JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Moise Kean, 17, completes Juventus'

late comeback to cap season

 

 

 

http://www.espnfc.com/italian-serie-a/12/index

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

Juventus ended their championship Serie A campaign with a nod to the future as 17-year-old Moise Kean scored a stoppage-time winner in a 2-1 comeback victory over Bologna on Saturday.

A second-half substitute, Kean connected on a difficult header following a free kick from Miralem Pjanic.

It was the first Serie A goal for Kean, who was making just his third appearance in the league. In November, Kean became the first player born in this millennium to appear in Serie A.

Bologna's Saphir Taider had opened the scoring with a splendid shot from beyond the area following the break, but Paulo Dybala equalised for Juventus in the 70th minute with a rebound following a shot from Gonzalo Higuain.

Juventus had already secured their record sixth-straight Serie A title and rested usual starters Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Mario Mandzukic. They will be looking to complete a Treble against Real Madrid in the Champions League final next Saturday.

Juventus moved seven points clear of second-placed Roma, who host Genoa on Sunday in the final match of Francesco Totti's 25-year career with the Giallorossi.

Before kickoff, there was a brief clash between Bologna fans and police upon the arrival of Juventus' bus at the stadium.

Atalanta beat Chievo Verona 1-0 to move two points ahead of Lazio into fourth place, which would be a club record. Lazio visit relegation-threatened Crotone on Sunday.

Alejandro "Papu" Gomez, recently called up to the Argentina squad, scored for Atalanta with a shot from the centre of the area after an excellent through ball from Bryan Cristante.

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Kean becomes first scorer in top

five leagues born in 2000s

 

The Italy U-17 international capped off a history-making debut

campaign by scoring a late winner for Juventus at Bologna .

 

  

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2017/05/27/35891872/-

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

Juventus prodigy Moise Kean's first goal for his club earned him a place in history.

 

The 17-year-old scored a winner against Bologna in the dying seconds on Saturday, giving Serie A champions Juventus a 2-1 victory on the final day of the Serie A season.

 

With the goal, Kean became the first player born in the 21st century to score in any of Europe's top five leagues. 

 

 

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OptaPaolo 

 

✔@OptaPaolo

2000 - Moise #Kean is the first player born in 2000 to score a goal in a top-5 European League. Prodigious. #BolognaJuve

8:01 PM - 27 May 2017

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It was another in a string of history-making moments this season for Kean, who was born in February 2000. 

 

In November, he became the first player born in the 2000s to make an appearance in Serie A and later that month he achieved the same feat in the Champions League.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Juventus 2 - Bologna 1: Initial reaction

and random observations

 

  

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/5/27/15704108/juventus-

bologna-2017-serie-a-round-38-final-score-result-initial-reaction

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

And then, in the last game of the 2016-17 Serie A season for Juventus, a 17-year-old kid by the name of Moise Kean scored the game-winning goal with seconds to go before the final whistle.

This post-game thread had a different kind of lede about five minutes before this new one was written. We have Mr. Kean to blame for that one. Why? Because just when it looked like Juve were going to slog their way to a season-ending draw and truly play some uninspiring football heading into the week leading up to the Champions League final, the youngest player on the field popped his head up and scored his first-ever goal at the senior level to give the six-time defending Italian champions one final win.

Counterpoint: Juventus still played relatively meh regardless of the result. Got me there.

Either way, MOISE KEAN, PEOPLE. MOISE KEAN.

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Squawka Football 

 

✔@Squawka

Moise Kean is the first player born in the 21st century to score in Serie A.

History maker. 

7:58 PM - 27 May 2017

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There have been a good amount of firsts when it comes to Kean’s small handful of appearances for Juventus this season. He was the first player born in the 2000s to make his Serie A debut. Just days later he was the first player born in the 2000s to play in a Champions League game. And now, on the final day of the season, he becomes the first player born in the 2000s to score a goal in a Serie A game.

That’s pretty good for a kid who is just a few months into his 17th year on this planet.

But it almost seems appropriate for Kean to have those titles attached to his name seeing as how he’s shot through Juventus’ youth ranks. For much of the primavera season he was a 16-year-old starlet playing against players who are two, three or even four years older than him. And in his rise through the Juventus academy, he’s shown why he’s one of the best prospects the club has had in a good amount of years.

Kean almost certainly has a bright future in front of him.

We got a small yet nice little glimpse of what he can do on Saturday as he gave Juventus one final win in this record-breaking Serie A season.

So on a day where Juventus had nothing really to play for, where the biggest thing we wanted to see was nobody get hurt, possibly the next homegrown player to be a first team regular ended up stealing three points right before the final whistle. Not exactly a bad little Saturday for the Kean family.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Juventus had a 20-year-old starting in goal and a 17-year-old score the game-winning goal. These times, they are a changing. For one game, at least.
• The thing I liked most about Emil Audero’s debut? If he was nervous, you would have never known it. He just looked confident out there even though he really didn’t have much to do in the grand scheme of things. The only real test he had in goal was a shot that was impossible shot to try and stop on Bologna’s lone goal of the game.
• Classic Max Allegri move: Tell us what most of the starting lineup is going to be and then pretty much go against half of what he said 24 hours earlier. He’s such a trickster when it comes to his starting lineup quotes.
• Gonzalo Higuain: Quite wasteful against Bologna. Must be saving his goals for next Saturday.
• Paulo Dybala: Jumped on one of the follow-up chances after Higuain didn’t score. The Dybala Mask was present and made an appearance at the Dall'Ara on Saturday. Let’s hope it’s the same when Juventus play next Saturday, too.
• Stefano Sturaro: Still not a left winger.
• Claudio Marchisio: That captain’s armband just seems so appropriate on his arm.
• Is there really that much else to talk about here?
• No, probably not.
• But nobody got hurt. And as cool as it was to see Kean score his first-ever Serie A goal and add another “first in the 2000s” title to his name, keeping Juventus’ biggest player healthy is the most important thing to come out of Saturday’s season finale. There’s much, much bigger things to play for in seven days come kickoff in Cardiff.
• Okay, fine. One more time: MOISE KEAN!!!

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juventus joy in Cardiff'

   

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103245/allegri-juventus-joy-cardiff

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

Max Allegri wants Juventus to face the Champions League Final with “enthusiasm and joy. Real Madrid allow something in defence.”

 

The Bianconeri fought back from a Saphir Taider stunner to win 2-1 in Bologna with the last kick of the game, Paulo Dybala and 17-year-old Moise Kean turning it around.

 

“This has been a very good season, we’ve still got the trip to Cardiff, but we’ll think about that from Monday. It won’t take much to prepare for that, as with a Final you don’t prepare – you play and you win,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

 

“It will be a fascinating match against a great side like Real Madrid. You don’t get to play in a Champions League Final every day. We’ve so far had two Finals in three years, so the lads deserve praise, but we have to enter these events with enthusiasm and joy.

