellini is a no-nonsense hardman. When he messes up, it’s mostly because he mistimes a tackle that (then) borders aggravated assault. Andrea Barzagli is the calm and composed refuge at the back: he doesn’t make mistakes a rare lapse of concentration or an unlucky slip during a run are the only times I can vaguely remember any mishaps from him. Daniele Rugani’s mistakes are basically due to a lack of experience that causes him to misjudge situations or over-commit too early.

So no matter how many times we get minor heart attacks every time Chiellini has the ball inside his own penalty area while three opposition strikers hungrily wait just a few meters away to pounce on any subsequent error of his, in the long-term it is unquestionably the more rational and sustainable approach. It takes diligence and practice, but Juventus' defenders, and most certainly Bonucci, are capable of maintaining and perfecting this approach.


The Great Fall of the Little Prince

In what was undoubtedly the worst news this month, Claudio Marchisio suffered a season-ending knee injury in the victory against Palermo when he very awkwardly — and, might I argue, very unwisely/poorly — went in for a challenge. Leaving aside how much of a problem this will be for Italy’s chances of success in France this summer, my main concern is his recovery process. From what I can remember, this is Marchisio’s first major injury of his career and it comes at the very precarious age of 30.

Even though his form keeps on improving every season, I doubt that he has the room left in his career for the type of steep improvement such as, say, Paul Pogba and Dybala have for the remainder of their respective careers. Now add this injury to the scenario and I begin to worry about the final stage of his career. Sure, Alessandro Del Piero recovered from his disastrous injury when he was 24 years old, but many argue that he was never quite the same after his recovery.

Will this be the beginning of an accelerated decline for Marchisio’s career? I sure hope not...

April has come and gone so quickly: what did you think of it?

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Juventus have four suspended

http://www.football-italia.net/83783/juventus-have-four-suspended?

May 3, 2016
 
Juventus will be without four players for the trip to Verona, as the Serie A suspensions are confirmed.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Hernanes, Mario Mandzukic and Paul Pogba were all booked in the win over Carpi on Sunday, taking them over the disciplinary threshold.


Inter’s Jeison Murillo is also suspended after being sent-off against Lazio, the only red card in Serie A Week 36.

Keita Balde Diao of Lazio has been given a one-week ban and fined €2,000 after being booked for diving in the win over the Nerazzurri.

Also crossing the disciplinary threshold are Felipe Dias of Udinese, Lazio defender Santiago Gentiletti, Frosinone’s Mirko Gori, Sampdoria’s Nenad Kristicic and Nenad Tomovic of Fiorentina.

Roma were also fined €15,000 after fans were heard sining songs “expressive of discrimination based on territorial origin” at Genoa.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Verona - Juventus MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/70183

May 7, 2016
 
Verona will be hoping to give captain Luca Toni the perfect send off at his home ground when they host Juventus at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday.

The 38-year-old veteran striker, who has scored 47 goals in 87 appearances since joining the Gialloblu three years ago, officially announced his retirement from football at the end of the season and there’s no doubt the former Italian international will be eyeing off a spectacular final hurrah to cap off what he described as the “worst season of my career”.

That, though, is a tough ask for Luigi Del Neri’s men, who, with just four wins and 13 draws this season, will be banished into second-tier football next season. That said, their previous win came in the form of a 2-1 victory over Milan when two second half strikes from Giampaolo Pazzini and Luca Siligardi sealed a memorable comeback win.

The odds are also stacked heavily against them, and rightly so. Verona have failed to win any of the clashes between the sides in the Serie A since the turn of the millennium. Further, the side have scored three goals in their last five matches and have conceded eight in the process.

Despite Juventus having already sealed the title, Del Neri’s job will not get any easier and it is largely expected that the champions will continue to play at full throttle in the hope of extending their unbeaten streak to 27 matches. The Old Lady have also won the last 10 since their 0-0 draw against Bologna in February.

Having scored 2.11 goals per match against Verona on average, one can reasonably expect a high scoring match with the last three wins against the Gialloblu coming in 3-0, 4-0 and 6-1 victories.

Despite that, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Hernanes, Mario Mandzukic and Paul Pogba are all suspended after all were booked in the win over Carpi on Sunday, taking them over the disciplinary threshold.

But for Verona, while the match presents a chance for a perfect send-off for Toni, a win could restore some pride in a dressing lacking morale. That won’t matter for the Bianconeri, though, who undoubtedly will be intent on ruining the party.


Keep an eye on: Luca Toni (Verona) – Having played 574 Serie A matches in his career thus far, Toni is evidently well below his prime. With just five goals to his name this season, he’d be the first to admit it. It’s not all over yet, though, and as he has so often done throughout his career, one would hope that he wraps up his career with a goal or two. And there’s no better time and place to do so in front of his home fans against the best Italian side in recent memory.


Form guide: Verona (L W L L L) Juventus (W W W W W)

Last season: Verona 2-2 Juventus

Stat fact: Verona have not scored an open play goal in Serie A since February against Chievo: each of Verona’s last six goals in the league have come from set pieces.


