Juventus Season 2015-2016

[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

Hellas Verona 2-1 Juventus: Gialloblu
Delight In Toni Swansong

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/05/hellas-verona-2-1-juventus-gialloblu-delight-in-toni-swansong/?

May 8, 2016
 
Hellas Verona completed a surprise 2-1 win over Juventus at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi in their Sunday evening Serie A meeting.

Luca Toni put the hosts in front before Federico Viviani added a second with Paulo Dybala netting a late consolation goal in stoppage time.

The first clear opportunity on goal came shortly before the half hour mark when midfielder Viviani fired a powerful shot towards the Bianconeri goal, but stand-in goalkeeper Neto was there to deny the Gialloblu a surprise lead.

Much of the attention going into the game was on Luca Toni, playing the last home game of his career, and the 38 year-old almost scored early on. Luca Siligardi found the striker after dashing into the area, and Toni struck first time but saw Neto help the shot onto the post.

After all their early forays into the Old Lady penalty area, Verona finally had something to cheer about. Alex Sandro gave away a penalty with a clumsy foul on Eros Pisano, and up stepped Toni. The former Juventus man delicately chipped the ball past Neto and the Gialloblu had the lead going into half time.

In the second half it got even better for Verona a great move involving Toni saw Artur Ionita pick out Viviani in the middle, who thundered his shot past Neto to double their lead.

The Bianconeri woke up after conceding the second, Simone Zaza forcing a save from Pierluigi Gollini who tipped the shot onto the upright. Paulo Dybala was next to test Gollini, forcing the goalkeeper into pushing the ball out for a corner

Zaza put the ball in the back of the net only for the offside flag to deny him. In the dying minutes Alex Sandro was shown a second yellow and sent off, and Filip Helander gave away a late penalty which Dybala converted moments before the 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

RATINGS: Verona 2-1 Juventus

Goals from Luca Toni and Artur Ionita were enough to give the relegated hosts all
three points against the Serie A champions, all on the veteran's last home match for the club.

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

May 8, 2016
 

Hellas Verona

95 P. Gollini - Commanded his penalty area well and made a number of excellent saves to ensure that the Bianconeri were kept at bay.

3 E. Pisano - Won a penalty in the first half for the home side and was then solid against Cuadrado and Alex Sandro throughout.

22 M. Bianchetti - Stepped out to make a number of good challenges and important blocks, with the central defender leading by example throughout.

5 F. Helander - Aside from giving away a stoppage-time penalty, the ex-Malmo defender was physical and astute when dealing with Zaza.

28 U. Emanuelson - Went close with a couple of speculative efforts, as well as being a willing supporting runner when Verona counter-attacked.

24 F. Viviani - Got caught up in a few bits of afters, but was generally bullish and a physical presence in the centre of the park.

8 L. Marrone - Was perhaps fortunate to get away with some scrappy tackles, but the former Bianconeri midfielder was a direct runner on the break.

13 P. Wszołek - Tried his best to provide service from out wide, but Barzagli snuffed out most of his ammunition. Full of committed running.

23 A. Ioniţă - Thumped home a wonderful finish to double the hosts' lead, with the Moldova international running himself into the ground to support breaks.

16 L. Siligardi - Saw a couple of efforts well blocked, with the forward providing a much-needed link between midfield and attack.

9 L. Toni - Struck the post early on, before converting a penalty with a cheeky panenka finish. Held the ball up well to spark a few good counters.


Substitutes

2 Rômulo - Kept his cool and ensured that Verona kept patient possession.

19 L. Greco - Won a corner for the hosts and was full of fresh running.

21 J. Gómez Taleb - Introduced for Toni, but had little in the way of service to impress.


 

Juventus

25 Neto - Could do little about Toni's penalty, nor Ionita's finish, with the Juve goalkeeper able to command his area fairly well aside from that.

15 A. Barzagli - Made a number of key blocks and clearances, with the former Palermo defender key in denying crosses from the right-hand side.

19 L. Bonucci - His passing wasn't as probing as usual, with the Italy international making a few good clearances but otherwise underwhelmed.

24 D. Rugani - Put his head in where it hurt for a couple of clearances and showed why he has been impressing with his form of late.

16 J. Cuadrado - Saw plenty of the ball, but just couldn't contribute with any real quality in the final third. Frustrating evening for the wide man.

27 S. Sturaro - Went on a few bustling runs into dangerous areas, but couldn't seem to pick out the killer pass when required.

18 M. Lemina - Neat and tidy on the ball and kept the tempo quite high in the first half, but faded a little as the contest progressed.

22 K. Asamoah - Neat on the ball and tracked back occasionally to make diligent challenges, but otherwise struggled to create.

12 Alex Sandro - Gave away a cheap penalty to allow Toni to open the scoring, before compounding his miseries with a late second booking.

21 P. Dybala - Showcased a great range of passing and looked to be the source of all of Juve's ideas. Slotted home a late penalty.

7 Simone Zaza - Won a late penalty for his side and forced two smart saves out of Gollini. On another night, might have netted a few.


Substitutes

37 R. Pereyra - Thrown into the fray to try and be a creative outlet, but came up with blanks

20 S. Padoin - Tried to force overloads down the left-hand side, but offered no real quality.

3 G. Chiellini - Introduced for the final 10 minutes against his old club, but had little impact.

 

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

Juventus 1 - Hellas Verona 2: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/8/11635308/juventus-hellas-verona-2016-serie-a-round-37-final-score-result-initial-reaction

May 8, 2016
 
For the entirety of the first half, Juventus looked like a team that had already won the Scudetto. Their play wasn't sharp at all, the amount of attempts on goal was the same as the number of times I've been to the gym this month. It was drab, with the only highlight being one that went against Juventus — Luca Toni scoring a cucchiaio from the penalty spot right before the halftime whistle blew.

It's not like it got that much better over the next 45-plus minutes, either.

Juventus did get a few shots on target, which was nice, but the club's 26-game run without a loss officially came to an end. It was fun while it lasted. It is what allowed Juve to storm up the standings and win the Scudetto with plenty of room to spare. But for the first time since late-October, Juventus is on the wrong side of the final score against a Serie A opponent, falling 2-1 to Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi on Sunday night.

Not a bad way for Toni Day to be celebrated.

So there's that. And I guess with the kind of season Hellas has had, having something to celebrate isn't the worst thing in the world.

Even as unstoppable as this Juventus side has been over their unbeaten run, we should know from recent history that these kinds of things happen from time to time. Max Allegri had just about half of his regular starting lineup out injured or suspended. That's an even greater percentage when you factor in a couple of Allegri's go-to subs were also unable to play due to suspensions or their respective injuries.

Basically, even though Juve were playing a side that's already been relegated to Serie B, if they were going to get got, this is a scenario where it would probably make a little bit of sense.

For one day, though, last place can say they beat first place. First place might have been vastly understrength, but those are the cards Juve were dealt and, you know what, Hellas Verona actually played like they wanted to be there.

JuventusFC ✔ ‎@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "It's a slip-up that we need to learn from. It will help us show a different approach in the #CoppaItalia final."

I ain't even mad, though. Not one bit. Juventus won the title a couple of weeks ago, so they're allowed a clunker without my blood pressure getting up. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels that way, too.


Random thoughts and observations

Serie A goal No. 17 on the season for Paulo Dybala just before the final whistle blew. Stat-padding like a champ in garbage time. I think he's allowed one or two of those with how he's played for the vast majority of the season.

But, seriously, 17 goals. Is that good? I need to know for the sake of knowing.

Simone Zaza stayed true to form and picked up a yellow card. And just because I want to have fun with small sample sizes, this is what Zaza has done in his last 10 appearances: Two goals, four yellow cards, one red card.

Is that good? I need to know for the sake of knowing.

It's getting toward the end of the second half. Dybala dribbles forward, passes to his left to where he thinks Zaza is going to be making a run. Instead, Zaza made a run to his right. That just seemed to sum up the bulk of Juve's attacks against Hellas Verona. Things were just off.

