JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Udinese stall Juventus

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99238/udinese-stall-juventus

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

Leonardo Bonucci was first out-muscled by Duvan Zapata, then scored the equaliser, as Udinese held Juventus to their first draw of the season.

 

Max Allegri had the opportunity to go 10 points clear at the top of the table after Roma’s 2-1 home defeat to Napoli on Saturday. Stephan Lichtsteiner was rested, with Stefano Sturaro injured, but otherwise it was a full-strength side. Udinese had one point from the previous four rounds, scoring one goal, and missed Cyril Thereau, but Rodrigo De Paul and Emil Hallfredsson returned from suspension.

 

Juve were unbeaten in this fixture since a 3-0 hammering in April 2010, followed by four victories and two stalemates, scoring 14 goals and conceding one.

 

Miralem Pjanic stung Orestis Karnezis’ gloves from distance, as did Seko Fofana with Gigi Buffon, and Udinese had penalty appeals, but Giorgio Chiellini’s arm was flush to his torso.

 

Juve also had penalty appeals, as Dani Alves saw his cross charged down by Samir’s raised arm, but replays showed the ball hit his foot first and ricocheted on to the arm, so could not be considered voluntary.

 

Moments later, Udinese took the deserved lead. Duvan Zapata showed remarkable strength to burst down the left and hold off Leonardo Bonucci, beating Buffon at the near post. The goalkeeper got something to the shot, but not enough to keep it out. That was the first goal Udinese scored against Juventus on home turf since 2012.

 

Gigi Del Neri lost Fofana to injury, but the visitors struggled to mount much of a comeback. Giorgio Chiellini went off amid fears of a new muscular problem, but they did get an equaliser from a dead-ball situation.

 

Paulo Dybala curled a free kick to the far post for Bonucci’s free header to draw Juventus level and make up for his earlier error on Duvan Zapata. Udinese Coach Del Neri was sent off for dissent, as the challenge leading to that free kick did not seem to be a foul.

 

Udinese reacted immediately, a long cross finding Danilo’s header on to the woodwork at the far stick.

 

Juan Cuadrado was booked and will be suspended for next Friday’s match against Milan. Alex Sandro sprinted back to stop Duvan Zapata on another dangerous counter, as did Bonucci with a decisive interception for the roll across that would’ve sent Jakub Jankto clear on goal.

 

---

 

Udinese: Karnezis; Widmer, Danilo, Felipe, Samir; Jankto, De Paul (Angella 76), Hallfredsson, Fofana (Badu 39); Duvan Zapata, Perica (Matos 85)

Juventus: Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini (Benatia 56), Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado (Pjaca 72), Dybala (Rincon 87), Mandzukic; Higuain

Ref: Damato

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Juventus 1 - Udinese 1: Initial reaction

and random observations

 

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/5/14819448/juventus-udinese

-2017-serie-a-round-27-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

It took 27 games in Serie A this season, but Juventus finally has a draw to its name.

The 1-1 result in Udine pretty much sums up how things went Sunday afternoon. There was no standout performance. There was no real great team effort. There was nothing all that great, really. Juventus could have pushed its lead in Serie A to plus-10 with the Napoli-Roma result yesterday, but that didn’t happen. Instead of taking advantage of the result going in Juventus’ favor 24 hours earlier, Juve pretty much laid an egg at the stadium formerly known as the Friuli.

Just meh a kind of effort all the way around.

A big old bucket of meh.

Probably not what you’re going to be ordering next time you head to the drive-thru, I can tell you that much.

Leonardo Bonucci played a role in both goals, First, he wasn’t able to slow down the runaway truck known as Duvan Zapata in the first half before the former Napoli striker tucked it past Gigi Buffon. Then Bonucci hammered home a header off a Paulo Dybala second-half free kick to even the score and pretty much have everybody thinking “Leo giveth and then Leo taketh away...” at the same time.

Other than that, are we going to remember anything about this game?

I’m thinking more people are going to be interested in what Andrea Belotti did against Palermo over in Turin rather than what Juventus failed to do against Udinese. Just one of those days where Juve didn’t do much of anything. It happens. It’s only natural.

But with the chance to really put serious distance between themselves and their closest competition in Serie A, you would have liked to see more. Having an eight-point lead over Roma isn’t bad, obviously, but a 10-point lead with 11 games to go? Now that’s something that sounds like Juventus would be just a couple of more wins away before things are essentially done and dusted. Not officially, but wrapping up the title would be a mere formality with the lead in double digits.

None of that happened. As a result, Juventus were only able to gain one single point over Roma.

That doesn’t mean the Serie A title race is suddenly wide open. Juventus are still in complete control. They could have just been in even better shape entering the final few games before the first international break of the season. Oh well.

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

 

• I know there is probably a very good reasons, but how can a Serie A field like the Friuli be that chewed up in the six-yard box like Gigi Buffon’s box in the first half was? I’ve seen penalty areas where high school teams are about to play in better condition.
• Was there one Juventus player that saw action where you could point at them and say they played well? I don’t know. That’s just what kind of game it was. Just...meh.
• Juventus had twice as much of the possession. Udinese outshot Juventus 10-9 in the game. Usually, things don’t exactly work out that way. But hey, this game just didn’t seem to make sense from the beginning, so am I to judge?
• It’s stoppage time. There’s nobody pressing around him outside of the Udinese box. Instead of controlling the ball and looking to pass to a teammate, Dani Alves goes for the spectacular volley. It flubs off the side of his foot and doesn’t even come close to troubling Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis. Kinda summed things up right there.
• Belotti and Gonzalo Higuain entered the day tied with 19 goals on the season. Belotti ended up scoring more goals than Higuain had scoring opportunities. I don’t know about you guys, but Higuain only getting two shots is something that shouldn’t happen. Feed the man, dammit.
• Also quiet against Udinese? Paulo Dybala.
• Also quiet against Udinese? Juventus.
• Don’t worry, though, Max Allegri wasn’t quiet against Udinese. The field microphone will always get a workout whenever Max is roaming the sidelines — especially when Juve are playing pretty crappy like they did on Sunday.
• Raise your hand if you will even remember that Gigi Delneri got sent off in the second half. Go ahead and do it.
• I’d try to count how many crosses that Juventus players sent in ended up going to absolutely nobody or completely overshot their intended targets, but I don’t have as many fingers and toes to do so.
• With that said, Dybala’s cross on Bonucci’s goal was absolutely lovely. I believe some in this business of covering football would call that “a peach.” Yep, definitely a peach.
• Juventus playing like crap after a highly-emotional game against a rival like Napoli midweek. Maybe, just maybe, we should have seen a dud of a game like this coming.
• All in all, an eight-point lead is better than a seven-point lead, so I guess we should be happy that we’re talking about a draw rather than a loss. Thanks for that and that goal of yours, Leo Bonucci.
•  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Allegri: 'A point better than nothing'

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99243/allegri-point-better-nothing

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

Max Allegri tried to look on the bright side after Juventus were held 1-1 by Udinese, but warned “it’s a long way to the Scudetto.”