Verona (probable)

Gollini; Pisano Bianchetti, Morasi, Emanuelson; Wszolek, Viviani, Ionita, Rebic; Toni, Gomez

Suspended: none


Juventus (probable)

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Cuadrado Sturaro, Lemina, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Zaza

Suspended: Leichsteiner, Pogba, Mandzukic, Hernanes

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Allegri: 'Who'd want to leave Juve?'

http://www.football-italia.net/83956/allegri-whod-want-leave-juve?

May 7, 2016
 
Max Allegri outlines his Juventus plans against Verona and assures “we’re on the same level as Barcelona, so why would players want to leave?”

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (19.45 GMT).

The tactician officially extended his contract to June 2018, reportedly earning €5m per year, which is more than Paul Pogba currently gets.

“We agreed a contract renewal and, as I said many times, there was never an issue with that,” he said in his Press conference.

“We must focus on ending the season in the best way, above all the Coppa Italia Final. We will find an angry Milan, as if they don’t manage to get into the Europa League via the top six, they’ll need to win the Coppa.

“Our players have three objectives: end the season well, win the Coppa Italia and be ready for Euro 2016. So we have no time to think about the transfer market right now.

“Having said that, the club has always built a competitive team and I believe after the first year of a renewed squad that is young and eager, we can have an important future ahead of us. We can win a sixth consecutive Scudetto, something no club has ever achieved. We'd be in legend then."

Does Allegri fear having to introduce many new players again this summer?

“Absolutely not. The foundations are solid, as we saw from the results. It’s not easy to improve this squad, so we need patience to bring in those two or three players that Juventus need. I am very relaxed on that score, as we’ll talk about what we need.

“It’s not as if we need 10 new players. It’s about quality and not quantity, you need just two or three top players. We’ll calmly evaluate everything at the end of the season. Don’t forget we can only have a squad of 23 players, three of which are goalkeepers and another Claudio Marchisio will be out until November.

“If you don’t have an experienced core of the team, then you’ll struggle to find success.”

As for Paul Pogba, Paulo Dybala, Alvaro Morata and Juan Cuadrado, the Coach shrugged off transfer gossip.

“Juventus are at this moment on the same level as Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, so I don’t see why any player would want to leave Juventus.

“We can improve further next season not just in terms of quality, but also in mentality. Don’t forget we had players come in last summer from the likes of Palermo, Sassuolo and Marseille, so they took a while to understand the mentality of Juventus.

“I don’t know where Morata will end up, just that he can grow so much and is too inconsistent psychologically. He was decisive in the Champions League group phase, then went into hibernation and returned. He can be one of the best on a European level.”

Sami Khedira picked up another muscular injury and is in doubt for the Coppa Italia Final on May 21 against Milan.

“Giorgio Chiellini is better and will come with us, but I’ll decide whether to play him. Gigi Buffon will remain at home tomorrow – as he is rested and we need Neto to be ready for the Coppa Italia Final.

“Khedira certainly won’t be there tomorrow, the medical staff will do everything possible to ensure he is ready for the Coppa Final. It was a bolt from the blue, but if he’s not there, we have Asamoah, Pereyra, Lemina, Hernanes, etc.

“Tomorrow we start Rugani, Barzagli, Bonucci, on the right either Padoin or Cuadrado, then or Sturaro or Pereyra, in front of the defence Lemina, on the left Asamoah and Alex Sandro, while in attack Dybala and Zaza.

“If Cuadrado plays, then so does Sturaro. If Padoin plays, then it’s Pereyra. Basically.”

Tomorrow will be Luca Toni’s Stadio Bentegodi swansong, as he announced his retirement.

“I can only compliment him. I hope he doesn’t score tomorrow, as we’ve conceded only three goals in the second half of the season and want to maintain that run.

“Toni will naturally want to end his career on a high with the final home game. Verona are a side who after a year like this have one single chance to make the campaign less bitter.”

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Hellas Verona vs. Juventus: Team News, Preview

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2638526-hellas-verona-vs-juventus-team-news-preview-live-stream-tv-info?

May 7, 2016
 
On the surface, Hellas Verona’s last home game of the Serie A season appears to have little riding on it, with the already-relegated hosts taking on a Juventus side who have clinched the title with matches to spare for the fifth consecutive season.

The Gialloblu will be looking to end their top-flight stint in style, however, particularly following Luca Toni’s announcement that he will retire at the end of the campaign. “We played with focus and dignity,” coach Gigi Delneri told RAI Sport recently (h/t Football Italia), adding that it was “a shame about going into Serie B.”

Hellas have endured an incredibly difficult campaign, going without a win until early February and having still only amassed four victories thus far. Also netting just 30 goals in their 36 outings to date, they will also be aware they have not won at home against Juventus since April 2000, a run of five matches.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
18 -Goals conceded by Juventus in the league this term – the record in a single season with 20 teams is 20 shipped by Juve in 2011/12. Hunt.

Their opponents could not have enjoyed a more diametrically opposed season, winning 25 of their last 26 league games with only a draw against Bologna preventing that record from being perfect. It has seen them once again crowned champions, and they could potentially repeat last year’s league and cup double with the Coppa Italia final against Milan awaiting.