I'm not going to complain about the lineup or what Allegri's subs ended up being. The Padoin entrance in the 70th minute (!!!!) did provide us on Twitter with some comedy. But it would have been nice to see Andrea Favilli get more than a couple of minutes to his name against Hellas Verona. That's just me being selfish and wanting to see one of the primavera kids actually get some run.

Has anybody seen Sami? Is he here or on holiday?

Giorgio Chiellini played a little over 20 minutes and didn't get injured. I guess we can call this a step in the right direction based on how things have gone in his last few appearances.

Romulo lives.

Does anybody remember Roberto Pereyra doing anything of note during his 35 minutes on the field? I ask this because I don't. Oh well.

I'll end this thing of a positive note: Daniele Rugani is good, and I like to remind everybody of this whenever I can. It's been fun to see him settle into the starting lineup and play well. He's done exactly what we wanted him to do when we were all clamoring for him to get playing time in the first half of the season.

Scudetto party next weekend. That's going to be fun.

 

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

Luca Toni finishes in style with goal
in Hellas Verona win vs. Juventus

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/431903/hellas-verona-juventus/report

May 8, 2016
 
Luca Toni signed off from Serie A in style with a Panenka penalty as relegated Hellas Verona beat champions Juventus 2-1 at Nuovo Bentegodi.

The veteran forward marked his 344th and last Serie A match with a confident spot-kick finish at the end of the first half, and midfielder Federico Viviani doubled the hosts' lead on 55 minutes.

Juventus, who had already wrapped up the Scudetto and with the Coppa Italia final in mind played goalkeeper Norberto Neto, were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Alex Sandro was sent off.

However, there was still time for the champions to net a consolation penalty through Paulo Dybala, as the Bianconeri lost in the league for the first time since the end of October.

The headlines, though, belonged to Toni, whose penalty saw the 2006 World Cup winner, who turns 39 later this month, end his Serie A goals tally at 157 heading into retirement.

Toni had earlier hit the post from Luca Siligardi's cross, before Verona were awarded what looked a soft penalty on 43 minutes when Sandro collided with Eros Pisano. Toni seized his moment, chipping the ball in as the goalkeeper dived to the right.

The hosts went 2-0 ahead when Viviani finished a swift counter-attack.

Simone Zaza saw his shot pushed onto the post by Verona keeper Pierluigi Gollini, and the forward also had a header ruled out for offside.

In stoppage time, Sandro saw red for a second caution after a late tackle, before Dybala scored from the spot when Zaza was pushed over by Filip Helander.

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

Del Neri: 'Verona heads held high'

http://www.football-italia.net/84056/del-neri-verona-heads-held-high?

May 8, 2016
 
Gigi Del Neri is glad Verona bowed out by beating champions Juventus on Luca Toni’s swansong.

Hellas were already relegated, but still surprised the Scudetto winners 2-1 at the Stadio Bentegodi.

“It’s not the first time we have played this well. The problem with knowing every match is must-win and the Last Chance Saloon is that it drains you,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“This evening the team was very focused, balanced and allowed Juve very little. We also hit the woodwork.

“Leaving the pitch with our heads held high is the most important thing right now. We were unlucky this season and paid a heavy price for errors against Frosinone and Carpi.”

It was also Toni’s final Serie A match before retirement and he was given a standing ovation.

“I was glad to give him that moment, as he deserves it for all he has given to Verona and Italian football.”

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

Juventus Boss Explains Contract
Renewal After Hellas Verona Defeat

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/05/juventus-boss-explains-contract-renewal-after-hellas-verona-defeat/?

May 9, 2016
 
Following Juventus’ 2-1 defeat to Hellas Verona in Serie A, coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that he did not want to sign a contract renewal until he had at least secured the Scudetto with the Turin outfit.

The Bianconeri coach recently put pen to paper on an extended deal with the club, keeping him with the Serie A champions until 2018.

“I deliberately waited until we won the Scudetto, but it didn’t make a difference as we would lose anyway playing like we did today,” Allegri told Rai Sport.

Luca Toni put Verona in front and Federico Viviani added a second and, despite Paulo Dybala netting a late penalty, the Gialloblu were able to end Juventus’ imperious run.

“At this point last season we lost to Parma, and I saw similarities in the two displays. We didn’t perform well and lost too many balls,” he added.

“We were a different team at the start of the season, there is a great tradition here and since we’ve become a team we have achieved a lot.”

The match presented a rare opportunity for second-choice goalkeeper Neto, who Allegri confirmed would start the Coppa Italia final.

“We need to play better, it’s important to put in a good performance and hope luck is on your side,” he concluded. “Yes, Neto will play the final.”

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

Serie A Review:
Old Man sinks Old Lady

Luca Toni bowed out by ending the Juventus run and Roma’s race with Napoli goes to the wire, writes Paul Hill.

http://www.football-italia.net/84059/serie-review-old-man-sinks-old-lady?

May 9, 2016
 
Demonstrating the same class and confidence shown throughout his career, Luca Toni effortlessly slotted home a Panenka-style penalty in his final ever game, as bottom of the table Hellas Verona put an end to Champions elect Juventus’ astounding run of 25 wins and a draw.

Possibly the last great No 9 to come out of the peninsula, few Juventus fans will begrudge him having the chance to portray his famous celebration one last time. As the World Cup winner retires, the national team faces a monumental struggle to find a player anywhere near his ability these days.

What The Azzurri would give for Argentina’s riches in that position, with Paulo Dybala (another penalty scorer in Toni’s last match) and Gonzalo Higuain both unable to even get in their country’s first XI.

The latter is the only man to have matched Toni’s 30 goals in a season since 2006 and continued his breath-taking form this year with his 33rd goal securing a 2-1 win for Napoli in an emotional night in Turin.

Roma refuse to leave the race for second, however, with the capital club registering a 3-0 win earlier in the day at home to Chievo in Francesco Totti’s 600th match for the club. The captain again showed age shall not wither the ability to pick out a perfect first-time pass.

It was a day of tributes and farewells, as Gianpaolo Bellini got to score a rare penalty in Atalanta’s 1-1 draw with Udinese, the captain bidding goodbye after an entire lifetime in Bergamo. It was his 429th appearance for the Orobici in all competition, a fitting way to step aside.

Manuel Pasqual isn’t retiring yet, but was in tears as he played his last game at the Stadio Franchi. After 11 years, Fiorentina will not offer him a new contract. Palermo's veteran Alberto Gilardino was celebrating a point that puts them in the driving seat for safety, despite Maurizio Zamparini's best efforts.

There were tributes at the Matusa too, where Frosinone fans showed great sportsmanship – sadly a very rare sight in Serie A – to thank their players despite relegation. It was their first ever top flight campaign and only the woodwork prevented them getting a goal against Sassuolo.

Carpi have to wait until the anxious final round to know if they’ll be heading straight back down to Serie B as well. Jerry Mbakogu managed the unenviable feat of wasting two penalties in a 3-1 home defeat to nine-man Lazio. If they are relegated, it’s not hard to guess who’ll get much of the blame.

Over in Liguria, one of Calcio’s great spectacles took place in the form of the Derby della Lanterna. Genoa ran out comfortable 3-0 winners with Leonardo Pavoletti again scoring and putting in a fantastic performance, which begs the question why has he not earnt his first international cap yet?

The former Sassuolo man and his teammates have finished the season in terrific form and look set for a top half finish to a season that was once threatened with relegation. They’ll finish above their arch rivals and have the satisfaction of plunging Sampdoria into crisis.

If it’s possible to be in crisis even after a victory, then the two Milan clubs have achieved it. Roberto Mancini’s men are guaranteed Europa League football after beating Empoli, though few felt like celebrating and players piled in with post-match complaints.

Cristian Brocchi’s Rossoneri scraped a victory at 10-man Bologna and remain in seventh place behind Sassuolo. It’s increasingly likely their entire campaign will come down to the Coppa Italia Final against Juventus on May 21. At least Juve have lost some of that sheen of invincibility courtesy of Toni.