 

“Finals are decided by the details and we’ve got to focus on those.”

 

Allegri was asked if he will adjust the tactics again in Cardiff with Andrea Barzagli at right-back and Dani Alves further forward or return Juan Cuadrado to his usual wide role?

 

“Against Monaco I chose a different type of player compared to Cuadrado. Real Madrid are very strong going forward, but also allow something in defence, so we must make the most of those opportunities. We are ready to face this wonderful week before going on vacation.”

 

This evening there was limited squad rotation, as Kean became the first player born in the year 2000 to score in the top five European leagues.

 

“Kean is not the only positive from today, because Emil Audero also played the entire match with great authority in goal and there are other talents from the youth academy that will have room next season.

 

“It was not a good first half from us, it’s true it was really hot and we did a lot of fitness work this week, but the tempo was still far too slow.”

 

Juventus end the season with a sixth consecutive Scudetto and total 91 points.

 

“We have to thank Roma and Napoli, because they pushed us to need 91 points, as usually in Italy you can take the title with 87 points. They also helped us in the Champions League, because we were never allowed to drop our guard.”

 

The Coach reiterated his time at Juventus is not over, even if he manages to complete the Treble.

 

“I want to stay at Juventus, I already said that yesterday in my Press conference. I don’t want to think about anything else.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cristiano Ronaldo: Even formidable

Juventus defence have a weak spot

 

 

Old Lady goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has conceded just one goal in six knockout

matches this season, but Cristiano believes he can break the wall.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2017/05/27/35892112/-

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant that even Juventus' excellent defence has a "weak spot" ahead of next Saturday's Champions League final.

 

Juve's recent dominance in Italy has been built on their incredible record at the back, with the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini forming an almost unbeatable partnership to lead the Italians to six straight Scudetti.

 

And there are signs that this season Massimiliano Allegri's men have taken that form over to Europe as well.

 

Gianluigi Buffon has seen just one goal slip past him in six knockout matches so far - Kylian Mbappe beat the veteran goalkeeper when the semi-final tie against Monaco was all but over. 

 

Nevertheless, Ronaldo believes there must be a way through when Madrid and Juve clash on June 3 in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. 

 

"[Juventus] are an excellent team, as they proved by winning both Serie A and Coppa Italia, and they have completed a fabulous campaign in Europe," the Portugal international, 32, told UEFA.com. 

 

"They like using tight coverage, like Atletico.

 

"While Juventus certainly have a superb defence, there is always a weak spot, we need to find out how to attack it."

 

No team has managed to retain the Champions League since it switched to its current format from the European Cup back in 1992-93. 

 

But Ronaldo affirmed that if any side is capable it is Real Madrid, who have won the title twice in the last three seasons. 

 

"Every player in the dressing room wants to make history. It would be a privilege to be the first team to win consecutive editions of the Champions League," he explained.

 

"We are aware it will be an extremely difficult match but we are Madrid so we know we have a realistic shot at winning.

 

"This final will be similar to the previous ones [against Atletico Madrid], it's basically a coin flip.

 

"Both squads will attempt to take advantage of the opponent's mistakes; whoever plays a cleaner match should prevail, hopefully it's us.

 

"It will be an exciting match-up for both players and fans, we have high expectations."

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Kean: 'Just the beginning'

    

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103247/kean-just-beginning

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

Moise Kean made history as the first player born in the year 2000 to score in Europe’s top five leagues. “It’s just the beginning,” said the Juventus striker.

 

The 17-year-old broke his duck at the third Serie A appearance with a diving header to snatch their 2-1 victory away to Bologna in stoppages.

 

“I am very happy with this goal and was also fortunate. It’s the dream of every 17-year-old to score wearing an important jersey like that of Juve,” the Italy Under-19 international told JTV.

 

“It was wonderful, but there’s lots of work to be done, because in my view this is just the beginning.

 

“I have learned so much from training with the first team and I’m very lucky to stay close to them. They’ve always helped me and pushed on to give my best every time.

 

“I dedicate the goal to my family, in particular to my mother. I don’t think she’ll even believe that I scored a goal!”

 

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barzagli: 'Juve believe in Champions'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103249/barzagli-juve-believe-champions

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

Andrea Barzagli concedes Juventus “didn’t have the belief two years ago, but now we all believe” in a Champions League Final win over Real Madrid.

 

The defender was speaking to Mediaset Premium after the 2-1 victory in Bologna rounded out the Serie A season.

 

The Coppa Italia was also achieved last week, so now their only remaining test to complete the Treble is next Saturday in Cardiff.

 

“We won’t lack for excitement or energy in Cardiff. From tomorrow, we will start to think about Real Madrid.”

 

It is the Bianconeri’s second Champions League Final in three years, after losing 3-1 to Barcelona in 2015.

 

“We didn’t have the belief two years ago, but now we all believe in our chances. We know who we are facing and that we’ve got the play the same way as our recent Champions League matches.”

 

Juve are unbeaten in the knockouts, conceding just one goal in six games against Porto, Barcelona and Monaco.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Allegri looking to complete 'beautiful'

season with Champions League win

 

After seeing his side close their league campaign with a win,

the Juve boss is already concentrating on beating Real Madrid

    

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/05/27/35895692/-

 

 

May 27, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri is looking to end a "beautiful" Juventus season with the Champions League title after they finished their Serie A campaign with a victory at Bologna.

 

The Bianconeri fought from a goal down to win 2-1 on Saturday, with goals from Paulo Dybala and - at the death - teenage forward Moise Kean, to cap a fine domestic season in which they won the league and the Coppa Italia.

 

And while Allegri reserved special praise for Kean and the other young members of the Juve squad, his focus quickly turned to the European final against Real Madrid in Cardiff.

 

"The season, right now, is beautiful," he told Mediaset Premium . "We have Cardiff and, from Monday, we will prepare only to win.

 

"It's beautiful to note the games of Kean and [20-year-old goalkeeper Emil] Audero. There are other good guys, who will play next year. The team did well and we woke up after the goal.

 

 

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JuventusFC 

 

✔@juventusfcen

the final goal of our @SerieA_TIM season = the first for Moise Kean in 

WHAT a way to get it.  #FinoAllaFine #BolognaJuve

8:07 PM - 27 May 2017

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"The first time we went to the Champions League final against Barcelona in 2015 with a gentle pace. We will go to Cardiff with serenity, which is how finals are won. 

 

"It will be a fascinating game against an extraordinary team. We have to play with confidence - it is an important match that does not happen every year.

 

"We will play the second after three great seasons, thanks to the boys and the club. It takes enthusiasm [to win] but also serenity."