That game is two weeks away, and the Bianconeri will be looking to remain sharp until that date, but they were further boosted by news that coach Massimiliano Allegri has signed a new contract that will keep him in Turin until 2018.

JuventusFC ✔ ‎@juventusfcen
OFFICIAL: @OfficialAllegri signs Juventus contract extension until 2018

“I am proud and enthusiastic about being at Juventus, because every year there are new challenges and objectives,” he said in a recorded interview on the club’s official website (h/t Football Italia) before adding that he hopes to see the team improve further still in the future.

“Juventus must always be competitive and winning in Italy, but also the duty to have a great [uEFA] Champions League campaign,” Allegri added, and he will certainly be pushing his players to win their final two matches of the campaign.

 

Probable Formations

 

Hellas Verona: (4-4-2)

 

Pierluigi Gollini; Eros Pisano, Matteo Bianchetti, Vangelis Moras, Urby Emanuelson; Pawel Wszolek, Federico Viviani, Artur Ionita, Ante Rebic; Luca Toni, Juanito Gomez

Unavailable: Mohamed Fares, Samuel Souprayen, Giampaolo Pazzini, Michelangelo Albertazzi (all injured)



Juventus (3-5-2)

 

Gigi Buffon; Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; Juan Cuadrado, Stefano Sturaro, Mario Lemina, Kwadwo Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Simone Zaza, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Hernanes, Paul Pogba, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mario Mandzukic (all suspended). Martin Caceres, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio, Alvaro Morata and Sami Khedira (all injured)


Player to Watch

His impending retirement makes Luca Toni undoubtedly the man to watch as the 2006 FIFA World Cup winner draws time on a long and storied career. Having represented Fiorentina, Bayern Munich and, of course, Juventus, the striker has ended his time as a professional with three years at Hellas Verona.

Adding a third leading scorer crown to those won in Germany and Florence, Toni admitted at a recent press conference that this current campaign—in which he has scored just six times in 17 appearances—made the decision much easier.

“When everything goes well it’s difficult to think about retiring,” he told reporters. “But this has been the worst season of my career, also on a mental level. The only way of stopping was to have a great disappointment and this year the disappointment for me was enormous.”

He will certainly look to end on a high and knows that a goal against the Bianconeri would allow him to do just that, although given Juve's impressive defence in recent months, that will be no easy task.


Key Battle

If Toni will be looking to beat Gigi Buffon et al at one end of the field, at the other, it is likely to be a difficult evening for Hellas goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini. The 21-year-old spent two seasons with Manchester United before joining the Gialloblu in 2014, making his Serie A debut that September.

This season has seen him become a regular between the posts at the Stadio Bentegodi, managing just two clean sheets, while statistics courtesy of Fox Soccer show he has made 66 saves in his 24 appearances to date.

Looking to add to his own impressive numbers will be Juve's Simone Zaza, the striker having bagged eight goals in just 587 minutes of action for the Bianconeri. A place in the starting XI would be only his fifth of the season, with that lack playing time cited as a reason he may look to move on when the transfer window opens this summer.

Indeed, just this week, Sports Mediaset (h/t Football Italia) reported that newly crowned Premier League champions Leicester City were interested in Zaza, and the 24-year-old will undoubtedly be looking to impress potential suitors here.


Odds

Away win: 50-77

Home win: 15-4

Draw: 3-1

Odds via Odds Shark

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Hellas Verona V Juventus – Preview:
Bottom Play Top For Nothing More Than Pride

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/05/hellas-verona-v-juventus-preview-bottom-play-top-for-nothing-more-than-pride/?

May 7, 2016
 
Hellas Verona will host Juventus at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Sunday night and both teams will go into this game with only pride to play for.

Relegation down to Serie B has already been sealed for the Gialloblu and they are sitting bottom of the Serie A table with just 25 points after 36 games. Luigi Delneri’s side have lost four of their last five games, including a 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo in the previous round.

Top spot has been sealed in Italy and the Bianconeri currently have 88 points for the 2015-16 season. Massimiliano Allegri’s team have won their last 10 league fixtures and they have not been defeated in Serie A since they lost 1-0 to Sassuolo in October 2015.

In the previous league fixture between the two sides in Week 18, the Bianconeri emerged with a 3-0 victory at the Juventus Stadium thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata, Simone Zaza and Leonardo Bonucci. The last time the Mastini won in Serie A against Juve was in April 2000, when a double from Fabrizio Cammarata gave the Gialloblu a 2-0 win.

Delneri is expected to place his side in a 4-3-3 formation, with Juanito Gomez starting as a false nine while traditional centre-forward Luca Toni will be on the bench for the penultimate match of his career. Allegri will stick to his preferred 3-5-2, granting potential starts to Roberto Pereyra, Mario Lemina and Zaza while left-back Patrice Evra could start as a centre-back.