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

Hellas Verona vs. Juventus: Winners
and Losers from Serie A

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2638849-hellas-verona-vs-juventus-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a?

May 9, 2016
 
Juventus travelled east to Verona on Sunday evening, taking on an already-relegated opponent having clinched the Serie A themselves with two rounds to spare. That left the game feeling extremely meaningless on both sides, and a heavily rotated Bianconeri eventually lost 2-1 to former coach Gigi Delneri’s side.

Despite missing a plethora of players to both injury and suspension, it was a match Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri still wanted to win—a matter he discussed during his traditional pre-match press conference.

“We want to sign off the Serie A season as best we can and then prepare for the Coppa Italia final against a fired up Milan side,” the coach told reporters on Saturday, only to see his team fail to do just that 24 hours later.

What follows is a look at the best and worst performances from the game at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi, highlighting the individual displays that decided this penultimate fixture of the season for both sides.


Winner: Luca Toni (Hellas Verona)

If there was one man looking to give 100 percent in this encounter, it was undoubtedly Hellas Verona striker Luca Toni. As discussed in this match preview, the 38-year-old has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season, meaning this was his final home outing for the Gialloblu.

The 2006 World Cup winner—who represented Juventus in the 2010/11 campaign—has played for the club for three years, claiming Serie A top-scorer honours last term when he bagged 22 goals. His last match at the Bentegodi was perfect, with Toni netting a first-half penalty to ensure he signed off in style.


Loser: Simone Zaza (Juventus)

While Toni was enjoying the end of his career at one end of the field, Simone Zaza looked incredibly frustrated at the other. The Juventus striker had one goal ruled out for offside and picked up yet another yellow card—a booking which took his tally for the campaign to nine in all competitions despite making just eight starts.


Winner: Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

As he has all season, Paulo Dybala delivered even when Juventus struggled. Netting a late penalty that was ultimately little more than a consolation goal for the Bianconeri, he continued a pattern seen earlier this season.

Indeed, even as the team around him faltered in the opening 10 matches of 2015/16—losing four times and winning just three games—Dybala had already notched four goals and two assists, in turn making no mistake to dispatch the spot-kick against Hellas.


Loser: Alex Sandro (Juventus)

Still battling with Patrice Evra for the starting berth at left-back, Alex Sandro’s performance on Sunday evening did little to further his cause. The Brazilian conceded the penalty that led to Toni’s opening goal—and was subsequently booked—for what appeared to a poor decision after a clash with Eros Pisano.

A needless lunge late in the second half would compound Sandro's miserable outing as he was sent off by referee Fabio Maresca, with his overall performance perhaps making a Coppa Italia start for Evra increasingly likely.


Winner: Juventus (Mario Lemina)

It should come as little surprise that Mario Lemina did well despite a lacklustre Juventus performance—the Gabon international merely continuing his eye-catching run of form in the centre of midfield.

Ever since Claudio Marchisio was ruled out with a season-ending injury, Lemina has stepped in admirably, prompting Juventus to make his stay at Turin a permanent one. According to the club’s official website, they paid Olympique de Marseille a fee of €9.5 million and signed the player to a four-year contract after he initially joined on loan last summer.

Against Hellas, WhoScored.com statistics show Lemina—who cannot be blamed for the side’s shortcomings elsewhere on Sunday—made two tackles, two interceptions and blocked one shot. The 22-year-old also completed 51 of his 58 pass attempts (87.9 percent) and looked solid throughout this 90-minute display.

 

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

Hellas Verona vs. Juventus 2-1, Lackluster
Bianconeri bid farewell to Luca Toni

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/9/11635886/juventus-hellas-verona-2016-serie-a-round-37-final-score-recap-result

May 9, 2016
 
This could have been such a great game. Hellas Verona wanted to give the best goodbye to Luca Toni possible, Juventus wanted to beat their previous record of goals conceded with the help of many non-regulars. Instead, Juventus lost their cool at the back and couldn't respond to Verona's goals. The end result, Juventus' records are gone, and now we only have to look forward to the Scudetto party next week and hopefully a domestic double against Milan before the end of May.

There were really no surprises in the lineup. Max Allegri kept to his word and started Neto at the back covered by Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Daniele Rugani. The wings were manned by Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado. The middle of the park saw the most changes, with Stefano Sturaro, Mario Lemina, and Kwadwo Asamoah, a trio that has never played together before — and it showed. Up front, Dybala and Zaza were the only strikers available.

With that starting 11, I thought the less utilized players would play to impress. That was not the case, but I'll rant about that later.

Juventus started the game well. Lemina was connecting defense and attack well enough, Cuadrado appeared threatening, and Dybala seemed to be leading the charge up front. About 15 to 20 minutes into the match, the cracks started to appear. As Chuks put it in the match thread, Asamoah played a few kamikaze balls back to Rugani, and fortunately the youngster dealt with them with aplomb. Lemina moved a few meters ahead and stopped protecting the defense as well. Cuadrado and Dybala continued to threaten, but they were being double teamed and were covered well.

In other words, Juventus were inefective, partly because of Hellas' organization, but mostly because of their own mistakes.

The match seemed to be heading to a tie before the half-time whistle, unfortunately, Sandro committed a foul and the ref blew the whistle for a penalty. Was it a foul? I think so, but I also don't know that many Serie A refs would have called it. Nevertheless, Toni scored took the spot kick and scored his last goal at home in his career.

In the second half, I thought Juventus would come ready to turn the tables, but that was not the case. The team moved forward to try to tie the match, but instead got caught too far up and conceded a second goal. Bonucci lost a battle with Toni, who opened play on the our right hand side to Artur Ionita. Despite having Rugani and Sturaro covering him, he managed to pass the ball to an open Federico Viviani, who didn't hesitate and scored the second goal of the night.

Juventus kept trying to score a goal and they got one in the end. Helander fouled Zaza in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Dybala took the penalty and scored his 21st goal of the season to equal what Carlitos Tevez did in his first season at Juve. I guess that is at least one good thing to take away from this match.


Pagelle

Neto 6.5 Not much to do in either goal. Could have organized his defense better and called back Sandro or Barzagli to cover the second goal, but that may have been Allegri's instructions.

Barzagli 6.0 Didn't make many mistakes but where was he on the second goal?

Bonucci 6.0 He lost a duel with Toni in the middle of the park which led to the second goal. I don't know what he was doing so far up specially with our left hand side completely exposed.

Rugani 7.0 One bright spot during a terrible game. He stopped Toni singlehandedly in at least two occasions. Unlike many other players out there today, he clearly made a case for becoming a regular rotational player at the back.

Cuadrado 6.0 He dribbled plenty and passed well but he was frustrated about something. Maybe getting hacked left, right, and center, but it may have something to do with going back to England.

Sturaro 5.5 Disappointing. More on him at the end.

Lemina 6.0 He had such good 10 minutes at the beginning of the match and I thought he was ready to start making the middle of the field his own. Afterwards, he moved up the pitch and loss complete sense of space. Nevertheless, for a player of his age, he is going to have off games, and when he is paired with two other players that can't pick up the slack, he is going to suffer.

Asamoah 5.0 He is trying to get back to his level, but it seems like Juventus have grown too much in his absence. His lack of understanding with Sandro was clear to see. Maybe more minutes playing together will help, but I don't know that the Old Lady has that luxury. Where was he on the second goal?

Sandro 4.5 He was at fault for the penalty that opened the score sheet and he got sent off in the end. Just like Asamoah, where was he at for the second goal?

Dybala 7.5 He was one of the few players that cared to win. That is really all I was asking today.

Zaza 7.0 Although I admire his dedication, he needs to know when to use it. You would think that training with Mario Mandzukic would have helped in this regard. He was awfully close a couple of times and I can't help but thinking that if he played more often he could have been more sharp in front of net.

 

Allegri 6.5 In a game when Max knew he didn't have many substitutes, he had to know he couldn't change a bad game by means of substitutes. So he must have known he couldn't have a bad game. I don't think Max motivated the players properly or that he prepared the game as well as he could have. But then again, his hands were tied with the personnel at his disposal and at this point some players are looking forward to the summer.