 

Duvan Zapata out-muscled Leonardo Bonucci for the opener at the Dacia Arena, but the defender made up for it by nodding in the equaliser.

 

“We increased our lead over Roma by one point and are now eight clear,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

 

They had the chance to go 10 points clear following Napoli’s 2-1 victory against Roma, but it was Juve’s first Serie A stalemate in a year.

 

“It has been a difficult run of games and Udinese deserve a lot of credit, because they played a very physical game. We were not precise in the first half and not patient enough in the second, but it remains an important point.

 

“Even if we had won today, it would not have finished off the Scudetto race anyway. Some people said it was a match-point, but it would’ve been a set-point at best.

 

“Duvan Zapata is a very physical player and the goal was well taken, but the problem is we allowed a counter-attack and ran quite a few risks in those situations today.

 

“When you don’t win games like this, it’s important to at least get a point out of it. Many more wins are needed before we can celebrate the title, as it’s a long way to the Scudetto.”

 

Giorgio Chiellini went off in the second half with a muscular problem.

 

“He felt some pain and preferred to end it early, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Bonucci: 'If I wanted to leave Juve...'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99246/bonucci-if-i-wanted-leave-juve

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

Leonardo Bonucci confirms “if I wanted to leave Juventus, I would’ve pushed to do it last year, as I had important offers over the summer.”

 

The centre-back was on target today in a 1-1 draw with Udinese after being out-muscled by Duvan Zapata for the opener.

 

“I tried to steer him to the wing and make the angle as difficult as possible for him, but Zapata was lucky that the shot went in anyway after Gigi Buffon’s deflection,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium.

 

“Today we lowered the intensity level and consequently the ball didn’t move around as quickly as usual, so it has to serve as a lesson to us. Despite it all, we still increased our lead to eight points and that is important.

 

“I live for the victory, I can’t help myself. Even if the result is ultimately positive, I have regrets that we didn’t give 100 per cent, especially in the first half. I can’t stand these slip-ups.”

 

Bonucci has been unstoppable since returning to the squad, as he was frozen out for the Champions League clash with Porto due to a touchline row with Coach Max Allegri.

 

Nonetheless, transfer rumours continue to circulate around Antonio Conte’s Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

 

“It’s all the same as before, I continue to fight for Juve and when needed can contribute with a goal. I am owned by the club, I have a contract with Juve to 2021 and feel important for the team, so I don’t see why there has to be a problem.

 

“If I wanted to leave Juventus, I would’ve pushed to do it last year, as I had important offers over the summer and had already started studying English.

 

“I am important to the team, but as we saw in Porto, nobody is indispensable. Nobody must feel comfortable here, as we need to give 100 per cent in every training session to earn our place.

 

“I’d like to be a Coach in future and have Allegri’s problems of choosing between all these strong defenders.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Del Neri: 'Udinese deserved to win'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99250/del-neri-udinese-deserved-win

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

Luigi Del Neri believes Udinese deserved to beat Juventus in this afternoon's Serie A clash.

 

The hosts, who had lost three of their previous four matches prior to today, took a shock lead against the Old Lady through Duvan Zapata.

 

However, they could not hold on for a famous win, Leonardo Bonucci's second half equaliser giving Juve a share of the spoils.

 

"To get points against Juventus you need to be at your best, show intensity and not give much away," Del Neri told Premium Sport.

 

"For us, this match is very important, it was very tense. We didn't just play one way, to compete with Juventus you need structure.

 

"The boys interpreted a very complicated match well. We have regained confidence, the team gave little away with a great physical effort.

 

"The team deserved to win, not draw. We made the champions of Italy suffer." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Allegri: Still a long way to the Scudetto

 

 

Manager’s post-match comments after 1-1 draw away to Udinese.

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/5/14820892/allegri-still-

a-long-way-to-the-scudetto-juventus-draw-udinese-roma-napoli

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

Juventus drew 1-1 away at Udinese to extend their lead on top of Serie A to eight points. After the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media about the performance on the day.

“We increased our lead over Roma by one point and are now eight clear.

“It has been a difficult run of games and Udinese deserve a lot of credit, because they played a very physical game. We were not precise in the first half and not patient enough in the second, but it remains an important point.

“Even if we had won today, it would not have finished off the Scudetto race anyway. Some people said it was a match-point, but it would’ve been a set-point at best.

“We have to earn a lot of victories, because Roma can get to 92 points and we still have to play there.”

Udinese played well on the day and Zapata scored a brave goal to put the home side ahead.

“Duvan Zapata is a very physical player and the goal was well taken, but the problem is we allowed a counter-attack and ran quite a few risks in those situations today.

“When you don’t win games like this, it’s important to at least get a point out of it. Many more wins are needed before we can celebrate the title, as it’s a long way to the Scudetto.”

Veteran Giorgio Chiellini left the game in the second half with what looked like an injury.

“He felt some pain and preferred to end it early, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Bonucci vows to stick by Juventus after

flirting with Premier League move

 

 

The Premier League's heavyweights appear set to experience more frustration

in their quest to prise the Italy international away from the Serie A side.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/03/05/33336802/-

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has confirmed he started having English lessons last year as offers from the Premier League arrived, but dismissed suggestions he will move on at the end of this season.

 

Bonucci has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City, and speculation over his future escalated after a touchline row with coach Massimiliano Allegri, which led to him being dropped for the 2-0 first-leg win over Porto in the Champions League round of 16.

 

The 29-year-old claims to have made amends with Allegri, and when asked about his situation following Juve's 1-1 draw at Udinese – in which he scored his side's equaliser – he insisted he wants to honour his contract.

 

"It's all the same as before," he told Sky Sports Italia. "I continue to fight for Juve and when needed I can contribute with a goal.

 

"I am owned by the club. I have a contract with Juve to 2021 and feel important for the team, so I don't see why there has to be a problem.

 

"If I wanted to leave Juventus, I would've pushed to do it last year, as I had important offers over the summer and had already started studying English.

 

"I am important to the team, but as we saw in Porto, nobody is indispensable. Nobody must feel comfortable here, as we need to give 100 per cent in every training session to earn our place."

 

Bonucci took centre stage in Udine, where he was outmuscled by Duvan Zapata before Udinese took the lead, but then headed the Bianconeri's equaliser after an hour.  

Despite playing a key role in earning Juventus a share of the points, the Italian international was critical of his own performance.

 

He said: "We lowered the intensity level and consequently the ball didn't move around as quickly as usual, so it has to serve as a lesson to us. Despite it all, we still increased our lead [at the top of Serie A] to eight points and that is important.

 

"I live for the victory, I can't help myself. Even if the result is ultimately positive, I have regrets that we didn't give 100 per cent, especially in the first half. I can't stand these slip-ups."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Bonucci's equaliser sees Juventus widen

gap at the top with Udinese draw

 

 

http://www.espnfc.com/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3075864/leonardo-bonucci

-equaliser-sees-juventus-widen-gap-at-the-top-with-udinese-draw

 

 

Mar 5, 2017

 

After a long run of games, Juventus could only manage a point in the 1-1 draw to Udinese, yet they still widened the gap to eight points at the top of the Serie A table.