Samuel Souprayen, Mohamed Fares and Giampaolo Pazzini are injured so they won’t feature on Sunday evening for Hellas Verona. Hernanes, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mario Mandzukic and Paul Pogba will be unavailable to play for Juventus because of suspension while Claudio Marchisio, Martin Caceres and Giorgio Chiellini will miss out through injury.


Form Guide: Hellas Verona (L-L-L-W-L) Juventus (W-W-W-W-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Hellas Verona
Gollini; Pisano, Bianchetti, Moras, Albertazzi; Greco, Marrone, Ionita; Wszolek, Gomez, Siligardi

Juventus
Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Pereyra, Lemina, Khedira, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Zaza

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Juve and Verona name squads

http://www.football-italia.net/83973/juve-and-verona-name-squads?

May 7, 2016
 
Juventus and Verona named their squads for tomorrow evening’s game at the Bentegodi.

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Bianconeri are without suspended Paul Pogba, Hernanes, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mario Mandzukic.

Gigi Buffon is rested so Neto can get some match practice under his belt ahead of the Coppa Italia Final against Milan on May 21.

Also not making the trip are injured Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Martin Caceres.

However, Giorgio Chiellini is back in the squad following a muscular problem, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be risked from the start.

Verona also named their squad for what will be Luca Toni’s final Serie A match at the Bentegodi.

Giampaolo Pazzini, Samuel Souprayen, Michelangelo Albertazzi and Mohamed Fares miss out.


Juventus squad

Chiellini, Zaza, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Lemina, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Asamoah, Rugani, Neto, Sturaro, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Audero, Favilli, Cassata


Verona squad

Coppola, Gollini, Marcone, Bianchetti, Gilberto, Helander, Moras, Pisano, Samir, Checchin, Emanuelson, Furman, Greco, Ionita, Marrone, Romulo, Viviani, Wszolek, Gomez Taleb, Jankovic, Rebic, Siligardi, Toni

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

HELLAS VERONA VS JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

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

May 7, 2016
 

Juventus

Despite clinching the title, Juventus gave a decent effort against Carpi and once again came up victorious at home. All in all, the game did not have much to say: the opponents, despite needing points, seriously threatened Gianluigi Buffon only once and the Bianconeri took their time working around the defence and eventually found the goal thanks to Hernanes (and Vid Belec), from long range. Simone Zaza sealed the deal late in the second half.

The Italian striker was the most interesting storyline coming off that game as he voiced his frustration for the lack of playing time and then the coach Massimiliano Allegri bit back in the post-game. Zaza always played with a lot grit in his small cameos, scored at a pretty good rate (a goal every 102 minutes) and has always been assertive. Unfortunately for him, scoring is all he does as he can not take players on like Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata, he is not creative and he does not do the dirty work as well as Mario Mandzukic. He is understandably low in the pecking order: he will have to make peace with that or bolt in the summer. He is still young, but I do not know how much he can grow. If he played all the time he would have awesome stats, but in today’s game being multidimensional is just as important as putting the ball in the net.

Juventus will travel to Verona pretty short-handed: Paul Pogba, Stephen Lichsteiner, Hernanes and Mandzukic are suspended. Alvaro Morata is out with a sore hamstring. Giorgio Chiellini has recovered from his knee sprain and will certainly get some playing time in one of the two final games, maybe replacing Bonucci, to take a look at the Andrea Barzagli-Daniele Rugani-Giorgio Chiellini trio that could start in the final since Leonardo Bonucci is disqualified. Norberto Neto has recovered and will probably start the next three games.

Sami Khedira picked up yet another muscular injury, a calf one in this case: he will miss the last two games and his presence on May 21st in the Coppa Italia final is in doubt. Three weeks is the usual timetable for this kind of ailment so he will be right on the cusp of the recovering, we will see if he will be risked.

The Bianconeri will be without the whole starting midfield on Sunday night and it could be a nice occasion for the replacements to step up. Since some key players are set to be out for the Coppa Italia final so this can be a two-match try-out for the others. Kwadwo Asamoah did ok in the last game, but he is a weird fit alongside Pogba because they both thrive on the left. Allegri has announced most of the lineup: Neto in goal, Barzagli, Bonucci and Rugani in the defence, Mario Lemina and Asamoah in the midfield, Alex Sandro on the left and Zaza-Dybala upfront. The final two will be either Simone Padoin and Roberto Pereyra or Juan Cuadrado and Stefano Sturaro in order not to have an unbalanced lineup.


Probable lineup 3-5-2

Neto; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Lemina, Asamoah, Sandro; Zaza, Dybala.


Injuries:

Marchisio (knee), Khedira (calf), Caceres (Achilles), Morata (hamstring).

Suspensions:

Pogba, Mandzukic, Lichtsteiner, Hernanes.


 

  Hellas Verona

Hellas Verona are already mathematically relegated and had a proper Year from Hell, as some American commentators call a season that has gone completely wrong. There are three main reasons. Luca Toni suffered a serious knee injury early in the season and missed three months: the heir apparent Giampaolo Pazzini, who also has been banged up way too much, never got it going and they fell in a hole they were never able to get out of. They scored 11 goals combined, while Toni tallied 20 on his own last year. It is hard for a low-table team to get points without a bell cow: they did not win a game until February.