Things I think I think

- Here we go on Sturaro. Look, I am not asking him to be the second coming of Ronaldinho, and I will never fault a player for not being able to play better than the top of his abilities. However, I will fault a player if their mental commitment is not there. On Sunday, Sturaro was happy to be on the pitch. He didn't seem to care to win the match or to impress the coach. I like him a lot, and I think he still has plenty of promise, but Max needs to have a chat with him and tell him that if he doesn't care the win every single ball in every single match, he can just go and play in any other club he wants, just not at Juve.

- I really like Kwadwo as a human being. He is so genuine and has been a true professional, however, as I mentioned earlier, it seems like the Juventus he has come back to is too good for him. In front of him he has Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra, and Alex Sandro. If he doesn't play more matches it is hard to fault him for having poor chemistry with the other players, but I don't know that the alternative is in Juventus' best interest. If Asamoah stays then I hope Pogba rests a bit more than he has this year. If Max is not going to provide him with an opportunity, then I think it is time to sell him.

- If Juve keep Álvaro Morata, Juventus has three players for two positions in attack who should be regularly rotated. At the back, Juventus have four players for two or three positions depending on what formation we play. On Sunday, it was clear to see that in the middle of the park, Juventus have only three great players in the middle and the quality drops precipitously thereafter. With Claudio Marchisio potentially out until 2017, it is imperative to have at least one more versatile midfielder. I don't want to talk about who that may be, but we need another dependable player.

- Dybala and Rugani really put an impressive performance today. I would really like to see Dybala playing alongside a trequartista so that he doesn't have to play so far back.

- Bonucci as captain was nice to see.

- Congrats to Luca Toni on an amazing career. Numero Uno is part of Juventus' and Calcio's history.

 

 

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

Alex Sandro and Kwadwo Asamoah suffer
in Juventus defeat to Verona

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2868070/alex-sandro-and-kwadwo-asamoah-suffer-in-juventus-defeat-to-verona

May 9, 2016
 
After a 26 match unbeaten run, it took an already relegated Hellas Verona side and the genius of Luca Toni to defeat Serie A champions Juventus 2-1 at the weekend. Massimiliano Allegri's men committed an unusual amount of errors, lacked concentration and composure, and lost to a side more determined to achieve the win.

Juventus have not had much luck against their former players. Fernando Llorente's goal for Sevilla condemned them to qualify second place from their Champions League group; Kingsley Coman's performance for Bayern Munich helped knocked them out of the tournament; while Toni's "Panenka" penalty on Sunday evening ensured the club suffered their first Serie A defeat since the end of October.

Toni, a Juventus fan and one who donned the Bianconeri colours briefly in 2011-12, put the finishing touches to his career with a wonderful moment; fittingly against the side he had always admired most. Well organised and capable of rather beautiful attacking patterns of play, Verona played good football and demonstrated pride to pick up the win.

By contrast, the Italian champions showed no ambition to get back into the game after conceding two. Juventus' approach was too relaxed; players rarely took up good positions, others were too individualistic with their approach; while few showed a genuine desire to perform the dirty work. With key players missing, one would have imagined certain players would take this rare opportunity to play but instead their performance was a muted one.

The Coppa Italia final is now the only thing left on Juve's mind.


Player ratings

Norbeto Neto, 6 -- Little he could do on Verona's two goals but performed a good save on Artur Ionita's shot to deny the opponents a third.

Andrea Barzagli, 7 -- He always excels at recovering the ball and rescuing the side, and Barzagli showed intelligence and read the game well to secure the backline. A leader who also ventured forward well.

Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Tried desperately to clear the ball and save it from reaching Federico Viviani but failed as Verona made it two. As captain he tried to get the team to push further up the field but was a chaotic with his defending and inaccurate with his passing.

Daniele Rugani, 7 -- Good at tackling, good at intercepting, made necessary clearances and pushed forward with confidence. Performed admirably well on the day proving how far he has matured.

Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- Had a few good moments in the first half as he sought to create chances and charge forward. The problem is he complicates certain movements, looking to be the hero when a simple short pass would suffice. Contributing to the defence well, he lost his verve in the second half.

Alex Sandro, 5 -- He pushed forward and helped create attacking moves but was unusually inaccurate. Gave a penalty away and eventually earned a second yellow. The wing-back must learn how to control himself and abstain from reckless challenges.

Stefano Sturaro, 6 -- A warrior, Sturaro sought to play an intelligent game between the lines but failed to really make an impact.

Mario Lemina, 6 -- A tidy performance. He displayed a certain level of skill but he must improve upon his decision making. A little too simple in his actions at times, he failed to produce any incisive passes.

Kwadwo Asamoah, 5 -- Delivered a nice through ball for Simone Zaza who hit the woodwork but was surprisingly poor with his defensive contributions. Looked out of sorts when Juventus lost the ball and did little to recover possession.

Paulo Dybala, 6 -- Committed a few technical errors; he wasn't at his usual finishing best but did score the a penalty in the dying moments of the game.

Simone Zaza, 6 -- Far too reckless and overly eager, which resulted in lots of fouling. However, he rarely loses focus and eventually won the penalty Dybala converted.


Substitutes

Roberto Pereyra, 5 -- This hasn't been his season, brought on to help Juventus create attacking opportunities, he displayed some skill but wasn't able to effect change.

Simone Padoin, N/A -- Tactically versatile, Padoin always brings with him a little stability.

Giorgio Chiellini, N/A -- Back on the field after injury, Chiellini was quick to integrate himself into the match and play his usual way.

 

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

Defeat could be good
for Juventus - Barzagli

The Turin giants' long unbeaten run came to an end at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi,
with the Juve centre-half hoping it will serve as a wake-up call to the title winners.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/05/09/23295572/-?

May 9, 2016
 
Andrea Barzagli thinks Juventus' shock loss at relegated Verona on Sunday could end up helping them.

The Italian champions had won 25 and drawn one of their previous 26 Serie A matches, but crashed to defeat, with Luca Toni netting from the spot on his final professional appearance and Federico Viviani sealing the win prior to Paulo Dybala's late penalty and Alex Sandro's red card.

Gianluigi Buffon, Patrice Evra, Mario Mandzukic, Alvaro Morata and Paul Pogba were among the big names not in Massimiliano Allergi's team, but Barzagli wants the loss to serve as a wake-up call.

Juve still have to face Sampdoria in the final league match of the season, before meeting AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final on May 21 as they search for back-to-back domestic doubles.

"We played sloppily and our approach was wrong," Barzagli told the club's official website.

"Losing is never easy to take especially when you are as accustomed to winning as we are. That said, this loss may be good for us and give us a wake-up call ahead of the last two matches of the season.

"When you win the Scudetto with a handful of games to play, these lapses in concentration can always happen. We will put this behind us and make sure we train well and prepare as best we can for the Coppa Italia final."

 

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

Juventus Alarmed by Loss to Hellas Verona
Ahead of Coppa Italia Final

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2638876-juventus-alarmed-by-loss-to-hellas-verona-ahead-of-coppa-italia-final?

May 9, 2016
 
As Hellas Verona prepared to host Juventus on Sunday evening, almost everything appeared to favour the visitors.

Statistics revealed that, having conceded just 18 goals prior to this encounter, the Bianconeri boasted Serie A's meanest defence, while their opponents had netted a league-low 30 times this season.

Both in terms of recent outings and from a historical perspective, the form guide also provided little comfort as Juventus—who were confirmed as champions last week—had won 25 of their previous 26 matches in 2015/16 and last lost an away game with the Gialloblu back in April 2000.

While the Old Lady had visited Verona just five times in those intervening years, the host side sat bottom of the table, long since resigned to the fact they will be playing their football in Serie B next term.

It seemed there was little chance of an upset, yet that is exactly what transpired as a dismal performance from Juventus handed the hosts a memorable 2-1 victory, with the final game of Luca Toni's career ending in memorable fashion for the 2006 FIFA World Cup winner.