 

 

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Juventus' Max Allegri: 'With a final you

don't prepare -- you play and you win'

    

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/3134958/juventus-max-allegri-

with-a-final-you-dont-prepare----you-play-and-you-win

 

 

May 28, 2017

 

Juventus' manager Massimiliano Allegri said his team would begin looking ahead to their "fascinating" Champions League final against Real Madrid on Monday, after coming from behind to win their final Serie A match of the season.

Goals from Paulo Dybala and a winner from 17-year-old Moise Kean capped a 2-1 fightback against Bologna, with Saphir Taider opening the scoring for the hosts.

In addition to their sixth-successive Scudetto, Juventus have also won the Coppa Italia and know a win against the La Liga champions on June 3 in Cardiff, Wales, will give them a historic Treble.

And their manager seemed relaxed about the prospect of facing Zinedine Zidane's side following the match, telling Mediaset Premium: "This has been a very good season, we've still got the trip to Cardiff, but we'll think about that from Monday. It won't take much to prepare for that, as with a final you don't prepare -- you play and you win.

"It will be a fascinating match against a great side like Real Madrid. You don't get to play in a Champions League final every day. We've so far had two finals in three years, so the lads deserve praise, but we have to enter these events with enthusiasm and joy.

"Finals are decided by the details and we've got to focus on those."

Goal scorer Kean, who became the first player born in 2000 to score in Serie A, as "just the beginning."

It was Kean's first senior career goal and ensured Juventus would head into next weekend's Champions League final in winning form.

Following the match, Kean said: "I am very happy to score this first goal.

"I was also lucky. It's the dream of all 17-year-olds to score goals for a big club like Juve. It was really nice, but there is still work to do, because in my mind this is just the beginning.

"I have learned so much from the first-team players. I'm very lucky to be close to them. They have always helped me and pushed me to never give up.

"I dedicate my goal to my family, especially to my mother.''

Allegri was happy for the teenager, but was quick to hail the team's performance and the play of backup goalkeeper Emil Audero, who was on in place of a rested Gigi Buffon.

Allegri said: "Kean is not the only positive from today, because Emil Audero also played the entire match with great authority in goal and there are other talents from the youth academy that will have room next season.

"It was not a good first half from us, it's true it was really hot and we did a lot of fitness work this week, but the tempo was still far too slow."

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS 

 

 

        1-2          

 

 

Saphir Taïder 52' 

Paulo Dybala 70'

Moise Kean 94'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 38

 

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 - 6:00 p.m. CET
Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

 

 

 

Substitutes Moise Kean and Miralem

Pjanic give Juventus a spark

     

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3135123/substitutes-

moise-kean-and-miralem-pjanic-give-juventus-a-spark-against-bologna

 

 

May 28, 2017

 

By defeating Bologna 2-1, Juventus achieved their 29th win of the season, collecting 91 points overall.

Hindered by the heat and conscious of not overexerting themselves in case of injury, Juventus stuttered and produced a weak first half, angering their coach, who sought dominance.

Conceding in the beginning of the second half, Massimiliano Allegri introduced his substitutions to add quality, and the Bianconeri improved, taking more than double the number of shots they attempted in the first half. Paulo Dybala scored the equaliser, but Moise Kean stole the headlines with his diving header to secure the win.

Positives

Kean became the first player born in the year 2000 to score in one of the top five European leagues, and Emil Audero made his Serie A debut. Both represent the excellence of Juve's scouting system and could well be the future of the club.

Negatives

It's a shame Juventus conceded a goal as another clean sheet would have been the icing on the cake.

Manager rating (out of 10)

7 -- In a game that meant nothing, Allegri did well to give youth a chance and rotate his squad a little in view of the Champions League final next Saturday. Another win and another three points; the coach has proved excellent all season.

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

GK Emil Audero, 6 -- Played with great authority, but there was nothing he could do to stop a sensational Saphir Taider goal.

DF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- Engaged in an exciting battle with Ibrahima Mbaye on the right, the Swiss player played with intensity and physicality.

DF Andrea Barzagli, 6 -- Intelligent, reliable and concentrated, Barzagli led the line with authority.

DF Medhi Benatia, 6 -- Wasn't too troubled by the opponent and recovered possession well.

DF Kwadwo Asamoah, 6 -- Produced a balanced performance, but nothing that requires attention. Must try to contribute more in attack.

Moise Kean became the first player born this millennium to score in one of the top five European leagues.

MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- Khedira looked to have fully recovered and played another intelligent game, giving Juventus the balance they need. Excellent off the ball and reliable on it.

MF Claudio Marchisio, 5 -- Gifted Taider too much room to strike and not as polished as usual. His tactical intelligence usually ensures he occupies the right spaces, but he struggled to remain concentrated.

MF Juan Cuadrado, 5 -- A game to forget for Cuadrado, who struggles for consistency. He couldn't produce the incisive runs required of him, even though he can put in some good crosses.

MF Paulo Dybala, 6 -- It wasn't a magical first half, but he improved in the second, demonstrating his technique on the ball. Creating chances, he also scored the equaliser.

MF Stefano Sturaro, 6 -- Always plays for the team and came close to scoring, but technically limited.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 5 -- Not really the threatening presence Juventus needed in front of goal. Had a few chances to score, but couldn't make the difference. At least the shot he directed straight at the goalkeeper allowed Dybala to score from the rebound.

Substitutes

MF Miralem Pjanic, 7 -- Produced the quality Juventus lacked in the first half. He raised the tempo, helped Juventus create the equaliser and delivered the assist for Kean's winner. Decisive.

FW Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- An all-action superstar who plays with character and intensity even if he can't always be decisive.

FW Moise Kean, 7 -- A spectacular diving header is just the beginning of what we can expect from the youngster. His dribbling, accelerations and determination has enchanted his coach and now the fans.

 

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

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

             

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Allegri: Juventus vs Real Madrid

will be a fascinating match

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/5/28/15706704/allegri-juventus

-real-madrid-will-be-a-fascinating-match-champions-league-preview

 

 

May 28, 2017

 

Juventus beat Bologna 2-1 with a last-gasp header from teenager Moise Kean guaranteeing the win. After the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri fielded questions from the press, mostly focused on the upcoming Champions League Final.

“This has been a very good season, we’ve still got the trip to Cardiff, but we’ll think about that from Monday. It won’t take much to prepare for that, as with a Final you don’t prepare – you play and you win.

“It will be a fascinating match against a great side like Real Madrid. You don’t get to play in a Champions League Final every day. We’ve so far had two Finals in three years, so the lads deserve praise, but we have to enter these events with enthusiasm and joy.

“Finals are decided by the details and we’ve got to focus on those.”

Would Allegri be making a tactical adjustment to his semi-final side?