Their defence has been bad all year: the veterans Rafa Marquez, who left in January, and Vangelis Moras were as just blunder prone as the youngster Filip Helander and Matteo Bianchetti. They never found a starting left back and continued to circle through Samuel Souprayen, Michelangelo Albertazzi and Eros Pisano (a natural right back) who are simply subpar.

The former Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon was exposed in a place where he had to actually lead the time without a strong president like Aurelio De Laurentiis. He got rid of Andrea Mandorlini as soon as he could and replaced him with Luigi Delneri and he could have not made a more vanilla choice, whereas the players needed a coach with a strong personality to wake them up. The January window was disappointing.

Delneri is still a 4-4-2 guy and that should be the case on Sunday. Luca Toni will play alongside Juanito Gomez. The midfielders should be Pawel Wszolek, Artur Ionita, Federico Viviani and Luca Siligardi, even though Luca Marrone, Bosko Jankovic and Ante Rebic have a chance as well. At times, they have used 4-2-3-1 with a midfielder (Ionita or Leandro Greco) as tactical no.10 to bother opponent’s deep-lying playmakers.

Albertazzi has a bruised knee so he might not be able to play on Sunday: Urby Emanuelson, Gilberto or Bianchetti are the three options to replace him at LB. Pazzini, Souprayen and Mohamed Fares will miss the game. Helander is set to return after a head injury: he will battle with Bianchetti to start in the middle of the defence if the Italian youngster is not moved to the flank.

They play in a traditional way, with width and the fullbacks and wingers attempt to cross often: Toni has lost a step but he is still a physical presence in the box. They could use some more creativity: other than Viviani there are not real playmakers. They are decent on set pieces, both direct and indirect. Their defence in particularly slow, but the whole team lacks of speed.

The only highlight of the season has been the emerging goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, whom they acquired for free from Manchester United and could draw a good sum if they decide to cash in on him in the summer.

It will be a special night as Toni will play his final game in front of a sell-out crowd. Hellas Verona fans are special and always supported the team despite a rough season. Toni has given a lot to football and deserves a hero sendoff. I bet he will find a way to score in this one. The biggest takeaway from his outstanding career is that there is always hope to reach greatness even if you are a late bloomer. Toni did not explode untill he was 26-27 and still achieved the biggest goals in football with Bayern Munich and Italy. Those peak years at Palermo and Fiorentina were just fabulous.


Probable lineup 4-4-2

Gollini; Pisano, Moras, Bianchetti, Emanuelson; Wszolek, Ionita, Viviani, Siligardi; Gomez, Toni.


Injuries:

Pazzini (hamstring), Fares (hamstring), Souprayen (hamstring).

Suspensions:

None.

 

Formation

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Verona - Juventus Preview:
Asamoah wants to keep pushing

The Bianconeri midfielder has told his team-mates to keep pushing in Serie A with an eye
on the Coppa Italia final this month, despite already having the league title wrapped up.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/hellas-verona-vs-juventus/2120739/preview

May 7, 2016
 
Kwadwo Asamoah has urged Juventus to keep giving their all in the remainder of the Serie A season as they prepare to take on Verona on Sunday.

Massimiliano Allegri's men have already clinched the Scudetto, but their season is by no means over just yet at they meet AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final in two weeks' time.

But matches against Verona and Sampdoria are on Juve's agenda first and Asamoah has stressed the champions cannot afford to take anything for granted.

"I'm delighted to be back in the action and working with the rest of the squad every day. I want to keep winning titles here," Asamoah told Sky Italia.

"My goal is to win back-to-back domestic doubles. Lifting the Coppa Italia again would be a great achievement but we're not taking anything for granted.

"Enjoying this much success takes a lot of hard work and I'm proud of what we have achieved.

"I would probably say that this latest league title was the hardest and therefore the most satisfying of the lot. We realised what was required for us to become champions.

"The only way is up with Allegri at the helm, we are becoming a very good outfit under his guidance. He is a fantastic coach who builds great relationships with his players on and off the field. "

Asamoah is likely to feature from the start on Sunday as Juventus are without Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mario Mandzukic, Paul Pogba and Hernanes due to suspension, while Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio are unavailable due to injury.

Verona, meanwhile, have little left to play for as their relegation to Serie B has already been confirmed.

They will be keen to end their disappointing season on a high, though, and Luca Toni's retirement after Sunday's encounter will serve as extra motivation to spring a surprise.

The 38-year-old announced this week that he will hang up his boots after the game following a career that saw him wear the shirts of major clubs such as Fiorentina, Bayern Munich, Roma, Juve and Italy.

Toni did not feature against his old team when they last met in January, with Juventus recording a 3-0 win in Turin, but he is likely to get playing time on this occasion as he aims to end his goalless streak.

The veteran striker has not found the net since the 3-1 win over Chievo on February 20.