Opening the scoring with a well-taken penalty, Toni—having already announced his intention to retire—told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) that it was "a magical night," but it was one that handed his former side a valuable lesson.

Statistics from WhoScored.com show Juventus enjoyed more possession (60.3 percent), completed more passes (451 compared to Hellas' 275) and took more shots (16 to 12), but it was their opponents who seemed far more assured and confident as the game progressed.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
26 - Juventus have lost after 26 Serie A games in a row unbeaten (W25, D1). Stop.

Their status as champions for a fifth consecutive season may have given them a reason to lower their intensity, but defender Andrea Barzagli expressed concerns when he spoke to JTV (h/t Juventus.com) after the final whistle:

We played sloppily today and our approach was wrong. Losing is never easy to take especially when you are as accustomed to winning as we are. That said, tonight’s loss may be good for us and give us a wake-up call ahead of the last two matches of the season; when you win the Scudetto with a handful of games to play, these lapses in concentration can always happen.

We’ll put this behind us and make sure we train well and prepare as best we can for the Coppa Italia final.

Indeed, it is the thought of that impending clash with AC Milan in the showpiece clash that lends importance to this performance, the Bianconeri need to give a much better account of themselves in Rome on May 21.

There were a number of reasons for the disjointed display, with a glance at the starting XI highlighting many of them.

Juventus were missing four players—Hernanes, Paul Pogba, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mario Mandzukic—to suspension, while Martin Caceres, Claudio Marchisio, Alvaro Morata and Sami Khedira were all out injured.

Yet even as Gigi Buffon and Patrice Evra rested and with Giorgio Chiellini only fit enough to take a place on the bench, coach Massimiliano Allegri was still in no mood for excuses during his own post-match interviews.

“No, this defeat is not acceptable and it shouldn’t have been on the cards except for our attitude,” he told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia). “It wasn’t a lack of hunger, it was a lack of concentration and focus. We made many technical errors, gave the ball away often and weren’t cohesive."

“A slip-up is only valuable if it makes the team learn from its mistakes,” Allegri continued, going on to wonder if he had allowed the players to enjoy their success too much during the build-up to their outing at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

“Enough celebrating now,” the former Milan and Sassuolo boss demanded in that same interview. “We’ve got to get our heads in the game, otherwise we risk going into the final without the right attitude.”

Getting many of those absent first-team regulars back in action before next week's fixture against Sampdoria will help, but it is that sharpness Allegri will most want to see before their last outing of the campaign.

The chance to make history as the only Italian team to win a league-and-cup double in consecutive seasons awaits, but only if Juventus learn the lesson handed to them in Verona and play to the best of their abilities every time they step onto the field.

 

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

Allegri: 'Enough celebrating now!'

http://www.football-italia.net/84053/allegri-enough-celebrating-now

May 9, 2016
 
Max Allegri was angry with Juventus after their defeat to Verona, ending a six-month unbeaten run. “Enough celebrating.”

Hellas are already relegated, but emerged 2-1 winners at the Bentegodi on the night Luca Toni hung up his boots.

“No, this defeat is not acceptable and it shouldn’t have been on the cards except for our attitude,” complained the Coach on Mediaset Premium.

“Verona did very well and played an intense game, but we were not intense. We’ve got to take the positives from this, because we must get our heads where they need to be.

“It wasn’t a lack of hunger, it was a lack of concentration and focus. We made many technical errors, gave the ball away often and weren’t cohesive.

“It’s a shame to have lost after 26 rounds, as we wanted to end the season on a high. We must win against Sampdoria on Saturday, then we’ve got the Coppa Italia Final with Milan.

“A slip-up is only valuable if it makes the team learn from its mistakes. Maybe we celebrated too much. Enough celebrating now. We’ve got to get our heads in the game, otherwise we risk going into the Final without the right attitude.

“Last Sunday against Carpi we were close to a defeat, today we managed it, but at least it’ll wake us up. Verona had a lot of determination and we didn’t so, it’s only natural we lost.

“We could’ve done better, that’s for sure. It wasn’t the best Paulo Dybala either, as he’s lost some match fitness after missing the last game and gave the ball away too many times.”

 

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

Toni: 'A magical night'

http://www.football-italia.net/84051/toni-magical-night

May 9, 2016
 
Luca Toni couldn’t describe his feelings after a “magical night” as he retired with a Panenka penalty and win over Juventus.

The striker turns 39 later this month and played his final match in Verona’s shock 2-1 win at the Bentegodi.

“It’s hard to say what I am feeling right now,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“I can only say thank you to everyone who allowed me to have this magical night.

“It was wonderful to be applauded by the opposition fans too. It’s an evening I will remember forever. It’s my last, but it was only right that this moment had to come eventually.”

Did Toni plan to take his final penalty with a Panenka-style chip?

“No, I’m just not normal in the head! I didn’t know whether to go to the right or the left, so I decided for the chip instead.

“This goodbye is both one of the most wonderful and saddest moments of my life, because leaving football is not easy.”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

Lippi: ‘Juventus will dominate’

http://www.football-italia.net/84128/lippi-%E2%80%98juventus-will-dominate%E2%80%99?

May 10, 2016
 
Marcello Lippi believes Juventus will dominate Serie A for “the next two or three years”.

The Bianconeri had a poor start to this season, but still wrapped-up the Scudetto with room to spare, and one of their most successful Coaches can’t see their dominance being broken.

“I find it hard to believe they won’t win the League for the next two or three years,” Lippi told Corriere dello Sport.

“This season has supported that. They were behind, they seemed to be out of the race but they recovered and left the others some way back, winning with a considerable gap.

“They gave a big lead to their rivals in the first half of the season, who could have taken them out but couldn’t do it.

“Therefore, given results and the dynamics of their superiority, it’s logical to imagine Juventus will still be dominating in three years.

“To get close to them will take organisation. Maybe someone will come along, but right now…”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 7971]

Lippi: 'Juve among Europe's best'

http://www.football-italia.net/84194/lippi-juve-among-europes-best?

May 11, 2016
 
Marcello Lippi believes Juventus are now among Europe’s biggest clubs, but “must have many regrets” over the Champions League.

The former Bianconeri boss spoke to reporters at an event at Milan’s Bocconi University.

“Juve have reached a very high level internationally and are among the top six to eight clubs in Europe.

“The best way of seeing that is the fact they are turning down huge offers for important players. Up until a short while ago, those offers would’ve made them think.

“When I returned to Juve, I was told we’d have to sell Zinedine Zidane, but with that money we signed Lilian Thuram, Pavel Nedved and Gigi Buffon. We won another two titles in Italy and did well in Europe.

“Juventus turning down offers for Paul Pogba means they consider themselves at the top level and are financially stable.”

Max Allegri has made it clear he wants to target the Champions League next season, as the Round of 16 exit to Bayern Munich still stings.

"Juve must have many regrets for this season,” continued Lippi. “If we look at it, the loss at Sevilla was their only error after the defeat to Sassuolo (on October 28).

“The comeback in Serie A was extraordinary, but there was the big mistake of the elimination in Europe. It’s a pity, as they played well in both legs against Bayern Munich.

“The regret is that Juve could’ve played the Final again and in my view this could’ve been their year.”

Despite beating Manchester City home and away, Juve finished second in their group due to the defeat at Sevilla and consequently got a tough draw.

[Socrates 7971]

EXPLORING A LINEUP CHANGE FOR JUVENTUS

http://www.juvefc.com/exploring-lineup-change-juventus/?

May 12, 2016
 
Juventus have dominated Serie A during the last five seasons, winning five Scudetti in a row. Massimiliano Allegri has been in charge for two seasons now, taking over from Antonio Conte in 2014.

Allegri used the 3-5-2 lineup predominantly this season, winning 25 of their last 26 games before losing a meaningless game at Hellas Verona as Luca Toni said goodbye to football with a Panenka penalty kick.