Luigi Del Neri's physical Udinese team were deployed in a 4-4-2 formation in a bid to hinder Juve's attacking players from making an impact and it worked. A side that struggle to retain possession, Udinese played with confidence and grit, stopping Juve from controlling the flanks to ensure attacking fluency.

Boasting pace and physicality, Duvan Zapata outmuscled Leonardo Bonucci to score the opening goal, but the defender redeemed himself by grabbing the equaliser from a free kick. Upping the tempo in the second half, Juventus searched for the winner but it never came.

Positives

The quality within the squad means that even when the team struggle to play to their full potential, they have enough to at least score a goal and get a point. We can't always expect perfect performances with such a congested fixture list to contend with, but at least Juventus still managed to widen the gap at the top.

Negatives

Too often this season, Juventus have struggled to set the right tempo in games. There is a time to play with patience and a time to up the tempo and pierce through a defence. In games against teams like Udinese, a mature and composed performance can overcome their physical ways.

Manager rating out of 10

5 -- Massimiliano Allegri put out his best team, but failed to address the problems or effect change with his substitutions. Juventus improved in the second half, but not enough to secure victory.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 5 -- Could have done much better on Zapata's goal and was not as assured as usual at the back, but was rarely called into action as the game progressed.

DF Dani Alves, 6 -- Was good in one-on-ones, recovered possession and worked hard to help Juan Cuadrado, but failed to prove decisive. At least he won the free kick that led to the equalising goal.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Was outmuscled for the first goal, but redeemed himself with the equaliser. However, for every great action there was a poor reaction, which resulted in a topsy-turvy performance.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 6 -- Proved his importance by winning the aerial duels at the back and performed well until he was taken off.

DF Alex Sandro, 6 -- Was the best at recovering possession but was thwarted by the opponents, which rendered him less influential than usual. A muted performance, but one that improved in the second half.

MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- Struggles to makes an impact on the match when Juventus face physical opponents. However, he was barely aided in midfield and was left feeling overwhelmed.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 5 -- Was unable to really influence the game and needs to learn how to overcome good defending, up the tempo and make decisive passes despite the strength of the opponents.

MF Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- Was the best offensive player on the pitch, as his pace and running helped create problems for the opponents. However, he's yet to channel his talent into decisive actions on a consistent basis.

MF Paulo Dybala, 6 -- Delivered a fine free kick that led to the equalizer, but struggled to offer much else. Still lovely to see him track back to ensure solidity in defence.

MF Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- Showed a lot of sacrifice and hard work, but little technical input to change the face of the game.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 5 -- Had the fewest touches of any Juventus starter on the pitch, signalling how little Udinese allowed the striker to play. Was well-defended against and barely aided by his teammates. Failed to make an impact.

Substitutes

DF Mehdi Benatia, 6 -- Made some good clearances and tried to help Bonucci contend with Zapata.

FW Marko Pjaca, N/A -- Produced one or two good movements, but must take advantage of the opportunities he's handed to make an impact, especially when his freshness can make the difference.

MF Tomas Rincon, N/A -- Was barely offered any time to make an impact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

 

 

  1-1 

 

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 27

 

Sunday, March 5th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

Landmarks of Turin Awards: Juventus vs. Udinese Edition

 

 

It’s a draw, which means some new awards.

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/6/14820904/juventus-

udinese-landmarks-of-turin-awards-2017-serie-a-round-27-match-recap

 

 

Mar 6, 2017

 

Sometimes, when I’m handing out a test to my students, one of the smarter kids has this smug expression on his or her face as they listlessly scribble their name on the top-right of the paper. Maybe he or she takes his or her sweet time when the bell rings and the class starts on the test, and he or she sort of dilly-dallies around with it and maybe even smirks at the prompt which I, the teacher, have devised, because it is so inferior to his or her titanic intellectual abilities. Then, on top of everything, he or she turns the test in with something like seven minutes of class remaining and then goes back to his or her desk and waits it out. Then I grade the test. And after I grade the test, and when I go to hand back the test to this student, he or she awaits it with relish, ready to receive his or her A, probably an A+ in his or her opinion, and it’s like a 78 or something like that.

All the entitled pomp with which he or she has been drenched since he or she waltzed into my class when the test was given — the pomp vanishes, because the performance was terrible, shameful, listless, arrogant.

On Sunday, Juve were collectively the smart kid who was a little too smart for his or her own good. A smarty-pants. The result, in the end, was generous: an eight-point lead in the league table.

One could make all sorts of excuses for this type of performance: the lads are coming off an emotional, contested game against Napoli; the next 10 days are loaded with a home fixture against Milan and a decisive Champions League match; Udinese played and pressed out of their minds on top of all this. Blah blah blah. I don’t think we ought to excuse this kind of performance. For me, the external factors don’t mitigate what we saw.

At the same time, of course: Take a deep breath. Eight points clear. A chance to reload on Friday.

And now you get to see something you’ve never seen before with the Landmark of Turin Awards: a draw edition. The resting assumption with this recurring post is, of course, a victory — you don’t give honorary awards out for losing, unless you’re in a fourth-grade church basketball camp. I’ve been armed with the knowledge that Juventus might, at some point, draw or lose, and so I’d already cooked up a batch of some of Turin’s, Piedmont’s, and Italy’s worst elements, ready to criticize.

The Draw Edition, therefore, is a composite of the customary awards you’ve seen and a losing collection to which you have not yet been exposed. Today, it’ll mostly be the latter. Something to look forward to!

Aperitivi

A tantalizing collection of titillating tidbits.

• It’s raining at Stadio Friuli, and it’s raining here in Austin. Science!
• The other day I watched some of the Portland-Minnesota MLS game, the season opener for the American league. And after the inaugural goal of the MLS season, and after 30 minutes of watching those two sides play, I thought to myself: “Woof.” And then I watched today’s Juventus game.
• After three minutes — Udinese pressing, the Bianconeri midfield with more turnovers than an English bakery — it was obvious the game would be a struggle.
• A note on Max Allegri: The manager’s insistence of patience worked out well against Porto not too long ago, but it did not work today. The difference, for me, between those two games, between those two decisions not to make an early — halftime — substitution, was that against Udinese the culprits were obvious, the holes gaping. The like-for-like substitute for Giorgio Chiellini did nothing to change Juventus tactically. Like many people, I thought Marko Pjaca needed to be a bit earlier, but my biggest question for Allegri is why a midfield substitution was not made earlier.
• Y’all know I love Paulo Dybala, but he’s got to give the writhing around on the ground a break. At least he’s not as bad as Dele Alli.
• Shout-out to Dybala: What service on the free kick.
• One other Dybala note: Is it time to start wondering if his role as CAM is a sustainable way to use his talent?
• What about Daniele Rugani? Allegri’s trust of veterans sometimes pays off, and sometimes doesn’t, but at some point you have to play inexperienced players, right? It’s like the classic job dilemma for the kids: I don’t have any experience so I can’t get a job, and I don’t have a job so I can’t get any experience. I think games like this against Udinese are the prime opportunities to throw players like Rugani and Pjaca into the starting lineup, because their hunger won’t be deterred by the size of the stage. They still have something to prove, regardless of the opponent.
• Duvan Zapata: The dude is good, and big, and strong, but if he had any vision at all Udinese might’ve scored 2-3 more goals today. They squandered some counterattacks because the big striker didn’t have the wherewithal to see, let alone distribute to, a streaking teammate.