“Against Monaco I chose a different type of player compared to Juan Cuadrado. Real Madrid are very strong going forward, but also allow something in defence, so we must make the most of those opportunities. We are ready to face this wonderful week before going on vacation.”

Kean became the first player born in the year 2000 to score in the top five European leagues.

“Kean is not the only positive from today, because Emil Audero also played the entire match with great authority in goal and there are other talents from the youth academy that will have room next season.

“It was not a good first half from us, it’s true it was really hot and we did a lot of fitness work this week, but the tempo was still far too slow.”

Juventus now have won six straight Scudetto, an unprecedented accomplishment, picking up 91 points on the way.

“We have to thank Roma and Napoli, because they pushed us to need 91 points, as usually in Italy you can take the title with 87 points. They also helped us in the Champions League, because we were never allowed to drop our guard.”

Allegri followed up on his comments from before the game when asked about his future.

“I want to stay at Juventus, I already said that yesterday in my Press conference. I don’t want to think about anything else.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

What will Juventus have to do

effectively to beat Real Madrid?

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/5/29/15706432/bwrao-

roundtable-juventus-real-madrid-2017-champions-league-final

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

With the completion of Juventus’ Serie A season, the countdown to the Champions League final is officially on. It didn’t take long for Juve’s social media accounts to switch from celebrating Moise Kean’s last-minute winner against Bologna to what is going on in Cardiff as Saturday went on.

So, following suit, we are doing the same.

There are plenty of storylines and things to talk about heading into Juventus’ final game for the next six or seven weeks. This matchup of European heavyweights does not lack for intrigue or history. Real Madrid are the current Champions League holders after beating Atletico Madrid last season, while Juventus are trying to win the club’s first Champions League trophy in over two decades.

There will be stars all over the field. Real Madrid, famous for their Galácticos ways, certainly don’t lack for star power, but are also a team that has shown some vulnerability at times this season.

With that being said, we’ve posed this question to kick off the first of four BWRAO roundtable discussions that will be appearing in the build-up to this Saturday’s titanic final clash. It’s simple, too: What will Juventus have to do to have a chance at beating Real Madrid?

Chuks

Counterattack effectively, adequately deal with the threat on the wings and handle that pesky bugger Marcelo. As we all know, Real Madrid use the wings very aggressively and effectively — especially through the Cristiano Ronaldo-Marcelo combination. If Juventus can nullify that threat enough and counterattack efficiently into the vacated space, I think we stand a good chance of succeeding in Cardiff.

Francesco Cosentino

The final against Real Madrid is going to be extremely difficult and will not be a cakewalk as I’ve seen some say on social media. Real Madrid’s a legendary team looking to become the first side to defend the title of Champion in the Champions League era. It will be imperative for Juventus to not concede in the first 20-25 minutes of the match. Ivan Rakitic’s goal in the fourth minute of the 2015 final set the tone, and Juventus were scared and nervous for the entirety of the first 45 minutes. It was not until the second half that Juventus started showing its true potential. It will be imperative to set the tone —our tone — early as we did against Barcelona in April.

Second, Juventus will need to capitalize on our scoring chances. How often are we left after a game saying, “It should have been 4- or 5-nil”? This lack of capitalization can work in Serie A where the teams are not as offensively gifted, but if we don’t bury our chances against Real Madrid we will be buried ourselves. There are only so many chances you can waste before Ronaldo & Co. make you pay. If Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are on form when June 3 rolls around, we will have our say in the match.

Sam Lopresti

In no particular order, the most important things will be:

1. Play mistake-free defense. If you give Real Madrid a gift horse they won't look it in the mouth. You have to keep everyone covered, particularly Cristiano Ronaldo. If they beat a tight ship, fine, but don't give anything away.
   Also included in this general note: For God's sake, mark Sergio Ramos on set pieces.
2. The knockout rounds certainly have felt damn near perfect, but the team's success has provided cover for a potentially major issue — profligate finishing. Juve have been guilty of wasting some fantastic chances over the last three rounds of the tournament. They could have been up 4-0 or more in the first half of the second leg against Monaco — although it can also be said that Danijel Subasic pulled off a few incredible saves. But Gonzalo Higuain wasted a few really good chances in the first leg against Barcelona and overall the team's finishing in the Champions League has been something less than ruthless. Given Real's defensive weaknesses, there will be chances. Juve must take them.

Kaushik

1. Contain Marcelo and (if he’s fit) Dani Carvajal. While Dani Alves and Alex Sandro have been absolute dynamite and are well worth a shoutout for best fullback pair in the world, their primary competition to the throne would be the Madrid duo. They are absolutely deadly on the overlap. And it’s telling that despite many being aware of just how lethal they can be, they're still so hard to contain. The likes of Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado will have their hands full in ensuring we aren't blown away by them.
2. Do not allow Toni Kroos and Luca Modric to settle into a rhythm. If they win the midfield battle, the game can go down hill very quickly.
3. Pull an Italian Job on Ronaldo. Tussles with the best strikers seems to elevate Giorgio Chiellini into legendary elite levels, and he'll have to be at his very best to keep the Madrid talisman quiet on the night.

Martin Connolly

1. Contain Kroos and Modric’s influence. After their nervy start in the second leg against Ateltico, where they went 2-0 down inside the first 15 minutes, Real were left reeling. And were there for the taking. But the minute Kroos and Modric started getting the ball more, they relaxed. Both players helped take control of the game, playing at the pace they wanted and from then on Real never looked back. Juve have the players needed to shut off the supply from midfield to the forward line. Look at how they dealt with Barcelona in that aspect, but whether they can shut down the influence of Kroos and Modric completely remains to be seen and could be the deciding factor.
2. Use Dybala as the main threat of attack. It sounds obvious, but in a game like this coaches can be guilty of overthinking. Just get Dybala the ball. Casemiro is prone to reckless tackles and getting Dybala the ball often will mean the Madrid defensive midfielder will have to chase around the Argentinian, resulting in an exhausting and frustrating night. He’s bound to commit a few fouls via silly and needless sliding tackles. Sergio Ramos won’t be willing to come out to commit on Dybala often because if he does it means Higuain is left one-on-one with Varane, while Varane himself is too slow to cover Dybala. This is a good area for Juve to attack Real from.
3. Use Mandzukic’s height advantage. This is why he’s in the team, right? His heading ability and height advantage of full-backs are a good point of attack. Carvajal won’t be able to deal with it, and once again will Real want to commit a CB on him while leaving space for someone like Dybala to attack into? If Juve score on the night, and I expect them to, it will come from the left-hand side.