Key Opta facts:

- Juventus are unbeaten against Verona in Serie A since April 2000.
- Verona have lost four of their last five Serie A games, winning the other fixture at home against Milan.
- Juventus have conceded only 18 goals in Serie A this season - the league record is the 20 shipped by Juve in 2011-12.
- Luca Toni has gone 559 minutes without a goal in Serie A.
- Gianlugi Buffon has equalled his personal best of clean sheets kept in a single Serie A campaign (21, in 2011-12).


OPTA FACTS

Juventus are unbeaten against Verona in Serie A since April 2000 (2-0 for the Gialloblu courtesy of Fabrizio Cammarata’s brace): since then six wins for the Bianconeri and three draws.

Since that game Juventus have always found the net against Hellas in the top-flight: 19 goals in nine clashes, 2.11 per game on average.

Each of the last three league meetings at the Bentegodi have ended in a 2-2 scoreline.

Verona have lost four of their last five Serie A games, winning the other one against Milan at home.

Juventus have conceded only 18 goals in the league this season – the league record in a single term in the history of the competition is 20 goals shipped by Juve in 2011/12.

Juventus have kept 21 clean sheets so far – the Serie A record in a single campaign is 22 recorded by Juve in 2013/14 and Milan in 1993/94.

Juventus have scored a goal from corner in four of their last five Serie A games – they had found four goals from this situation in the previous 31 matches of this season.

Verona have not scored an open play goal in Serie A since February against Chievo: each of Verona’s last six goals in the league have come from set pieces.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Hellas Verona L W L L L

5/1/16 - Sassuolo 1 - 0 Hellas Verona
4/25/16 - Hellas Verona 2 - 1 AC Milan
4/20/16 - Empoli 1 - 0 Hellas Verona
4/17/16 - Hellas Verona 1 - 2 Frosinone
4/10/16 - Napoli 3 - 0 Hellas Verona


Juventus W W W W W

5/1/16 - Juventus 2 - 0 Carpi
4/24/16 - Fiorentina 1 - 2 Juventus
4/20/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Lazio
4/17/16 - Juventus 4 - 0 Palermo
4/9/16 - AC Milan 1 - 2 Juventus


HEAD TO HEAD

1/6/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Hellas Verona
5/30/15 - Hellas Verona 2 - 2 Juventus
1/18/15 - Juventus 4 - 0 Hellas Verona
1/15/15 - Juventus 6 - 1 Hellas Verona
2/9/14 - Hellas Verona 2 - 2 Juventus

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Line-ups: Verona-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/84039/line-ups-verona-juventus?

May 8, 2016
 
Juventus make numerous changes as they visit Verona, but all eyes are on retiring veteran hitman Luca Toni.

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Bianconeri have already won the Scudetto, but want to maintain their remarkable run of all victories and just one draw – with Bologna – since October 28.

Gigi Buffon is rested so Norberto Neto can get some playing time ahead of the Coppa Italia Final against Milan on May 21.

Paul Pogba, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mario Mandzukic and Hernanes are suspended, while Martin Caceres, Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio are injured.

Giorgio Chiellini is back in the squad, but not risked from the start after muscular problems.

Verona are doomed to relegation, but want to salute Serie A in their final home game and above all wave goodbye to Toni.

The striker has decided to hang up his boots, as he’ll turn 39 later this month.

Toni leads the way with support from Luca Siligardi and Federico Viviani.

Giampaolo Pazzini, Michelangelo Albertazzi, Samuel Souprayen and Mohamed Fares are unavailable.

Hellas have not beaten Juventus, home and away in all competition, since a 2-0 Serie A result here in April 2000.

That was followed by three draws and nine defeats.


Verona

 

Gollini; Pisano, Bianchetti, Helander, Emanuelson; Viviani, Marrone; Wszolek, Ionita, Siligardi; Toni


Juventus

 

Neto; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Lemina, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Zaza

Juventus bench: Rubinho, Audero, Chiellini, Evra, Padoin, Pereyra, Cassata, Favilli

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Pogba and Dybala have no reason
to leave Juventus - Allegri

The Bianconeri boss is confident his side can keep hold of their prized assets because
he believes the Serie A giants are as good as the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/05/07/23226732/juve-on-par-with-europes-best-allegri?ICID=TP_HN_3

May 8, 2016
 
Massimiliano Allegri believes Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala have no reason to leave Juventus as he feels the Serie A champions are on par with Europe's big guns.

Pogba and Dybala are recognised as two of the best young players in their respective positions and have therefore been linked with moves elsewhere in recent months,

But Allegri is confident Juventus can hold on to their star players, stating he believes the Bianconeri are on the same level as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

"I don't see why players should leave us," Allegri said.

"Juventus are now at the same level as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. Our own plans on the transfer market? The club has always assembled competitive and winning sides.

"The solid spine of our experienced group, combined with our talented youngsters, enables us to enjoy success. Our first aim for 2016-17, other than enjoying a strong Champions League, is sealing what would be a legendary sixth straight title."

Juventus take on Verona on Sunday and Allegri has stressed they cannot afford to lose focus ahead of the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan in two weeks, even if he aims to rest a number of first-team regulars.