Onto the awards (“awards”):

Piedmontese Smugness Award

For the “I’m too good to be playing against you...oh shoot I made a huge mistake” player.

One of the very few things I dislike about Turin, and Piedmont more generally, is the sometimes-palpable strain of smugness. This is by no means true of the general population, but it’s occasionally true, and even a fault that’s occasional can be harmful. There are some from this area of Italy who turn their noses at other Italians, especially southern Italians, and it’s quite sad to me. The intensely regional aspect of Italy is both its most alluring trait and its most disconcerting flaw. It provides both the astonishing cultural difference and dynamics even between town to town, but it also accounts for unfortunate, insulting stereotypes.

This award goes to a player who, like the occasional smug Piedmontese, looks down on an opponent as inferior, and the winner (loser) today is Dani Alves.

What a terrible game! He deserves some of the ample blame on the goal as well, because where the hell was he? There was one point in the match when he was on the left wing (!). His match was characterized by the following: awful positioning, fouls that were both reckless and completely and utterly irrational, and errant crosses. He was very bad, and he made me regret all the times I’ve defended him on this blog. Oh man. Just because you played at Barcelona doesn’t mean you’re better than everybody on Udinese’s side. Woof and a half for the Brazilian right back.

Italian Teenager Gaggle Award

For the unit embodying the following descriptors: incoherent, waste of space, frustrating.

American teenagers suck. Can confirm: I teach high school. (They’re also wonderful of course.) But they suck.

Italian teenagers make American teenagers look like a group of thoughtful, considered Greek philosophers discussing the good life, and ethics, and all that stuff. Italian teenagers are loud and commit flagrant PDA everywhere possible — parks, buses, trains, benches in piazzas — and they play their music too loud, and for some reason they smoke cigarettes — why, Italian parents, why? — and they seem to all have this inner self-belief that they are the center of a novel.

This award, therefore, goes to a unit that is extremely useless and annoying, cringe-inducing and gaudy. Against Udinese, it was the midfield.

Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira were off in every way possible — the passing, the attacking movement, the defensive backtracking. The formation requires a stable connection between the attackers and defenders, and we’ve been spoiled over the last 10 games to see this connection be made, but this was not the case Sunday. As someone mentioned on the game-time thread, Pjanic, what’s with all the five-foot passes? Khedira, where were the incisive runs you were making just a couple games ago?

On top of the listless effort was a total tactical disconnect, at the heart of which is — I don’t actually know; maybe it’s Allegri, maybe the midfield, maybe still the fact that Dybala at attacking midfielder isn’t working that well. But against Udinese, the midfield certainly wasn’t working.

Sidewalk of Turin Award

For a weak(ish) performance masked by other factors.

Just because Juve’s goalkeeper is a spry 39 years old doesn’t mean he isn’t world-class. We know he is. We’ve seen the evidence in the last few weeks. And so, for that reason, I’m awarding the handsome old fox between the posts the Sidewalk Award.

Gigi made a few saves, none spectacular, but at the end of the day, he’s the type of keeper who should’ve done better on the goal. There’s lots of blame to go around on that Zapata goal, and I’ll get to the others who deserve blame, but man that angle was slim. That’s a scenario in which I’d take Buffon as the victor maybe seven times out of ten. Zapata took the chance extremely well, especially the effort and strength to muscle past Leonardo Bonucci, but I thought our netminder should’ve stopped the chance.

Photo by Dino Panato/Getty Images

House of Savoy Award

For the [worst] man of the match.

If you’ve studied Italian history at all, and Piedmontese specifically, and are also generally aware of European history, you’re probably aware that the House of Savoy is one of the most egregious, inept, and useless royal families of all the pretty useless royal families the continent has seen. Vittorio Emmanuele II was king when Italy was unified in the mid-nineteenth century, and he liked to take credit — because he was a Savoy — for thing that Garibaldi or Cavour did. And now there are streets and piazzas in every damn city and town in Italy named after him, and stupid horse statues, and it makes me mad when I go to Italy because the dude was really just a flamboyant aristocrat who liked to play army dress-up.

Rant over, but point made: the House of Savoy Award goes to the worst man of the match, and the inaugural award goes to Bonucci (first-half version).

It’s not only because I place the bulk of the blame on Bonucci for the Zapata goal — which I do, and which you’re welcome to contest — but because his entire game was off: his distribution, his marking, his vision. He turned the ball over a few times, and his long balls were off the mark. It was not the sort of thing you hope for. Allegri fielded what is probably, at the end of the day, our most intimidating lineup, and of all the players in that lineup Bonucci is arguably the most intimidating, and for forty-five minutes he played, um, really bad.

Giuseppe Garibaldi Award

For the man of the match.

Leonardo Bonucci (second-half version)!

Three plays:

1) The finish on the set piece to secure a point.

2) The clearance on the Udinese breakaway to prevent a goal from the opposition.

3) The near assist to Higuain on what would have been an unlikely and undeserved game-winner.

The man certainly redeemed himself in the second 45 minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Milan 'confident' on Suso fitness

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99276/milan-confident-suso-fitness

 

 

Mar 6, 2017

 

Milan are said to be ‘confident’ that Suso recover from an injury sustained at the weekend in time to face Juventus this weekend.

 

The 23-year-old was replaced by Lucas Ocampos on 35 minutes against Chievo on Saturday after sustaining a thigh injury.

 

It was later reported that this was a problem with the right flexor muscle, but according to Corriere dello Sport, medical staff at Milanello are confident of a rapid recovery.

 

The former Liverpool forward has been an important weapon for Vincenzo Montella this term, scoring six goals and providing seven assists.

 

Milan take on the Bianconeri at the Juventus stadium on Friday evening, and face an anxious wait to see if the Spaniard will indeed be able to start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Chiellini: ‘Injury not serious’

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99299/chiellini-‘injury-not-serious’

 

 

Mar 6, 2017

 

Giorgio Chiellini assures his injury is “not serious” so Juventus should have him available for the Milan game.

 

The centre-back went off injured after 56 minutes of the draw with Udinese, sparking fears of a muscular injury, but expects to be back to face the Rossoneri on Friday night.

 

“I’ll have tests tomorrow but I’m pretty good,” Chiellini assured in an interview with Sky.

 

“It’s nothing in particular, every now and then I have a few aches and pains from previous battles, but it’s nothing serious.

 

“Now we’ll see how I recover in the next few days but it’s nothing serious.

 

“There are always few days, so it’ll need to be evaluated, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow we’ll definitely know something more.

 

“But it’s not something that will be long-term.”

 

Chiellini then looked ahead to the clash with the Diavolo, as well as reflecting on the draw with the Zebrette.

 

“Udinese? I think you have to be calm and analyse the game. You can’t always be at 100 per cent, and we definitely didn’t play a great match yesterday.