Anthony Turgelis

• Take advantage of Real Madrid’s backline. As good as their attack can be, their defense leaves much to be desired. I see it as a glaring weakness that can be exploited. While their 41 goals conceded in La Liga is decent compared to some other La Liga sides, Juve’s 26 in Serie A is much better. If Carvajal is unavailable, the majority of attacks should look to be started from that side.
• Containing Real Madrid’s attack, and probably limiting them to a single goal. I think we can count on a couple goals going into the Real Madrid net, but should also be expecting them to at least finish off one chance. As good as our defense is, their attack can give them a run for their money on their best day. Limiting them to a single goal would be a good performance by the defenders.
• Make the most of our chances. Even with Madrid’s weak defense, with only 90 minutes to play, we need to make the most out of our chances and score while we have the chance because every chance could be our last.

CH Ho

Draw out Madrid's midfield. Defensively, Real Madrid’s not solid. Juventus played some tough opponents with defensive woes this season. Monaco plays with risky tactics. Barcelona doesn't defend. Real Madrid does not take too many risks, and they do defend. They just don't do it consistently. So they are very similar to Roma — the strikers and most midfielders don't hold a cohesive shape consistently and leave their defensive midfielder (Daniele De Rossi/Casemiro) very exposed. So Juventus' double pivot and Dybala need to handle the passes well so that they can draw out Modric, Kroos or even Casemiro. But they also need to cut out those unforced errors when they pass the ball, something they’ve done more often in the recent matches.

Hunter (Cacciatorino)

It's been a rather strange month for Gonzalo Higuain. On May 3, he scored a brace against Monaco in the first leg of that fixture. And almost immediately the Argentine's dreadful history of Champions League non-success was eliminated. Just a few days later, when Juventus were about to relinquish their unbeaten home record, Higuain entered the game as a substitute and scored a point- and record-saving goal. Since then, he's been wasteful. He assisted Mario Lemina in a fruitless effort against Roma, but in every match we've seen, including most recently against Bologona, he's been considerably off the mark.

All this to say, I'm looking for Pipita to finish chances. Real Madrid concede a high number of shots, but not too many goals, especially recently.

The second thing I'm looking for is an unlikely performance of greatness from the Bianconeri. All the talk will focus on Higuain, Dybala, Buffon, BBC, Dani Alves, as it should, and I know I named almost the entire team, but I think it may take a moment of brilliance from one of the under-appreciated players to secure the Champions League: a free kick from Miralem Pjanic, a stray rebound from Mr. No Good, a header from Sami Khedira.

Calvin

Juve will need to play mistake-free football. A simple turnover in the midfield can lead to a lightning-quick counter the other way. Real manufacture tonnes of offense and the best way to keep them off the scoresheet is to give them as few as possible chances to score from. They create enough on their own without Juve gifting them more opportunities from errors.

Jose A.

• Stop Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo will not play second fiddle in the final. His confidence is off the charts after he scored back to back hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atlético de Madrid. Additionally, he knows that he must beat Gigi Buffon to be this year’s clear Ballon d'Or winner. If the BBC can frustrate Ronaldo early in the game, Real Madrid will be forced to make adjustments. It’s always good news when your defense provokes problems to the rival’s star player. Especially, if this player is somebody with Cristiano’s gigantic ego.

• The Coaching Battle

Zinedine Zidane’s numbers with Real Madrid are excellent. However, I firmly believe Massimiliano Allegri is a superior strategist. Allegri’s game plans have been excellent in the Champions League knockout stage. Firstly, his squad showed patience and maturity to beat Porto effortlessly. Secondly, the mighty Barcelona MSN look ordinary and predictable against Juve. Finally, Allegri crafted a blueprint to control Monaco’s electric attack. Yes, Madrid beat Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, but they suffered a lot. A red card to Arturo Vidal and two offside goals by Ronaldo doomed the Bavarians in extra time. In the same way, a hopeless Atleti almost achieved an amazing comeback in the semifinals.

Juventus against Real Madrid will be a clash of titans. Nonetheless, Max must be pivotal in Cardiff.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Champions League a dream’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103319/pjanic-‘champions-league-dream’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic admits “my dream is to win” the Champions League and complete “a perfect season”.

 

The Bosnian midfielder joined the Bianconeri from Roma in the summer, and is just one win away from securing the Treble in his first season in Turin.

 

Having already won the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto, Max Allegri’s men face Real Madrid in Cardiff on Saturday, looking to lift the Champions League for the first time since 1996.

 

“The Champions League involves the best teams and players so it is a very challenging tournament,” Pjanic told UEFA’s official website.

 

“You work every day and dream of winning it. This year, we have the opportunity of playing in the final – we'll see how it goes.

 

“We are playing well and anything is possible. Our team is really strong and my dream is to win the trophy. That would be unimaginable!

 

“I have grown up considerably since I came here. I have really achieved my goal. I decided that I could still develop further as a player after I spent several wonderful years in Rome.

 

“I moved to a club that is used to winning and always trying to achieve more. They presented me with a great project that would be fascinating for any footballer. “As every month goes by I feel better and better, especially as we're getting lots of satisfaction and winning trophies.

 

“We've got two so far and we hope to get a third, which would be the next step up in terms of difficulty – but the team is confident we can do it. We believe in ourselves.

 

“To reach these goals and achieve the results that we are getting, clearly everything has to go fantastically during the season. The squad is getting on very well together.

 

“We are achieving some big results and the season has been very good thus far. We want to make it a perfect season by winning the Champions League.

 

“Everyone has made big sacrifices. We've worked very hard; you won't get anywhere without hard work, so a lot of toil and sacrifice has gone into this success.

 

“But it's worth it because being in with a shout of winning a treble at the end of the season is very gratifying.”

 

Pjanic was also asked about facing Los Merengues, who are the holders of the trophy having beaten Atletico Madrid at San Siro last year.

“When you get to a final, it's always a big battle against strong opposition.

 

“They're having a great season and they're the holders. They won it last year, so we're facing a great team that is used to playing these games, these competitions and these finals.

 

“We're expecting a difficult contest all over the pitch in every position. We'll prepare ourselves as well as possible, but it will be the best team on the day that wins.

 

“We need to be calm and stay in the game. We've got the quality and so do they, so it will be a fiercely contested match.

 

“It will be decided by small details. We'll concentrate on ourselves and we want to bring the trophy home. They have their weaknesses, just like any team. We'll try to hurt them and we're good enough to do it.”

 

Having started the season with a 3-5-2, the Old Lady switched to a 4-2-3-1, what has that formation brought?

 

“It all starts from the forwards,” Pjanic said.

 

“The boss has asked everyone to make their sacrifices. With this formation and these players, we have to do so as a unit.

 

“It's going really well because the guys are giving it 200 per cent. Every player has exceeded their potential this year and enjoyed themselves – and it all comes from this formation.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Del Piero: Buffon has gone crazy!

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103325/del-piero-buffon-has-gone-crazy

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Alessandro Del Piero claims former Juventus teammate Gianluigi Buffon “has gone crazy, waiting for the Champions League.”