However, that proved to be a switch from the 2014/15 season, in which Allegri’s favourite 4-3-1-2 lineup was used the most, a massive switch from Conte’s final season as the Azzurri coach played 3-5-2 in all Serie A fixtures.

Conte switched from a 4-3-3 lineup to a 3-5-2 one as he started trusting a three-man defence with Leonardo Bonucci. Meanwhile, Allegri implemented the 4-3-1-2, but had to stick to the 3-5-2 along the way. No wonder, the Old Lady were drilled non-stop playing that lineup by Conte and lineup stability is key to success.


Time for a change?

This season, the Bianconeri used a 4-3-1-2 formation on seven occasions. That resulted in four wins (Milan, Torino, Atalanta twice), two draws (Chievo, Bologna) and one loss (Napoli), and a 9-4 goal difference. Decent, but not exactly dominant in any way according to Juventus standards.

However, with Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, and Stephan Lichtsteiner getting older, and injuries hitting the defence, it might be time for Allegri to go back to his favourite formation, therefore using a four-man defence. The 48-year-old loves individual skill to create and finish chances, while Conte focused much more on the creative power of his system and tactics derived from it.

The current squad should be able to do well in a 4-3-1-2 formation. Alex Sandro has proven to be a strong left-back, while Lichtsteiner occupies the right flank. At centre-back, there are four options with Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci and Daniele Rugani. Giving the first two more time to rest during the season, as only two CB’s are required. Meanwhile, Juve have played a three-man midfield and two-man attack many times in the 3-5-2, meaning that transition shouldn’t be a big issue.


Missing link: the trequartista

There’s really only one problem for Allegri to transform Juve from a team used to playing 3-5-2 to one predominantly playing 4-3-1-2, and that’s the absence of a true trequartista. Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba have been the Bianconeri’s best (and only) playmakers this season, providing a total of 20 assists in Serie A. However, Dybala plays at his best in a role as secondary striker while Pogba is also necessary in midfield with his superior box-to-box qualities, running, ability to win one-on-one duels, and fighting spirit.

Therefore, Juventus have to hunt for a creative player to play behind a two-man attack. A player who has the necessary vision, passing skills, mentality, and X-factor level to make a difference, especially in the Champions League. Domenico Berardi should be able to play this position in the future, like Kevin De Bruyne has been able to do at Manchester City and Belgium, transitioning from the wing to a more central role.

However, the Bianconeri want to win now and should give Berardi, if he joins, the chance to grow steadily. The likes of Andre Gomes, Miralem Pjanic, Oscar, Isco, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Javier Pastore and James Rodriguez have been rumoured to be on the Old Lady’s radar during the summer transfer window. It’s obvious Allegri is planning to make the switch, making this kind of transfer crucial to Juve’s success next season.


It will work

But the question that, in the end, remains: will Juventus benefit from such a lineup change? The 3-5-2 has given this club enormous success. Just think about this: five consecutive Scudetti, their first Coppa Italia in 20 years, three Italian Supercups, and one Champions League final. So why bother changing a system that has proven to be so successful during the past five seasons?

There’s just one answer to this question: winning their first Champions League since 1996. At Europe’s biggest stage, the Bianconeri played a three-man defence and a four-man defence both four times this season. The results: 7 points with three at the back, 5 points with four at the back. However, Juve won at Manchester City and brought Bayern Munich to the brink of elimination using a four-man defence. And they went to the 2015 final using the 4-3-1-2.

Playing four at the back gives Juventus more defensive stability, while the midfield is able to focus on playing forward rather than making sure the defence isn’t overrun. That, in turn, gives the Old Lady more offensive power, definitely with a strong playmaker combining with a wizard like Dybala. In Serie A, Juve can win using almost any lineup, but in Europe the 4-3-1-2 might be their best chance.

[Socrates 7971]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

Juventus v Sampdoria Preview: Padoin sends out
warning as champions close stunning campaign

The midfielder says his team are always "looking to get one step ahead of the game"
after Massimiliano Allegri's men clinched a fifth successive title this year.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-sampdoria/2120754/preview

May 12, 2016
 
Juventus midfielder Simone Padoin has fired a warning to their rivals as the champions bring their Serie A season to an end against Sampdoria on Saturday.

The Old Lady clinched a fifth successive Scudetto after a remarkable run in which they won 25 out of 26 matches, a sequence which ended with a 2-1 reverse to relegated Verona last week.

A win in the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan next week would give Juve a domestic double for the second year running, while they have already begun to lay the groundwork for next season, with head coach Massimiliano Allegri and veterans Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli all signing new contracts.

And Padoin, who has been involved in all five of those Serie A title triumphs since 2012, says the strive to improve upon success year on year is what sets his side apart from their competitors.

"After the defeat to Sassuolo in October we looked ourselves in the mirror and realised that we had to fight for the right to be considered Scudetto contenders. From that moment, everything changed," he told the club's website.

"Knowing the club as well as I do now, all I can say is that this success is richly deserved. Everyone at this club wants to win. But however successful our present is, we are always looking to get one step ahead of the game and plan for the future."

While the home side are poised for a party at Juventus Stadium, 2015-16 is a season which Sampdoria will be glad to see the back of.

Just two wins in their last nine and a crushing 3-0 defeat by rivals Genoa last week have left Vincenzo Montella's side in 15th place, just five points off the bottom three ahead of Saturday's game.

Samp sporting director Carlo Osti blasted the defeat as "shameful" and apologised to supporters, some of whom staged a protest against Montella - who has been heavily linked with the Italy job - and owner Massimo Ferrero following a dismal season.

"The fault is totally mine," Montella, who later denied he had asked to be sacked, said after the game. "The coach can take credit that's not due sometimes, and the blame when it wasn't his fault.

"When an entire season isn't up to scratch, there are some errors in the squad, but I think in this match the players did what they could and I am the only one to blame."

Juve, unbeaten in their last five league games with Samp, will likely rest a number of players ahead of the Coppa final. Martin Caceres (Achilles) and Claudio Marchisio (knee) are long-term absentees, while Sami Khedira (calf) is unlikely to be risked.

David Ivan (thigh) is a doubt for the visitors, while Carlos Carbonero and Niklas Moisander are still short of full fitness. Antonio Cassano may also miss out after a reported bust-up with a club official.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus are unbeaten in their last five Serie A clashes against Sampdoria (W4 D1), after having won only one of the previous 10 encounters.

Sampdoria have won only one of their last eight trips to Juventus’ ground in Serie A (D4 L3), in January 2013.

Both teams have found the net in each of their last six league meetings at the Juventus Stadium.

Juventus have won all of their last 15 Serie A matches on home soil and they have not conceded any goals in their last 10 home games.

Sampdoria have won only one of their last five league matches (D1 L3) and have failed to score in four of these games.

The Bianconeri are only one game away from equalling the record for clean sheets in a single Serie A campaign (22, held by AC Milan in 1993/94 and Juventus in 2013/14).

In keeping another clean sheet, Allegri’s team will also equal the record for fewest goals conceded in a 20-team Serie A campaign (20, Juventus in 2011/12).

Among managers with 25+ appearances in the current Serie A, only Stellone (0.84) has averaged a lower points per game rate than Vincenzo Montella (0.96).


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus L W W W W

08/05/2016 - Hellas Verona 2 - 1 Juventus
01/05/2016 - Juventus 2 - 0 Carpi
24/04/2016 - Fiorentina 1 - 2 Juventus
20/04/2016 - Juventus 3 - 0 Lazio
17/04/2016 - Juventus 4 - 0 Palermo


Sampdoria L L W D L

08/05/2016 - Sampdoria 0 - 3 Genoa
01/05/2016 - Palermo 2 - 0 Sampdoria
24/04/2016 - Sampdoria 2 - 1 Lazio
20/04/2016 - Sassuolo 0 - 0 Sampdoria
17/04/2016 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 AC Milan


HEAD TO HEAD

10/01/2016 - Sampdoria 1 - 2 Juventus
02/05/2015 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
14/12/2014 - Juventus 1 - 1 Sampdoria
18/01/2014 - Juventus 4 - 2 Sampdoria
24/08/2013 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus

 

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MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

'Juve, minds to the final'

http://www.football-italia.net/84257/juve-minds-final?