 

“From that point of view it’s a good point. It would have been better to win, but you can’t always win and it was an important game in terms of testing our maturity. Picking up a point on a bad day is a good sign.

 

“Juventus-Milan is a classic of the Italian League, even if it was definitely worth more in years gone by.

 

“Milan are in a reconstruction phase, they’re having a great season and giving a platform to a lot of young players who will be the flagship of the Italian national team and for many years in the future.

 

“The first game doesn’t bother me that much, honestly, what hurts more is the defeat in Doha [in the Supercoppa Italiana].

 

“For all the compliments which should rightly go to them, I think it was also our demerits. We lost an important opportunity to bring home another trophy.

 

“But what matters now is just this match and getting to the end of the season ahead of everyone. It will be a difficult game.

 

“They have quality, and they’re especially fast on the break. That’s something we’ll have to particularly pay attention to.

 

“I scored in the Supercoppa, so that could be a good sign that this is a team which brings me luck. We’ll see in the coming days.

 

“The most important thing is that we score one more goal than the opposition and win the game. [Gianluigi] Buffon could score, it’s all the same.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

February’s Monthly Juventus Thoughts:

Don’t stop till you get enough

 

It’s a bit later than usual, but it’s never too late to review

the goal-heavy month of February. Andiamo!

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/7/14831980/juventus-

february-2017-review-serie-a-champions-league-coppa-italia

 

 

Mar 7, 2017

 

 

Phew, finally some time to breath again and look back on all the happenings of a relentless month. Juventini all around the world were treated to a whopping seven games in 23 days, 16 goals scored, and just two conceded (one of which was completely unnecessary). Despite the remarkable volume of games in such a short period of time, the Bianconeri negotiated them expertly and maintained a spotless 100% win record in February. Without further ado, let’s talk about the who, what, where, and why’s that made for this fantastic month.

No going back?

We’re all loving the swagger and vitality Max Allegri’s new-look 4-2-3-1 formation. I mean, where do I even start? From Mario Mandzukic’s relentless desire to work for the team, Miralem Pjanic flourishing in his (new?) best position on the field, and Gonzalo Higuaín doing what he does best, Juventus definitely treated us to some outstanding football in February.

But… well, there’s always a ‘but,’ isn’t there?

I touched on it briefly last month, but I think it’s worth expanding on this time around. In the summer and winter transfer windows, the side was clearly constructed for a 3-5-2/4-3-1-2 formation. In other words, a side heavy on central midfielders. Allegri obviously could not have foreseen such a surprising change in system at that time as he would have adjusted his transfer demands appropriately otherwise. All this is to say that we’re basically one or two injuries (to the forwards) away from having to ditch the entire system and go back to the original plan. Either that, or we have to exhaust every single ounce of energy from the front four in every game until the end of the season.

You don’t owe these people any more. You’ve given them everything.

Not everything. Not yet.

Both sound like particularly precarious situations to be in and thus makes me think that the return of the infamous three-man backline is imminent. Granted, all we need is two or three games or so to give some of the forwards a rest — Higuaín, especially — or just switch to a 4-3-whatever formation for a short period of time. With something like 15 games left until the end of the season — assuming we progress in the cup competitions — this would be the worst time for unpleasant surprises on the pitch. Let’s see what Mad Max has in mind for the team.

Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Times are a’changin

On the other hand, one area of the field that has seen its fair share of rotation is the backline. The central defense has seen many faces fly by as Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, and even Medhi Benatia (for one game) have seen some share of playing time due to a combination of injuries and disciplinary ‘issues’. Regardless of all the faces passing by in front of Gigi Buffon’s goal, the team still kept a fantastic defensive record in February which was, as mentioned above, only tainted by complacency against Palermo. It is interesting how the team has transitioned from playing almost exclusively the same backline every game (in the last few seasons) to a more fluctuating one recently.

Most of this is clearly due to age as the bodies of Barzagli and especially Chiellini seem to be showing signs of wear and tear. Yet it also begs the question what our best defensive four — or three? — is at the moment and if the answer to that question even matters given the solidity of the system as a whole. I don’t necessarily want to reignite the entire “Is the BBC a thing of the past for Juve?” discussion. Instead, I just want to recognize that it’s fantastic to see that, despite the frequently changing faces in defense, the ship still holds steady.

Excellence

If there’s one player that I’ve grown a remarkable admiration for, it’s that brilliant man, Higuaín. Sure, I knew he was fantastic after his groundbreaking exploits of last season, but I really hadn’t watched him very much because I didn’t have time to watch Napoli games. When he came to Juve, I thought “How lovely, we’re gonna get a player who scores goals by the bucketload.” I thought that would be all, just goals. But ooh how wrong I was.

You will know what beauty truly is.

Jhin

Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

Higuaín is a surreal player and one of those strikers that you can only truly appreciate if you love nuances in football. The goals are great, obviously, but the absolute standout feature of El Pipita is his hold-up play. It’s extraordinarily simple, yet so imperative to the flow of a Juventus attack. He’ll oftentimes receive the ball in a pretty congested area of the field and will therefore know that the team needs “oxygen” in order for the attack to keep moving. So what does he do? A simple long-ball switch of the play to the other flank. He knows that that’s where the space is and he knows that the ball needs to go there to allow the team to breathe and progress in attack. But the fluidity, simplicity, and efficiency with which he executes this — how he always knows that the simple “out-ball” is the switch of play — is wonderful to watch.

They say the devil is in the detail. But in this case, the excellence is in the detail.

Resurgence

I think we all remember that our German stalwart Sami Khedira had a rough patch of form a few months ago. His offensive contributions were faltering, he looked uncomfortable during games, and wasn’t his usual imposing self in midfield. However, one of the biggest benefactors of Allegri’s tactical switch has most certainly been Big Daddy Sami. He looks absolutely wonderful sitting in front of the defense in that double pivot with Pjanic. The Bosnian provides the elegance from deep, while Khedira is free to progress forward from midfield to add some surprise to the attack. The Ratchet-and-Clank duo in midfield have really brought the best out of each other and revived the stagnating form of the German midfielder.

To be fair, Khedira had some marvelous days in his career in the exact same formation with Real Madrid. Interestingly, the German had another fantastically-elegant player next to him that also allowed him to thrive: Xabi Alonso. This is not to say that he has only played his best football in this system, but it is interesting to consider his previous exposure to and experience in this formation as a contributing factor to his recent upturn in form. Is this his favorite system? Who knows. As long as he keeps playing the way he is right now, everything will be “veryyy gutttt” to me.

Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images

Keepin’ up the heat

As great as February was for Juventus, we do have to recognize the quality of the opponents we faced. Out of the seven games, our opponents included the likes of Crotone, Cagliari, Empoli, and Palermo. Let’s just say that it’s not quite like playing Barcelona on a weekly basis. Nevertheless, these were teams that had, with the pleasantly surprising exception of Empoli, absolutely no intention of trying to score whatsoever. They put all hands on deck, loaded up the defense and midfield, and prayed for a point or more in a grueling 90 minutes. These are deceptively difficult opponents to play against but Juventus negotiated these games expertly. Sure, the first halves of these games were mostly frustrating, but there was never a sense of panic or a lack of control. The team knew that this was going to be “one of those days” and that half the battle was going to be internal. They remained professional, patient, and ruthlessly efficient.