 

Buffon will keep goal for Juve when they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League Final this Saturday, having already lost two to Milan and Barcelona, and Del Piero admits the veteran “can’t wait any longer.”

 

“Don’t ask me for a favourite because there isn’t one,” he told Marca.

 

“We’re talking about two great teams, two champions in their respective Leagues and the two best teams around.

 

“Buffon has gone crazy, waiting for the Champions League. He can’t wait any longer. He can’t wait to lift the trophy to the heavens. He’ll be one of the protagonists, I’m sure.

 

“Zidane? When we played for Juventus, there was a symphony and harmony between us.

 

“He always wanted to help his teammates, despite his great technique and class.

 

“I didn’t expect him become a Coach, but one of his best traits was actually to ‘read’ games with clarity.

 

“That's why he always makes the right decisions and has won everything so far.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Chiellini: Juve better than 2015

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103331/chiellini-juve-better-2015

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Giorgio Chiellini insists Juventus are “better” than they were in 2015 as Gianluigi Buffon deserves the Ballon d’Or “for what he does, not what he is.”

 

Juve lost 3-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League Final two years ago, but Chiellini believes his side will fare better when they do battle with Real Madrid this Saturday.

 

“Defence? Ultimately, we defend as a team, whether it’s a back three, four or five or six,” the defender said at a Press conference as part of ‘Media Day’ for the showdown in Cardiff.

 

“You make the difference with attitude, the spirit of sacrifice of everyone. We’re solid defensively but we still have to prove it on Saturday.

 

“The build-up? I’m experiencing it like my teammates who were [in the Final] two years ago.

 

“We feel different and better than two years ago, aside from the improved technical quality in our squad.

 

“Now we’ll have to prove it on the pitch, where we’ll be faced by a team with more experience [in CL Finals] than us.

 

“Madrid? They can punish you just like that. It’s always the way that it seems like they’ve given you the chance to win, but they also have extraordinary players in every area of the pitch and know how to bring the result home.

 

“Centre-backs? Mine and Leo’s characteristics are visible and plain to see.

 

“At the back, there are five centre-back of equal quality, but with different characteristics.

 

“There’s been a lot of talk about me, Barzagli and Bonucci, but we mustn’t forget that the other [three] would be playing [regularly] at any other club.

 

“Bale or Isco? There are differences in their characteristics and how the team play [with either on the pitch].

 

“Better or worse doesn’t exist, they’re both world-class, but we’ll have to make some adjustments, depending on which one plays.

 

“Still, Isco has been an added value in last few months. He’s been so decisive, together with Cristiano [Ronaldo].

 

“Ballon d’Or? I’m lucky to have played all my career with Buffon, and it’s possible that I don’t know what it means to play without a phenomenon like him.

 

“It’s not right to give him the Ballon d’Or for his career, but if he deserves it then it’s for what he does, not what he is.

 

“I hope he wins it because it would be the result of winning, perhaps even in the Champions League.

 

“On Saturday, we’ll need something extraordinary from him, like his save on Iniesta.

 

“South Americans? They’re an important part of our dressing room. There’s a great mutual respect, they also bring happiness and light-heartedness to us Italians, who are a bit more uptight and serious.

 

“They seem to play like they’re with friends from their neighbourhood, but on the pitch they’re sincere.

 

“BBC v BBC? It’d be ridiculous to say that the game will be played there, although handling Real’s attacking might will be important, so we must try to keep them as far away from our box as possible.

 

“We must be good at finding the right balance between defence, possession and the various situations that are in a game.

 

“They’re so strong that they don’t have a Juventus complex, despite the fact that in recent years we’ve always done well against them.

 

“Two years ago? We were at the end of a cycle for various reasons, but in my opinion we’re not anymore. There’s still two or three years until it happens again.

 

“Someone will retire, someone will want to have a change of scenery, but then someone else will do well, like it’s always been.

 

“I believe that there’s been a steady growth on our part, then our change of formation gave us a new lymph and motivation.

 

“We often won, but we weren’t happy, maybe because maybe we didn’t have fun winning.

 

“If I have to pick our best match, however, I’d say the one against Barcelona, with all respect to Porto.

 

“After 20 minutes, we played 11 v 10 against a good team but not a great one. Still, I wouldn’t focus on a single game.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Allegri: Madrid favourites, but…

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103333/allegri-madrid-favourites-but

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Max Allegri admits Real Madrid “are the favourites” but insists Juventus “have great self-esteem and belief” that they can win the Champions League.

 

Speaking at a Press conference as part of ‘Media Day’ for Saturday’s Final, Allegri began on a poignant note, remembering the 39 people that died – many of whom Juve fans – during the Heysel Stadium disaster, 32 years to the day.

 

“Before talking about the Champions League Final, I want to remind you about what happened on May 29, 1985, when an evening of sport turned into a tragedy,” began the Coach.

 

“I’d like to remind you of those people who died and devote a few seconds of silence to the families involved. Thank you.

 

 

“Cardiff? We have to prepare for the game without the anxiety of having to prepare for it every day, otherwise we won’t be ready.

 

“We aren’t the favourites, it’s a Champions League Final against a team that have won two Champions Leagues in three years and will be contesting their third Final in four years.

 

“We have great self-esteem and belief that we can do it, but they’re the favourites.

 

“BBC? It can also be Buffon-Bonucci-Chiellini. We’ll see ... there’s also Benatia.

 

“It’ll be a great final, and the players’ qualities and details will make the difference.

 

“My players are fantastic, they’ve had an extraordinary season and I must thank them.

 

“But now we need one last effort, we must have even more motivation when facing them.

 

“For us, it hasn’t been easy. We’ve filled our schedule as much as possible by winning the Coppa Italia and League.

 

“Words? At this time, there’s no need to say anything, only what needs to be done.

 

“It’s Monday, we have five days until the game and we have to see how the week goes. We’re in good physical condition and mentally we couldn’t be any better.

 

“Maturity? We’ve improved a lot in this regard. We now understand when to flick the switch.

 

“You can’t always keep it on, you have to do it at the right time. The important thing is that we flick it on Saturday night.

 

“We’ve all grown, from management to squad level. I’ve grown, we’ve all grown together.

 

“We have to do without anxiety because anxiety consumes energy, but now, all we have to do is win the trophy.

 

“It’s an important game, but we still have to do the things that we’ve done over the years. Negativity brings negativity, positivity leads to positivity.

 

“When I arrived, there was an air of negativity that worried me. Juventus haven’t lost six Finals, they’ve played in eight: the important thing is to turn up.

 

“Juventus are in the right place at the right time, after that we have to be good and lucky. Any anxiety and negativity makes me feel uncomfortable.

 

“Madrid? In addition to their XI, they have important alternatives ... Asensio, Morata and all the others.