"We must focus on signing off our Serie A campaign on a high and also try to win the Coppa Italia. We cannot allow for a drop in tension. We must keep working," he added.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Del Neri tribute to Toni

http://www.football-italia.net/83998/del-neri-tribute-toni

May 8, 2016
 
Gigi Del Neri denies he had “a tense rapport” with Luca Toni as the Verona veteran calls it quits against Juventus.

“Toni will say goodbye to the home fans, but it might not be his final Serie A game. He could also play against Palermo, we’ll see,” said the Coach.

“Football loses a protagonist of recent years. Toni was decisive for many clubs, including Verona, so it’s only right to give him the tribute he deserves and to thank him for all he’s given to the world of football.

“It’s not true that I had a tense rapport with Toni. It was simply a normal relationship between player and Coach, with some friction due to my decisions. I have to make my choices and can only start 11, so clearly the Coach is not a friend to the players or vice versa.

“Toni, like Antonio Di Natale and Francesco Totti, has done so much for Italian football, but the years go by for him too.”

It’s not just Toni saying goodbye, as Verona are relegated and play their final Serie A home match for a while.

“Will it be my last game at the Bentegodi? It could be, but I don’t know yet. We’ll talk about it after Palermo,” added Del Neri.

“I launched some young players in the squad and tried to bring in new ideas. I think my work here has been good.

“I also wish to thank the fans, who deserve to be called the best in Europe. They supported the team throughout difficult moments. We needed someone who believed in us and they did.

“We did everything and more to stay in Serie A, so it’s disappointing to be going into Serie B, but you can’t say we didn’t try our best to turn things around.”

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Toni: 'This is my last game'

http://www.football-italia.net/84041/toni-my-last-game

May 8, 2016
 
Luca Toni confessed “the week has been full of emotion” leading into the final match of his Serie A career.

Verona v Juventus kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“It has been a week full of emotion and now there are even more emotions because it is my final match,” the striker told Mediaset Premium.

“I won’t play the last round in Palermo, as it’s only right to close at home in front of my fans.

“It’s tough, because the strange sensations I’ve got going through my mind. It’ll be my last time in the locker room, the last time stepping on to the pitch. These are strong emotions and we’ll see what happens.

“I’ll try to score on my last game, it would be the ultimate to end with a goal and victory in front of our fans.”

Toni will turn 39 on May 26.

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

HT 1-0: Toni bows out in style!

http://www.football-italia.net/84045/ht-toni-bows-out-style

May 8, 2016
 
Luca Toni scored a cheeky Panenka penalty on his final match to give Verona the half-time lead over Juventus.

The Bianconeri had already won the Scudetto and Hellas were doomed to Serie B, but they were still eager to put up a fine show for the home fans. Above all, this was Toni’s farewell match, as he will hang up his boots ahead of his 39th birthday on May 26.

Paul Pogba, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mario Mandzukic and Hernanes were suspended, Gigi Buffon rested, Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Martin Caceres injured.

Federico Viviani tested Neto from distance and Hellas were impressive, putting in a series of crosses for Toni to knock down.

Simone Zaza was once again too enthusiastic in the tackle and got himself booked, while Juan Cuadrado and Viviani got into a scuffle.

Verona had more of the ball in the first half and the best chance, as Luca Siligardi rolled across from the left for Toni only for the finish to hit the near post from six yards.

Zaza’s effort was charged down and Cuadrado ballooned the follow-up over. Paulo Dybala surged past Filip Helander and his angled drive shaved a coat of paint off the far upright.

The referee awarded a very soft penalty for Alex Sandro’s coming together with Eros Pisano. Toni stepped up and marked his final match with a first – he took a Panenka-style spot-kick, chipping it over Neto to send the Bentegodi crowd wild.


Verona 1-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Toni pen 43 (V)

Verona: Gollini; Pisano, Bianchetti, Helander, Emanuelson; Viviani, Marrone; Wszolek, Ionita, Siligardi; Toni

Juventus: Neto; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Lemina, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Zaza

Ref: Maresca

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

2 - 1

Luca Toni (43'-penalty)
Federico Viviani (55')

Paulo Dybala (94'-penalty)

 
 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Verona 2-1 Juventus: Toni marks farewell with
Panenka as Juve streak comes to an end

The hosts are already resigned to playing next season in Serie B, but they put in
a stellar performance to down the champions after the former Italy international struck.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/hellas-verona-vs-juventus/2120739/report

May 8, 2016
 
Legendary striker Luca Toni helped Hellas Verona spring an upset as he opened the scoring in a 2-1 defeat of Serie A champions Juventus on Sunday.
An astonishing run of 25 wins in 26 outings had led Massimiliano Allegri's men to a fifth straight Scudetto, but they were unable to cope with the 38-year-old Toni on Sunday.

The World Cup-winning striker announced this week that he would bow out after this game and he capped it in style, opening the scoring with a cheeky penalty just before the interval.

Toni then also started the move that led to rock-bottom and relegated Verona's second goal, with Federico Viviani eventually finding the net.

Juventus - without a host of key players, including Mario Mandzukic, Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata and Gianluigi Buffon - scored with the last kick of the game, a Dybala penalty.