Keep on with the force don't stop

Don't stop 'til you get enough!

Keep on with the force don't stop

Don't stop 'til you get enough!

We brush away these kinds of victories because, c’mon, it’s Crotone... Empoli... Cagliari. Who cares, right? But I am highly appreciative of the professionalism and maturity that Juventus displayed against these tricky customers. The mentality to treat games against relegation contenders with the same focus as those against the big boys: that’s Lo Stile Juve that I’m talking about.

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Chiellini out of Juventus-Milan

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99341/chiellini-out-juventus-milan

 

 

Mar 7, 2017

 

Giorgio Chiellini will be out for Friday’s clash with Milan, but the Juventus defender has no serious injury, so can be ready for Porto.

 

The centre-back limped off during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Udinese at the Dacia Arena.

 

There were fears of another relapse of his repeated muscular problems.

 

However, according to Sky Sport Italia this evening, tests showed no lesions or traumas to the flexor muscles in the left leg.

 

It is still enough to keep Chiellini out of Friday night’s Serie A encounter with Milan.

 

However, he should be fine for next week’s Champions League second leg showdown with Porto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

ADL: 'Media hates Napoli!'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99354/adl-media-hates-napoli

 

 

Mar 7, 2017

 

President Aurelio De Laurentiis stirred up further controversy, as he praised Maurizio Sarri after the defeat to Real Madrid, but said Italian media “hates Napoli.”

 

The patron went on Mediaset Premium after the first leg 3-1 loss at the Bernabeu and bitterly criticised his squad, but was in a more ebullient mood at the San Paolo.

 

“The result was the same, but the disappointment was not. We gave our all in the first half and Real Madrid are Real Madrid,” De Laurentiis again told Mediaset Premium.

 

“The fans provided an exemplary setting, our prestigious foreign visitors were able to admire an extraordinary environment and we also treated them to the culinary delights of the region, which are second to none.

 

“We showed them the emotions of a stadium and people who have suffered for their football for decades. Sarri gave Real Madrid a football lesson.

 

“There was never a problem. If they look back at my interviews, I always spoke of Maurizio Sarri as a football aesthete and great Coach.

 

“When I came here after the first leg, I didn’t speak badly of Sarri. I was angry with the team and only satisfied with Lorenzo Insigne. I saw the team deflated and unmotivated in a very important game. As the media is all in the North and slaves of the Northern clubs, and they all hate me, they just wanted to stir up trouble and not reflect what I really said.

 

“It worked, because we lost to Atalanta a few days later, but we made up for it against Roma. La Gazzetta dello Sport has always been in the pocket of Juventus, Milan and Inter, so they try to stir up trouble and actively hate Napoli. 

 

“If you go around the various stadiums, Italians do not rebel to the chants ‘Vesuvius wash them with lava’ – I’d never have dreamed of such a thing about people from Turin. I want their fans to grow up and be as culturally advanced as the Neapolitans were tonight.” 

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Abbiati: 'Juve struggle v Milan'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99363/abbiati-juve-struggle-v-milan

 

 

Mar 8, 2017

 

Former Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati believes that Juventus 'have always struggled' against the Rossoneri.

 

The 39-year-old sees no reason why Vincenzo Montella's side cannot win when the two go head-to-head on Friday evening.

 

Having spent 15 seasons representing the San Siro giants and enjoying a year on loan with the Bianconeri back in 2005/06, Abbiati has been impressed by the work of the Milan Coach.

 

"It’s a challenge, a game that both will play openly," the veteran told TuttoJuve when asked about the upcoming clash.

 

"Along the way there was a little fear, but if Milan play with their usual confidence it is not unreasonable to think that they may get a positive result out of Turin.

 

"Montella is doing a good job, but I think Juve have always struggled against this opponent.

 

"The Bianconeri know well who they are facing. From the games I've seen I think Milan are very organised, attacking in numbers but doing well as a team defensively.

 

"I do not think Montella will change anything, he’s doing well and so are the team, even in the period in which the results were not great, they were a little unlucky.

 

"They have an identity and need to maintain their style of play rather than adjusting to Juventus, although they are the team to beat.

 

"I think that Juve will have no problem winning the title, because they have an excellent management team, a very good Coach and a group that knows what it means to win.

 

"Seven or eight points may be more than enough."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Report: Giorgio Chiellini to miss Juventus’

game against Milan on Friday

 

 

Shocking, ain’t it?

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/8/14852056/giorgio-

chiellini-injury-juventus-serie-a-champions-league-2017-report

 

 

Mar 8, 2017

 

Giorgio Chiellini and muscle injuries. They just seem to go together, don’t they? It’s basically been an ever-present kind of issues for what seems like the last two or three years now as the bullish Italian defender has entered his 30s.

So, when you hear that Chiellini is hurt again, are you really surprised?

If you watched Juventus over the weekend, you aren’t. And even if you didn’t watch Juventus struggle in their first Serie A draw of the season over the weekend, you can probably tell where we’re going with this ... and then not be surprised at all.

According to a Sky Italia report on Tuesday evening, Chiellini is set to miss out on AC Milan’s visit to Juventus Stadium on Friday night because of the injury he picked up over the weekend against Udinese. The second part of the report involves his status for Tuesday night’s Champions League showdown against Porto, the second leg of the Round of 16 tie in which Juventus has a 2-0 aggregate lead after the first leg in Portugal. It basically comes down to something that would be described as “maybe” or “potentially” available based on how he progresses over the next few days.

Just what we want to have happen, right? A not-fully-fit Chiellini getting the start against Porto on Tuesday night, feeling something go twang once again and then having to be subbed off for Andrea Barzagli or Daniele Rugani in the 28th minute.

Chiellini had the following words to say about his injury in an interview with Sky on Monday:

“I’ll have tests tomorrow but I’m pretty good. It’s nothing in particular, every now and then I have a few aches and pains from previous battles, but it’s nothing serious.

“Now we’ll see how I recover in the next few days but it’s nothing serious.

“There are always few days, so it’ll need to be evaluated, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow we’ll definitely know something more.

“But it’s not something that will be long-term.”

(Source: Football Italia)

So it’s nothing serious as far as we know right now. But we also know that Chiellini’s body has been an absolute disaster zone in recent seasons and nowhere close to a lock to stay healthy. For all we know he’ll get hurt once again the next time he steps onto the field. That may be against Porto on Tuesday, it may be next weekend. But it seems like it won’t be happening against Milan on Friday night, so I guess we have that going for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

Vidal: ‘Juventus in the final!’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99376/vidal-‘juventus-final’

 

 

Mar 8, 2017

 

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal “hopes to meet Juventus” in the Champions League final.

 

The Chilean left the Bianconeri to move to Germany in the summer of 2015, and hopes to renew acquaintances in Cardiff later this year.

 

“Juventus are a very strong team,” Vidal said in an interview with Premium Sport.