 

“Casemiro then gave them great balance. Of course, if Bale or Isco plays, something changes.

 

“They’ve grown a lot in the second half of the season, and we have to congratulate Zidane for that.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Allegri: Balance most important

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103336/allegri-balance-most-important

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Max Allegri says “staying among the Champions League’s top eight teams” is Juventus’ long-term aim as “balance is the one thing you must have.”

 

Allegri made his remarks in light of Juve reaching at least the quarter-finals in each of his three seasons at the helm and the Bianconeri considered strong in every position, ahead of Saturday’s Champions League Final against Real Madrid.

 

“The club are so strong that they know what to do, to stay among the Champions League’s top eight teams with continuity,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

 

“Higuain and Dybala? They’ve had time to develop a partnership. Playing like this, Higuain is able to play further forward and Dybala needed time to understand what to do.

 

“They’ve done well, and their understanding now is the right one.

 

“Higuain? Maybe he’ll score in the final. He must be very calm and have the right game, like he’s done so far.

 

“Before Monaco, it was said that he couldn’t perform in games like them, but he scored two goals. He also played very well against Barcelona without scoring.

 

“Davide Nicola cycling from Crotone to Turin? I don’t cycle. I used a bike once and left it. It’s a great sport, but it’s not a sport for me.

 

“I take this opportunity to congratulate Nicola and Crotone, even though I’m sorry for Empoli.

 

“What have I been up to? I’ll tell you. I've grown in terms of how to work, confronting myself. I’m wrong every day and I always question myself.

 

“Getting to the Champions League Final gives me great satisfaction. Knowing I’ll be sitting on that bench on a Saturday night is something that stimulates me to the brim.

 

“This is the second most important match of my career, we lost the first one in Berlin.

 

“Zidane? Winning the Champions League in your first year and winning both the League and another Champions League Final can’t be done by just anyone.

 

“Managing a team is difficult, not just tactically. There are so many aspects you must control.

 

“I’m convinced that Zidane is a great Coach and has demonstrated this in this short space of time.

 

Keyword? Balance, it’s the one thing you must have. There’s no rematch, it’s one game.

 

“We must have the mental strength to always be in the game, that must be our strength.

 

“To do this, you must have the right attitude to waste as little mental energy as possible.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Higuain: ‘Time to win CL’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103339/higuain-‘time-win-cl’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain agrees “the time has come” to win the Champions League, and doesn’t care who scores.

 

The Bianconeri face Real Madrid in Cardiff on Saturday, as they look to lift the trophy for the first time in over 20 years.

 

“I agree, without doubt the time has come,” Higuain told Mediaset.

 

“We’ve been working for this, hopefully our efforts will be rewarded with victory. This is the most beautiful match we could play.

 

“We’re training in the best way, with the right amount of tension because we want to finish this season by winning the Champions League, which would be an extraordinary thing.

 

“I’m expecting a very difficult game, they’re used to playing these kind of games, I was there for seven years and I know that very well, but we want to bring this trophy which Juve have been pursuing for years home.

 

“A goal in the final? I hope we win, then it doesn’t matter who scores. I came here to win. Right now we’re doing well, we’ve won two competitions and we hope to win another in a few days.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

The Great Zidane Debate

 

 

Brilliant? Frustrating? Hot-headed? As Zinedine Zidane prepares

to face Juventus, Gaby McKay recalls his five seasons in Turin.

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103340/great-zidane-debate

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

For a man considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, the subject of Zinedine Zidane is an oddly divisive one amongst Juventus fans.

There are those who recall his majestic individual displays which helped Marcello Lippi’s side to two Champions League Finals and earned him the FIFA World Player of the Year award twice. On the other hand, some suggest ‘Zizou’ saved his best performances for France, and that his individuality had a negative impact on the cohesion of the team. That, they contend, is why his departure - and the arrival of Pavel Nedved - coincided with back-to-back Scudetti.

In truth, both of those positions are rather simplistic, and a more detailed look at Zidane’s career in Bianconero is needed to truly reflect on his time in Turin.

Zidane joined Juventus from Bordeaux in 1996 for a fee of around £3m. It was a big move for the Frenchman, with the Old Lady the reigning Queen of Europe after lifting the Champions League just months before.

Initially Zidane struggled to adapt to the difficulties of Italian football, his breathtaking elegance perhaps not matched in terms of physicality or tactical rigour. Slowly but surely, he began to exert his influence, scoring his first goal on October 20 against Inter.

That first season saw Zizou become a key part of the side as they won the European Super Cup, the Intercontinental Cup and a 24th Scudetto. However, a shock defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Final prevented Juve from retaining their European crown.

The 1997-98 season saw that Bianconeri side at perhaps the peak of their powers, with Zidane playing in just behind Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi. It was a potent trident, with Del Piero getting 32 goals in all competition, Inzaghi 20 and the Frenchman 11.

 

 

It was a thrilling combination, as exemplified by the Bianconeri’s fourth goal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Monaco. Zidane slipped the ball between two Monegasque defenders, finding the feet of Del Piero. The Italian held it up for just the right amount of time, before pulling it back into the path of his teammate. After a touch to steady himself, Zidane simply passed the ball beyond the despairing dive of Fabien Barthez and into the bottom corner.

The Scudetto once again went to Turin but, while surely the best side in Europe, the Bianconeri once again tasted defeat in the Champions League Final, losing 1-0 to Real Madrid.

Had he departed Juventus that summer, there would be no question about his legacy, but the following three seasons would show a different side to Zizou.

In November of 1998, Del Piero suffered a cruciate ligament injury during a 2-2 draw with Udinese, leaving Zidane as the team’s only real creative outlet. The Old Lady needed the midfielder to step up, and quite frankly he didn’t. The reigning Ballon d’Or managed just two goals in the whole of the 1998-99 season, as Juve limped to a seventh-place finish. Lippi left at the end of the season, with Carlo Ancelotti replacing him on the bench.

It is upon Carletto’s two seasons in Turin that the Great Zidane Debate centres. It is almost indisputable that he was Juve’s best player in that period, the Gazzetta dello Sport going as far as to say a statue should be erected of him following a win over Verona.

And yet there was the sense that Zidane’s brilliance was a crutch, covering up the deficiencies in a side which lacked cohesion or imagination. To make matters worse, Zizou’s famous temper frequently got the better of him, and he saw red in two successive Champions League games in the 2000-01 season, the second for a ridiculous headbutt on Hamburg defender Jochen Kientz. Sound familiar?

Juve won nothing in those two seasons, finishing second behind Lazio and then Roma, and they cashed in on Zidane and Inzaghi in the summer of 2001, bringing in Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Nedved with their windfall.

Lippi also returned, and the Bianconeri quickly won back-to-back Scudetti and reached another Champions League Final, beating Zidane’s Real Madrid on the way.