May 13, 2016
 
Coach Max Allegri says Juventus have their minds set on the Coppa Italia final against Milan, and will field his formation accordingly.

The Bianconeri close their season tomorrow at 16:00 UK time against Sampdoria, and their Coach is determined to end it on a high.

“[Leonardo] Bonucci won't be benched, as I already fielded [Daniele] Rugani for 11 games and I need him to be well rested for the Coppa Italia final,” he told the Press. “Tomorrow I'll certainly play Bonucci, [Andrea] Barzagli and [Giorgio] Chiellini. The latter in particular needs at least one hour on the pitch.

“Alex Sandro is disqualified, so Evra will play.”

Allegri was especially angry after losing to Verona last week, but he did not dwell on the subject.

“I only had to say that once to the team. The lads are smart, and they understand that if they play like that, they won't get anywhere.

“A defeat is conceivable after a run with 25 victories and one draw, in fact it can even be healthy. It gives us our hunger back in view of the final.

“My daughter's video on YouTube? No, I'm not angry. It was a clever idea, though the acting left something to be desired. Maybe she should thing about studying."

Allegri then returned to the subject of the Old Lady's defence, and the possible variations in which it can be fielded.

“Right now the best replacement for Bonucci is Barzagli, but we could also play with two central defenders.

“We already tried a three-man defence with Barzagli, Rugani or [Patrice] Evra, or Chiellini. Barzagli had a good game because he's very fast in delivering and circulating the ball. His characteristics are different from Bonucci's, because he plays less through balls, but he does them very well.

"On Sunday morning we are not going to train, it will be our resting day. We'll train every day after until we depart for Rome on Thursday evening. On Friday morning we have an audience with the Pope, then we'll train at the Olimpico and finally play on Saturday evening. It's hard to believe that we're one week away from the end of the season, it feels like yesterday when it all began.

"We'll certainly have dinner together to celebrate, in a restaurant or a disco. But we'll finish early, we can't go to bed at 5a.m."

 

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MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

'Juve'd struggle in Super League'

http://www.football-italia.net/84258/juved-struggle-super-league?

May 13, 2016
 
Juventus Coach Max Allegri says he is not too bothered either about playing a Super League or about signing a trequartista.

The Bianconeri's transfer campaign will start shortly, after tomorrow's 17:00 CET - 16:00 UK time game against Sampdoria and the Saturday, May 21 Coppa Italia final against Milan.

It is widely believed that sporting director Beppe Marotta will finally sign a trequartista, but Allegri says it doesn't really matter.

“What we need is players of great quality,” he told the Press. “It doesn't matter what role they play in. Leave that to me, I'll find some way to arrange them in front of the defence.

“Pereyra should be in the game tomorrow, and Neto will play, because I'm going to use him in the final.

“It's only fair to give him a few games. He played in Verona and tomorrow he'll have another one, just so he can find his feet again on the pitch and develop some confidence.”

There are plans to set up a Super League with all of Europe's top clubs, but the matter did not interest Allegri greatly.

“It's hard to imagine that because every hierarchy would change. I don't know how the broadcasting rights would be distributed and frankly this isn't my business.

“It would certainly be a very competitive league so we'd have to fight to carve out our space.

“Hernanes will be playing tomorrow. You basically have my whole formation now.

“Dybala and Mandzukic should play too. Morata is doing fine. The only injured player is Khedira, whose odds of playing the final are very low.”

 

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MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

Allegri: 'Injuries? Calculated risks'

http://www.football-italia.net/84259/allegri-injuries-calculated-risks?

May 13, 2016
 
Max Allegri claims injuries are 'a calculated risk' and warns Juventus 'not to lose focus now'.

The Bianconeri play Sampdoria tomorrow at 17:00 CET - 16:00 UK time in a game that is virtually meaningless for them, as they have already won the Scudetto.

But in light of the Coppa Italia final on May 21, Allegri has to confront the risk of injuries.

“Yesterday we spent all evening discussing the matter of injuries,” Allegri told the Press. “We had more than we did last year, and a lot of trouble with calf muscles.

“Khedira always suffered this type of problem but this year he played 25 matches – 20 in Serie A, four in the Champions League and one in the Coppa Italia – and he did well, because he's a skilled player.

“Next year we'll have to handle him better but I'm pleased with what he's done.

“Morata took a knock in the last game, causing him an ematoma that ruled him out against Verona. But he's been working with the team for two days now and he'll be available tomorrow and for the final.

“Obviously not every year is the same. Last season we started a bit late and had the Supercoppa followed by three weeks of hard work. So we took a few risks that ended up causing a number of injuries.

“But calculated risks are necessary. I'd rather have 20 injured players and come first than no injuries and come second, third, fourth, fifth.

“We must improve on this year's work. Last season we had a completely different program and we were able to train for six weeks.

“Players age too, and their life conditions change. Psychological stress plays its part. We'll always have some injuries.

“It's fine if they skip three days of training but can play on Sunday. This year more of our players were available for the actual games, even though they missed training.

“Pogba has to train because he will be playing tomorrow. He can't lose the rhythm of the match. If something has to happen, it's going to happen anyway.

“We need to keep training and not lose focus. Before Verona, we already allowed Carpi to shoot on goal 10-15 times, while we did not.

“Let's try and keep our minds focused and close the season on a high note. It's all a mental game and the longer you lose focus, the worse it gets, especially now.”

 

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MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

Juventus vs. Sampdoria: Team News, Preview

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2639618-juventus-vs-sampdoria-team-news-preview-live-stream-tv-info?

May 13, 2016
 
Having lost in their previous outing, newly crowned champions Juventus will look to end their 2015/16 Serie A campaign on a high note, welcoming Sampdoria to Turin for the final league match of the season for both teams.

The Bianconeri delivered an abject display in that 2-1 defeat away to Hellas Verona on Sunday, giving them cause for alarm ahead of the Coppa Italia final on May 21. While Massimiliano Allegri was missing a number of key players for that game, the coach was clearly unimpressed with the fallout.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
26 - Juventus have lost after 26 Serie A games in a row unbeaten (W25, D1). Stop.

“A slip-up is only valuable if it makes the team learn from its mistakes,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia). “Maybe we celebrated too much. Enough celebrating now. We’ve got to get our heads in the game, otherwise we risk going into the final without the right attitude.”

That makes this next match vital for Juventus, and their opponents arrive after some hugely disappointing results of their own. Sunday saw Sampdoria embarrassed by cross-town rivals Genoa, losing 3-0 to mark their first derby defeat since September 2013 and increase the pressure on coach Vincenzo Montella.

The Blucerchiati have won just one of their last five matches, falling to 15th in the Serie A table and prompting director of sport Carlo Osti to blast their poor form in an interview with Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) shortly after the Genoa clash:

The fans were absolutely right to protest. The club apologises to the supporters for a game that was not up to Samp standards. This is a very ugly page of our failed season. The club did everything it could and there was nothing more we could do. The results were not visible and with cool heads we will evaluate the situation.

With both teams looking to sign off in style, an otherwise meaningless game suddenly has far more significance than expected. Sampdoria will be further hindered after it was revealed Antonio Cassano has caused more problems behind the scenes.

According to giornalaccio rosa World, the striker "reportedly got into a verbal row with Antonio Romei, the right-hand man of president Massimo Ferrero." It was said that led to Cassano's sacking, only for him to train as normal on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Whether the former AS Roma and Real Madrid striker takes to the field at Juventus Stadium remains to be seen, but the Bianconeri will hope to simply take all three points ahead of the Coppa Italia final.

 

Probable Formations

Juventus (3-5-2)

Neto; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro, Hernanes, Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra; Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala.