 

“Against Porto they showed they want to win the Champions League and they’ll surely be in the Quarter-Finals. I hope to meet Juventus in the final.”

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Sosa: ‘Difficult game for Milan’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99382/sosa-‘difficult-game-milan’

 

 

Mar 8, 2017

 

Jose Sosa insists “it’s not just Milan” who struggle at Juventus Stadium, ahead of a “very difficult game” on Friday.

 

The Rossoneri haven’t beaten the Old Lady in Turin since the new stadium opened, leading Mediaset Premium to suggest a hoodoo.

 

“It’s not just Milan,” Sosa pointed out in an interview with Premium Sport.

 

“It’s a very difficult game but we have to think of ourselves and continue to play this way. It will be a very important match for us.

 

“Paulo Dybala or Gonzalo Higuain? It’s hard to say, I’m glad that they’re both from Argentina so we can use them for the national team.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Galliani: ‘Juventus game crucial for Milan’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99392/galliani-‘juventus-game-crucial-milan’

 

 

Mar 8, 2017

 

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani admits Friday’s Juventus game is “a crucial match”.

 

The Rossoneri face the Serie A leaders in Turin, having failed to win at Juventus Stadium since it was opened.

 

“It’s a crucial match for our season,” Galliani told reporters outside a team dinner at Kaimano restaurant.

 

“It’s a fixture which holds so many memories, from the one we won with a goal from [Ruud] Gullit to  the unforgettable Champions League final in Manchester.

 

“Barcelona-Paris Saint-Germain? I spoke to Ariedo Braida today and someone from PSG, but I can’t make predictions, I’ve never even played the pools.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Montella: ‘Milan still underdogs’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99398/montella-‘milan-still-underdogs’

 

 

Mar 9, 2017

 

Vincenzo Montella insists his Milan are still underdogs against Juventus - “they’re almost unbeatable”.

 

The Rossoneri have beaten the Old Lady in both Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana this season, but the Coach is still keen to dampen expectations.

 

“Of course we’re not undervalued anymore,” Montella acknowledged in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“But they’re almost unbeatable, as the League shows. It will be a key game, decided on approach, interpretation and competitive spirit which, in our case, will have to be above average.

 

“We’ve had our two best moments of the season against Juve, in Doha and in the first game of the season. This time the result will be even more crucial for the table.

 

“Juventus’ formation? When you have attacking players who also sacrifice themselves in defence it’s even more complicated for the opponent.

 

“They’ve put in more attackers and maintained the same balance. Allegri has surprised me with his bravery and courage: if you consider that there aren’t many replacements - aside from [Marko] Pjaca - the new system might seem like a stretch.

 

“Without [Juan] Cuadrado maybe we could expect one less attacker and doubling-up on one side.”

 

Montella was then asked whether he would ever consider sitting on the Bianconeri bench.

 

“A professional doesn’t rule out anything at the start of their career, so why not? Maybe Coaching Lazio would be more complicated, since in Roma I have a house in the other part of the city…

 

“When I was 17 there was talk of interest from Juventus, I was young and promising. Then I got injured and the interest was never firmed-up.

 

“Will I stay at Milan for a long time? I’d like to. The important thing is to have the opportunity to grow together, I want to help the team improve and keep winning, everything depends on sharing objectives and being able to renew.

 

“It’s not a question if staying for a year, three, give 10 or even of opening or closing a cycle. That’s all theory, if you have a common purpose you can start from the same place.

 

“I had a contract with Fiorentina, my family and I were happy, but I felt it was time to stop.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Montella: ‘Juventus not a final but...’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99407/montella-‘juventus-not-final-but’

 

 

Mar 9, 2017

 

Milan Coach Vincenzo Montella says tomorrow’s Juventus game “won’t be a final, but the attitude must be that of a final”.

 

The Rossoneri haven’t won at Juventus Stadium since it was opened in 2011, and are looking to break that curse tomorrow night.

 

“It won’t be a final, but the attitude must be that of a final,” Montella noted in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“It’s an almost prohibitive challenge to play Juventus at their home, but we want to win.

 

“They’re a very strong team who deal well with situations within the game. This is a Juve which  knows how to win, but they can be beaten.

 

“The important thing is to play without fear, otherwise we’d have no hope. Three points against Juventus count for the same as three points with Chievo, though it would help us get closer to the top of the table.

 

“They might change on a tactical level, compared to recent games. Allegri has done really well, getting positive results. We know everything about them, and vice-versa they about us.

 

“Will they be distracted by competing for three competitions? They’re used to it, and they’ll feed on it. I don’t think they’ll be distracted by the Champions League.

 

“If I could give them some advice, I’d say they should focus on the Champions League, since they’ve almost won the Scudetto!”

 

With Inter and Atalanta meeting on Sunday, one or both will drop points in the European race.

 

“I don’t think there’s much difference between the teams, it’s a story which will be resolved on the final day. Atalanta can fight to the end and will have to be balanced in these 11 rounds.

 

“I still offer compliments to Atalanta, I admire them and they’re a beautiful advert for calcio.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Juventus-Milan Match Preview

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88100

 

 

Mar 9, 2017

 

Juventus played their first Serie A draw of the season and now host Vincenzo Montella’s Milan, who already beat them twice this term.

 

It has been a strange campaign for the two clubs, repeatedly crossing paths over the past few months. Juve won the Coppa Italia Final in extra time, 18-year-old Manuel Locatelli scored a screamer to take revenge at San Siro in Serie A, then the Rossoneri beat the favourites on penalties in Doha for the Italian Super Cup in December. They met once again in January, the Bianconeri going through in the Coppa Italia quarter-final with a 2-1 result in Turin.

 

This will be the sixth time these sides have met over the last 11 months, as there was also a 2-1 Juve victory away to Milan in April 2016.

 

Familiarity breeds contempt, though there’s no shortage of that thanks to decades of rivalry for the Scudetto and even a Champions League Final in 2003.

 

The clubs have taken very different paths in recent years. While Juventus look on track to notch up a record sixth consecutive Scudetto, Vincenzo Montella has to revitalise a Milan side with no transfer budget and in the middle of a Chinese takeover that has gone into full-blown soap opera mode.

 

Max Allegri has to balance out this test with preparing for the Champions League Round of 16 with Porto, having won the first leg 2-0 at the Estadio do Dragao. Juan Cuadrado is suspended with Giorgio Chiellini and Stefano Sturaro injured, so Marko Pjaca and Andrea Barzagli are expected to step in. It’ll be a good opportunity for the Croatian winger to show what he can do after so many fleeting substitute appearances.

 

Allegri seems reticent to rotate the squad too much, giving Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Miralem Pjanic very little rest. That started to take its toll in last week’s surprise 1-1 draw with Udinese, their first stalemate of the Serie A season.

 

Montella has no real choice in the matter, as his Milan squad provides few quality alternatives. Ignazio Abate and Suso are in doubt to feature with injury concerns, while Jack Bonaventura and Riccardo Montolivo are long-term absentees. Carlos Bacca got back to scoring ways with a brace against Chievo, and a controversial penalty past Sassuolo, so leads the attack with Gerard Deulofeu and probably Lucas Ocampos.