So what was Zidane? A genius who shone for two seasons before dragging a limited side to within inches of the Scudetto? Or a maverick who couldn’t fit into any tactical scheme and who let his side down just when he was most needed?

In the end perhaps he was both of those things and more. An enigma, wrapped in a riddle; a player impossible to define in such linear terms. How very French.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Dybala: ‘Juventus stronger than 2015’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103345/dybala-‘juventus-stronger-2015’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala believes Juventus “are stronger and have more conviction than two years ago”.

 

The Bianconeri face Real Madrid in the Champions League final this Saturday, having lost to Barcelona in Berlin in 2015.

 

Dybala was at that final ahead of signing from Palermo, and he feels he and his teammates have a better chance this time round.

 

“The lads think that we have more awareness that this year we’re stronger and have more conviction than two years ago,” Dybala told reporters at today’s media day at Vinovo.

 

“I think we have a lot of new and important players, and we’ve picked up a lot of experience this year. We have players who have played these kind of finals before, and we hope that’ll count in our favour.

 

“It’s always nice to play against these kind of players, and it’s always difficult too but if you want to win this trophy then you have to beat the best.

 

“I’ve talked to Dani Alves and I’ve spoken to Sami [Khedira], they’re both players who have won it and they want to raise this trophy again.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

‘Juventus can surprise Real Madrid’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103344/‘juventus-can-surprise-real-madrid’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Juan Cuadrado believes Juventus “can surprise” Real Madrid in Saturday’s Champions League final.

 

The sides meet in Cardiff this weekend, and the Bianconeri held their pre-match media day at Vinovo this afternoon.

 

“I’m happy to have the privilege of being in a Champions League final,” Cuadrado told JTV.

 

“We’re one step away, and we’re trying to work this week to be 100 per cent on the day. We’ll have to be very attentive, because we know they’re really strong on the break.

 

“We need to be as strong as always in the defensive phase, sacrificing everything for our teammates and taking advantage of the spaces they might leave.

 

“We have to take advantage of our characteristics, we’ll start from having the defensive zone sorted out and when they try to hurt us we can surprise them.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Barzagli: ‘Juventus deserve CL final’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103346/barzagli-‘juventus-deserve-cl-final’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Andrea Barzagli says Juventus shouldn’t underestimate themselves - “if we’ve reached the Champions League final twice in three years it means we deserved to”.

 

The Bianconeri face Real Madrid in Cardiff this Saturday, having been beaten by Barcelona at the same stage two years ago.

 

“We know very well how prestigious this club is for what it has managed to do,” Barzagli explained in an interview with Premium Sport.

 

“The boss [Max Allegri] is right, we have to be positive. If we’ve reached the Champions League final twice in three years it means we deserved to.

 

“This final will tell us where we are, and we hope that all the Juve fans around the world will push us.

 

“In the Champions League we’ve gained more confidence and strength compared to the League, where we’ve been imposing ourselves for several years.

 

“Now we’re at the top, we’ve won two trophies and we’re in the hunt for the Champions League. We’re not really thinking about the Treble though, we just go out onto the pitch to win every match.

 

“Now we’re only missing the most important trophy.”

 

Barzagli was then asked if this was a final in which neither team is favourite.

 

“In every final you start with the same chances of success. Real are very used to playing these kind of games, for them it’ll be the third final in four years, but we also have the right experience and we can have our say.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Buffon: ‘CL great dream’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103347/buffon-‘cl-great-dream’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Gianluigi Buffon discusses his “great dream” of winning the Champions League, stating Juventus have “great conviction”.

 

The Bianconeri haven’t won the competition since 1996, and the goalkeeper has never lifted it, but they can put that right against Real Madrid on Saturday.

 

“It’s beautiful to have the opportunity to cradle this great dream,” Buffon told assembled media at the media day this afternoon.

 

“It’s not a matter of percentages, we’re two great teams who have demonstrated great values.

 

“We also had great conviction two years ago, and we still have it today.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Bonucci: ‘Juventus are more mature’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103350/bonucci-‘juventus-are-more-mature’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Leonardo Bonucci notes Juventus are “more mature” than two years ago - “I’m sure we’ll play a great game on Saturday”.

 

The Old Lady reached the Champions League final two years ago, losing to Barcelona, but the defender and his teammates can put that right against Real Madrid this weekend.

 

“We have to keep our calmness and our optimism and experience this week which will take us to the final with the right adrenaline,” Bonucci told reporters at today’s media gathering.

 

“But we have to do that without falling into nervousness, if we do that we risk arriving in Cardiff having lost energy.

 

“If we stay calm and train well then we’ll arrive in Cardiff in the best shape.

 

“What’s different from two years ago? I’m two years older! I’m thirty, and all joking aside we’re coming into this with a different awareness.

 

“We’re more mature, we’ve grown up, great players have arrived who have given the team experience and I’m sure we’ll play a great game on Saturday and bring home the cup.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

 

              

 

 

 

 

FINAL

 

Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m. CET
Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (Wales)

Referee: Felix Brych (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Marchisio: ‘Juventus can’t lose again’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/103353/marchisio-‘juventus-can’t-lose-again’

 

 

May 29, 2017

 

Claudio Marchisio admits Juventus can’t let another chance to win the Champions League “get away”.

 

The Bianconeri lost to Barcelona in the final two years ago, and are back at the same stage to face Real Madrid in Cardiff this Saturday.

 

“This is the second time we’ve had the chance to take him this trophy,” Marchisio pointed out in an interview with JTV.

 

“In the career of a footballer it’s never obvious that you’ll get there to play important games like this.

 

“We have a second chance and we can’t let it get away, because the Champions League is a big one to miss and we’ve had such a beautiful season we have to end it with this victory.

 

“Finals aren't like semi-finals or quarter-finals where there are two games and you can save things for the return match.

 

“This is a one-off game and there will be ups-and-downs like every final.

 

“That’s how it was against Barça, who started the match really well and went ahead, then there was a moment of reflection and we managed to equalise.

 

“So we need to be attentive, for the simple reason that they have strong players who can change the course of things with a big goal at any time.

 

“They have Cristiano Ronaldo, who has changed a lot in recent years. He’s become the main striker, compared to Karim Benzema who moves more.

 

“Ronaldo has really become a falcon in the penalty area, so we need to pay a great deal of attention to him and many other players like Isco and Luka Modric who know how to play the ball in the middle.

 

“We’re ready for it though, we know them and we can’t wait until it’s time to play.

 

“Every final is 50-50 because, I repeat, finals are decided by incidents. There are a lot of champions on the pitch, and any of those champions can decide it at any time.

 

“The difference will come down to the details and to who really wants to take it home, incidents and luck will also play their part in who gets the trophy.”