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


Sampdoria: (3-5-2)

Emiliano Viviano; Modibo Diakite, Matias Silvestre, Mattia Cassani; Lorenzo De Silvestri, Roberto Soriano, Fernando, Edgar Barreto, Dodo; Luis Muriel, Fabio Quagliarella.

Unavailable: Carlos Carbonero and Niklas Moisander (both injured).


Key Battle

Perhaps the key clash in this encounter is set to be how Fabio Quagliarella fares against his former team-mates. The striker—who joined Sampdoria on loan from Torino back in January—spent four years playing for Bianconeri, winning three league titles along the way before departing in 2014.

The 33-year-old scored 30 goals in 101 appearances for Juventus and is likely to go head-to-head with Giorgio Chiellini on Saturday afternoon. The Italy defender is set to return to Allegri’s starting XI after featuring just twice since late February because of a number of various injuries.

This match will surely determine whether he features against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final, with the trio of Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli performing well in his absence.

According to WhoScored.com statistics, Chiellini has recorded an average of 1.6 tackles, 2.5 interceptions and 3.7 clearances in his 32 appearances this term. He will be looking to make a good impression here.


Player to Watch

While the battle between Quagliarella and Chiellini rages in front of him, it will be interesting to monitor how Brazilian goalkeeper Neto performs against Sampdoria at Juventus Stadium on Saturday.

Having been deployed by Allegri in Juve’s domestic cup fixtures this term, Gigi Buffon is expected to sit out of this match in order for his deputy to prepare for the following week's showpiece event in Rome.

Arriving last summer from Fiorentina, Neto is widely respected but has not yet delivered his best for the Bianconeri. Indeed, while he has kept three clean sheets in his six appearances for the club, the 26-year-old has conceded five goals in his last two outings and will certainly hope to improve that record here.

There have been various reports—including this one from La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia)—linking Juventus with a replacement, such as Salvatore Sirigu of Paris Saint-Germain, ahead of 2016/17. But with good displays in his next two outings, Neto could prove he is the right man for the Old Lady.


Odds (per Odds Shark)

Juventus: 100-303

Sampdoria: 193-25

Draw: 41-10

 

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MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

Juventus V Sampdoria – Preview: Bianconeri Look
To Conclude Celebrations With Victory Over Blucerchiati

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/05/juventus-v-sampdoria-preview-bianconeri-look-to-conclude-celebrations-with-victory-over-blucerchiati/?

May 13, 2016
 
Juventus will be eager to conclude their title-winning season with a victory over Sampdoria on Saturday afternoon at the Juventus Stadium.

With the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan taking place on the 21st May, coach Massimiliano Allegri will expect his team to remain focused and end the Serie A season on a positive following a shock 2-1 loss to Serie A basement-dwellers, Hellas Verona, which ended an impressive 26-game unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, Sampdoria will be desperate to take any positives from their final match, in what has been a disappointing season that could see them finish in the bottom five.

On the heels of embarrassing losses to both Palermo and last weekend against Genoa, a 3-0 dismantling in the Derby della Lanterna, Vincenzo Montella’s men have only tasted victory once their last five games and a visit to Juventus provides a worrying outlook.

The recent head-to-head record between the clubs has been dominated by the Bianconeri, having won four of their last five matches, with Sampdoria’s last victory coming in May 2013.

This season’s reverse fixture ended 2-1 to the Serie A Champions, courtesy of goals from Paul Pogba and Sami Khedira, the Blucerciati finishing the match with 10 men following Niklas Moisander’s red card.

However last season’s corresponding fixture ended with a result for the Genoa-based club, ending 1-1 after a Patrice Evra opener was cancelled out by a Manolo Gabbiadini second-half equaliser.

For Allegri’s squad, Claudio Marchisio and Khedira remain on the sidelines through injury and will be joined by Alex Sandro, who will also miss the club’s final home match of the season due to a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Meanwhile, Montella will be without the injured Carlos Carbonero and Moisander for their trip to Turin.

Juventus have long been crowned Champions and could reach an impressive 90 points with a win on Saturday. Sampdoria will be purely playing for pride where, dependent on results, they could finish the season as high as 12th and as low as 16th position.


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


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus

Buffon; Barzagli, Rugani, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala.


Sampdoria

Viviano; Diakite, Silvestre, Cassani; De Silvestri, Soriano, Fernando, Barreto, Dodo; Cassano, Quagliarella.

 

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MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

Juventus squad for Samp

http://www.football-italia.net/84275/juventus-squad-samp?

May 13, 2016
 
Juventus named their squad to face Sampdoria tomorrow afternoon in their Scudetto party.

It kicks off on Saturday at 17:00 CET - 16.00 UK time (15.00 GMT).

Alex Sandro is suspended, while Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Martin Caceres are injured.


Juventus squad for Sampdoria

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

 

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MATCHDAY 38
Saturday, May 14th, 2016 - 5:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

Juventus - Sampdoria MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/70198

May 13, 2016
 
Both sides will be eager to make up for last week’s embarrassments, as Juventus hold their Scudetto party after losing to Verona and Sampdoria suffered derby humiliation.

It seems only yesterday Juve were languishing in mid table after a horrific start to the season. Roma and Napoli fans were rejoicing that the Old Lady had become a spent force and a genuine shot at the Scudetto awaited. If it wasn't for a late Paul Pogba wonder goal in the Derby Della Mole back in October, that may have been the case after the dramatic win was described as the turning point by Leonardo Bonucci. It was followed by 24 wins in 25 rounds followed, the Giallorossi and Partenopei simply couldn't keep up.

A Luca Toni inspired Verona claimed all three points against Juve last week despite being relegated, proving anything can happen in the penultimate weeks of the Italian top flight.

As Max Allegri's side were toasting their title win, Sampdoria were confirming their status as a Serie A club for the 2016-17 season. The brilliance of Vincenzo Montella may have taken a month or two to show, but the rubble Walter Zenga left behind has been well and truly cleared.

Despite a recent run of poor form including last week's 3-0 humiliation to rivals Genoa, if it had not been for the former Fiorentina Coach the Blucerchiati would have been a certainty to follow Verona down.

A win against Juve could convince stars Fernando and Roberto Soriano to stay if Eder's struggles at Inter have not been enough to cast doubt on leaving, but a full strength Bianconeri will be looking to end on a high after last week's disappointing result.

Expect Allegri to rotate and give way to those preparing for grueling European Championship training camps. However the 3-5-2 shape is likely to remain, Norberto Neto will start in goal and be protected by a back three consisting of Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, the latter testing his fitness levels after a long lay-off.

Mario Mandzukic could be out to save his Juventus career after a stop start season and can partner top scorer Paulo Dybala up front. Despite this game having no bearing on their season, expect Juve to try and end the game early with an attacking start.

Despite becoming a Serie A yo-yo club, Samp remain one of the few teams to win at the Juventus Stadium. Vincenzo Montella has become a fellow disciple of the 3-5-2 and will attempt to mirror the club that made it famous again. Former Bianconero Fabio Quagliarella will lead the line, but will Antonio Cassano feature after a locker room bust-up and reports his contract had been terminated?

Expect Sampdoria to sit back and attempt to pick Juve off on the counter.


Keep an eye on: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus) - The big Croat has many critics to prove wrong after several horrendous displays in a Juve shirt. Euro 2016 is merely weeks away and a less than stellar 2014-15 season with Atletico Madrid means the former Bayern Munich striker may need to take a step down if Allegri deems him surplus. With rumors of Edinson Cavani refusing to vanish, Mandzukic should need little else for inspiration.

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

Stat fact: Samp's last win against Juventus came in May 2013, followed by a draw and four defeats, home and away. The most recent victory in Turin was 2-1 in January 2013 and they drew here 1-1 last term.


Juventus (probable)

Buffon; Rugani, Chiellini, Bonucci; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Pogba, Hernanes, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala

Suspended: Alex Sandro


Sampdoria (probable)

Viviano; Diakite, Silvestre, Cassani; De Silvestre, Soriano, Krsticic, Barreto, Dodo; Muriel, Quagliarella

Suspended: None

 

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