 

Leonel Vangioni and Jose Ernesto Sosa were dubbed flops when arriving, but have seemingly found some confidence over the last few games. The return of Alessio Romagnoli and Mattia De Sciglio – who has been heavily linked with Juventus – are important boosts. Milan have won an impressive four of their last five games, drawing the other away to high-flying Lazio, since a 1-0 home defeat to Sampdoria over a month ago.

 

Keep an eye on: Gerard Deulofeu (Milan) – The winger on loan from Everton has been a sensation in Serie A, so seeing him up against Alex Sandro and Mario Mandzukic is going to be an enticing prospect. Juve’s 4-2-3-1 formation has the potential to leave them vulnerable down the flanks and Milan can take full advantage.

 

Form Guide: Juventus (D W W W W) Milan (W W W D W)

 

Last season: Juventus 1-0 Milan

 

Stat fact: Milan have lost their last five Serie A trips to Turin, finding the net in only two of them, since a 1-0 victory in March 2011. That was decided by a rare Gennaro Gattuso goal. This fixture hasn’t ended in a stalemate since March 2006, followed by two Rossoneri successes and seven losses.

 

Top tip: Both teams to score.

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Barzagli, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Pjaca, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Suspended: Cuadrado

 

Milan (probable): Donnarumma; De Sciglio, Romagnoli, Paletta, Vangioni; Sosa, Locatelli, Kucka; Ocampos, Bacca, Deulofeu

Suspended: None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Montella: ‘Suso could play’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99408/montella-‘suso-could-play’

 

 

Mar 9, 2017

 

Suso is in the running to face Juventus, says Milan Coach Vincenzo Montella - “we’ll see today and tomorrow”.

 

The Spaniard has been struggling with injury, and would be a big loss to the Rossoneri after his performance in the Supercoppa Italiana.

 

“There’s optimism, he took part in some of training yesterday,” Montella told reporters in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“I have some doubts about the team. [Manuel] Locatelli has a fever. In my head I have 14 starters.

 

“Giacomo Bonaventura? I don’t like hiding behind things I can’t control. It’s regrettable that he can’t be there, because he’s important.

 

“Gerard Deulofeu? He has a style of play which comes close to what we want to do. He’s a player who knows football, but he has to improve in the final third, given the potential he has.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Scudetto not over’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99409/allegri-‘scudetto-not-over’

 

 

Mar 9, 2017

 

Max Allegri urges Juventus to take Barcelona’s comeback as evidence that “the League isn’t over”.

 

The Bianconeri have an eight point advantage at the top of the table with 11 games to play, putting them in pole position for their sixth Scudetto in a row.

 

“Barcelona? Firstly, it was a great night of football,” Allegri said in his Press conference ahead of the Milan game.

 

“It was a beautiful evening of football which I think will remain in the annals of football history, because I don’t think any team has ever pulled off such a good comeback.

 

“It wasn’t easy for them, it was a good and very intense game. It wasn’t great technically, compared to what Barcelona have always shown the world, but that’s why football is beautiful. It’s strange, there are situations no-one can predict.

 

“Above all that should make us understand and reflect that on Tuesday we have a game [against Porto] where we have a two-goal lead, we have an eight point lead but the League is not over.

 

“So we have to take things one game at a time, without looking at what might happen in there months. Tomorrow there’s a game between Juventus and Milan.

 

“Milan are coming off two positive results, they’re a team which never dies, they’re sly, they can seem to be out of a game but they have great speed and technique. Aside from that, it’s always Juventus-Milan.

 

“Despite the gap in points there has been in recent seasons, games between Juventus and Milan have always been close.”

 

And having Barcelona in the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League?

 

“Barcelona… with all due respect to Paris Saint-Germain, to have them in the Quarter-Finals… we still have to get there, by the way… but still, to have them in the Quarter-Finals isn’t pleasing.

 

“Something like what happened to Barcelona in Paris, where they lost 4-0, doesn’t happen every year, or even every five years.

 

“So it’s normal that now Barcelona are favourites to win the Champions League along with Bayern [Munich] and Real Madrid.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

[Socrates 8998]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

Friday, March 10th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Benatia likely to face Milan’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99410/allegri-‘benatia-likely-face-milan’

 

 

Mar 9, 2017

 

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri reveals Medhi Benatia is likely to partner Leonardo Bonucci against Milan.

 

The Rossoneri visit Turin tomorrow night, and the hosts will make at least two enforced changes.

 

“[Giorgio] Chiellini definitely won’t play,” Allegri confirmed in his pre-match Press conference.

 

"it's certain Chiellini won't play tomorrow. We'll see against Porto, but it's very difficult.

 

“Bonucci will play, then one of [Daniele] Rugani, Benatia or Barzagli, with Benatia a little ahead of the other two.

 

“Will Marko Pjaca replace Juan Cuadrado? I honestly haven’t decided, I’ll assess whether to play Pjaca today in the last training session, if he’s on the bench I’ll play with an extra midfielder.

 

“I have a few things to assess today. After today I’ll have much clearer ideas and then I’ll decide definitively.

 

“Could Milan spring a tactical surprise? I don’t know how [Vincenzo] Montella will play, but his style of play is pretty well outlined.

 

“What could change is those interpreting it. You can play with the same system, but if you change the interpreters than the characteristics of the players can also change.

 

“Right now they don’t have [Giacomo] Bonaventura, but they have a different player like [Gerard] Deulofeu who is very good in one-on-ones, in opening up games.

 

“They also have physical players in midfield, so it will be a very difficult game.”

 

Allegri was then asked whether he was satisfied after the draw with Udinese, which nonetheless allowed Juve to move a further point clear at the top.

 

“It’s not ok, because we played a bad game in Udine. I was convinced that we could come out of a bad game, but we had to come out with a win.

 

“We accept the draw, we gained a point on Roma but we know it’s a long season with 11 games still to go.

 

“There are head-to-head games, many wins to be achieved, so tomorrow we have to tough physically and technically, and above all bring home three points, because victory tomorrow would mean one game less to the Scudetto.

 

“As for mental and physical fatigue, first of all we’re coming off 10 games where Juventus have won 10 in a row.

 

“We played Atalanta, Milan, Napoli in the Coppa Italia; we had the match with Porto, the one with Inter, we had Sassuolo, Lazio, Fiorentina. We had an important period where the team responded well.

 

“There can be a game where you play less well and it seems like you’re tired, but that’s not the case as the team is in excellent condition.

 

“We played a bad game, and these are the most important matches of the season because you have to bring home three points when you’re not playing well.

 

“The lads were a bit lucky, because in the end we got a point which allowed us to increase our advantage over Roma, though there’s still a very long way to go.

 

“You can’t play 38 games well and on the same level, there are games where you’ll have to win while playing poorly. And it’s difficult to play well against Udinese in Udine.

 

“Udinese were coming off three defeats, they had a week to prepare so they had plenty of motivation. Juventus came to town and it was the right time to play a physical, pressing game the way they did.

 

“We needed to have a bit more patience when we got to 1-1, we still had 35 minutes to win it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110