But that only came after Alex Sandro's stoppage-time red card as Allegri was left to lament a poor showing immediately after extending his contract with the champions.

Verona did well to contain the Juventus attackers early on and they got the first chance of a tense match when Luca Marrone fired straight at goalkeeper Neto from the edge of the area and Toni hit the post following fine work from Luca Siligardi down the left.

Dybala should have put Juventus ahead shortly before the interval after dancing through the home defence, but the Argentina international aimed inches wide with only Verona goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini to beat.

And Toni got his goal in the 43rd minute when he beat Neto from the spot. Alex Sandro brought down Eros Pisano inside the area, leaving referee Fabio Maresca no other choice but to award a penalty and the 38-year-old coolly chipped the ball through the middle to open the scoring.

The home side continued to impress after the break and Viviani doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a superb finish, latching onto Artur Ionita's sublime pass from the right and thundering his shot in the top corner past a helpless Neto.

Urby Emanuelson was unfortunate not to make it three minutes later, volleying just wide, but Juve began to stir and Simone Zaza had a shot pushed onto the post before he found the net, only to be denied by the referee, who had spotted a push in the area.

There was good news for Juventus when Giorgio Chiellini came off the bench to make his comeback from injury, but he could not help them salvage a result, despite Dybala pulling one back in the last minute when he converted a penalty just moments after Alex Sandro received his second booking of the evening.

But it could not detract from Toni's moment. The striker earned an ovation from fans, team-mates and opponents alike as he was withdrawn in the game's dying embers before emerging to thank the crowd again upon the final whistle.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

 

2 - 1

Luca Toni (43'-penalty)
Federico Viviani (55')

Paulo Dybala (94'-penalty)

 

MATCHDAY 37
Sunday, May 8th, 2016 - 20:45 PM
Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

Finale for Toni and Juventus run

Luca Toni retired by scoring a cheeky Panenka penalty
as Verona stunned Scudetto-winners Juventus 2-1.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/hellas-verona-vs-juventus/2120739/report

May 8, 2016
 
This remarkable result ends the Juve run of 25 wins and a draw in 26 rounds, since their last defeat to Sassuolo on October 28.

The Bianconeri had already won the Scudetto and Hellas were doomed to Serie B, but they were still eager to put up a fine show for the home fans. Above all, this was Toni’s farewell match, as he will hang up his boots ahead of his 39th birthday on May 26.

Paul Pogba, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mario Mandzukic and Hernanes were suspended, Gigi Buffon rested, Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Martin Caceres injured.

Federico Viviani tested Neto from distance and Hellas were impressive, putting in a series of crosses for Toni to knock down.

Simone Zaza was once again too enthusiastic in the tackle and got himself booked, while Juan Cuadrado and Viviani got into a scuffle.

Verona had more of the ball in the first half and the best chance, as Luca Siligardi rolled across from the left for Toni only for the finish to hit the near post from six yards.

Zaza’s effort was charged down and Cuadrado ballooned the follow-up over. Paulo Dybala surged past Filip Helander and his angled drive shaved a coat of paint off the far upright.

The referee awarded a very soft penalty for Alex Sandro’s coming together with Eros Pisano. Toni stepped up and marked his final match with a first – he took a Panenka-style spot-kick, chipping it over Neto to send the Bentegodi crowd wild. It was his 157th Serie A goal in 344 games.

Hellas remained aggressive after the break and doubled their lead with a classic counter-attack. Artur Ionita’s pass with the outside of the boot was not cut out by Leonardo Bonucci, so Viviani was able to control and smash into the roof of the net. Neto was left rooted to the spot.

No Serie A side had managed to score two past Juve since Carpi in December 2015.

Urby Emanuelson’s volley flashed wide, but Zaza thought he’d pulled one back when running on to a Kwadwo Asamoah through ball until Pierluigi Gollini palmed it on to the base of the near post.

Neto had his gloves stung by Ionita at the near stick to deny a third, while Gollini palmed a Dybala free kick over the bar. Zaza’s glancing header was in the back of the net, but only after he was flagged offside.

Giorgio Chiellini made his comeback after a muscular injury and Toni was given one final standing ovation as he left the Serie A pitch for the last time.

In stoppages, Alex Sandro completed a miserable night for Juventus by getting himself sent off. The wing-back was already booked when he lunged into a late studs-up tackle.

With the final kick of the game, Helander shoved Zaza for a penalty which Dybala coolly converted to at least give the Bianconeri a consolation goal.


Verona

Gollini; Pisano, Bianchetti, Helander, Emanuelson; Viviani, Marrone (Greco 80); Wszolek, Ionita, Siligardi (Romulo 64); Toni (Gomez Taleb 85)


Juventus

Neto; Barzagli (Chiellini 72), Bonucci, Rugani; Cuadrado, Sturaro (Pereyra 62), Lemina, Asamoah (Padoin 71), Alex Sandro; Dybala, Zaza


Ref: Maresca

Sent off: Alex Sandro 92 (J)

 

SERIE A TABLE