JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · October 29, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus 2-1 Napoli: Higuain strikes to down former club

Jose Callejon had brought the visitors back into the game after Leonardo Bonucci's

opener, but the Argentine was on target for a fairytale finish against his old employers.

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http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-napoli/2305857/report

Oct 29, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain scored the winner against former club Napoli as Juventus strengthened their grip at the top of Serie A with a 2-1 win at the Juventus Stadium.

Leonardo Bonucci had given the hosts the lead early in the second half before Jose Callejon swiftly levelled for the visitors, volleying home his seventh league goal of the season from close range.

But on 70 minutes it was Higuain who took centre stage, driving a low shot into the bottom right corner to snap a four-match goal drought and further justify the €90million Juventus paid Napoli to secure his services.

Having shared a pre-match embrace with Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, the Argentine was careful not to celebrate his goal, instead waving away his team-mates and walking back to the centre circle.

Massimiliano Allegri's men had crushed Sampdoria in midweek, but they were forced to work far harder to down the third-placed visitors and secure a sixth straight home league win.

Sarri's side had looked capable of ending a run of five successive away defeats against the Turin club, but were ultimately unable to force their way back into the game for a second time.

The first half gradually improved following a decidedly cagey opening, with Stephan Lichtsteiner wasting the home side's first opportunity when he blazed wildly over after Pepe Reina had only managed to parry Alex Sandro's deep cross from the left.

And five minutes later it was Juventus who threatened again, this time Vlad Chiriches producing a perfectly timed challenge to block Higuain, who had latched on to Sami Khedira's fine ball into the box.

Napoli, whose fans were banned from attending in a bid to keep the peace, also mustered two efforts of note during the opening period, Allan drilling a low shot straight at Gianlugi Buffon from the edge of the box and Faouzi Ghoulam then curling a 25-yard free-kick over the bar.

In contrast to the first half, the second exploded into life almost immediately, with two goals arriving in the opening nine minutes.

The first was claimed by Bonucci, who reacted quickest to Ghoulam's sliced clearance as it looped back into the box and rifled a shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards out.

But Napoli hit back just four minutes later as Callejon timed his run perfectly to meet Lorenzo Insigne's chipped throughball and calmly volley past Buffon.

At that stage, the visitors looked set to claim a valuable point, but ultimately it was to be Higuain and Juventus' night - the striker almost destined to have the final say following his acrimonious Napoli exit.

The only negative for the hosts was the loss of influential defender Giorgio Chiellini, who limped from the fray with what looked like a hamstring injury just before half-time.

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Gonzalo Higuain scores winner against former club Napoli

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/28cpxyq.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461194

Oct 29, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain's second-half winner saw Juventus clinch their 22nd consecutive home win in Serie A with a 2-1 victory over Napoli.

Argentina international Higuain, sold by Napoli to Juve for £75 million in the summer, scored in the 70th minute after visiting striker Jose Callejon had cancelled out Leonardo Bonucci's spectacular volley for the home side early in the second half.

Juve's last Serie A defeat on home soil was on the opening day of the 2015-16 season, against Udinese, but they were pushed all the way by Napoli, who began the day in third place, four points adrift of Massimiliano Allegri's leaders.

Juventus, who bounced back from last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at AC Milan by beating Sampdoria 4-1 in midweek, were not at their fluent best during the first period, in which Napoli enjoyed the lion's share of possession.

But the home side still carved out the better chances. Stephan Lichtsteiner blazed his shot from inside the penalty area over the crossbar and Higuain was denied by Vlad Chiriches' brilliant last-ditch tackle when poised to shoot from in front of goal in the 24th minute.

Napoli, who kicked off four points behind Juve in third place following their midweek win over Empoli, fell behind to Bonucci's thumping finish five minutes into the second half.

When Napoli made a mess of clearing a corner, the ball spun back into the path of Bonucci and the Italy international lashed home his first goal of the season in spectacular fashion beyond a motionless Pepe Reina.

Maurizio Sarri's side, who had won their previous two league games, were not behind for long. Lorenzo Insigne's fine ball over the top caught the Juve defence flat-footed and Spaniard Callejon showed fine composure to side-foot the ball underneath Gianluigi Buffon for his seventh goal of the season.

Juve midfielder Hernanes blazed a shot off target when well-placed on the edge of the box, but the home side regained the lead in the 70th minute when Higuain latched on to a rebound just inside the area and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.

It was his first goal against his former club since Juve triggered his release clause in his Napoli contract in July and his eighth of the season, while his celebrations were respectfully muted.

Napoli almost responded with another quick equaliser, but Dries Mertens' shot from the edge of the area was just off target.

Higuain threatened again with a header in the 82nd minute and Juve were content to see out the remainder of the match, restricting Napoli to long-range efforts from Amadou Diawara and Piotr Zielinski.

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Higuain completes Napoli nightmare

Gonzalo Higuain inevitably got the winner against his former club,

as Juventus beat Napoli 2-1 in a tense Turin clash.

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/29prm76.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87931

Oct 29, 2016

This was the Scudetto showdown last season and the rivalry only became more intense after Higuain forced through a €90m transfer to Turin. It was his first time facing these former teammates, partnering Mario Mandzukic because Paulo Dybala and Marko Pjaca were injured. Hernanes stepped in for Claudio Marchisio, who was not fit enough to start two games in three days after six months out with a torn ACL. Arkadiusz Milik and Raul Albiol were injured with Manolo Gabbiadini suspended, but Vlad Chiriches and Amadou Diawara were picked rather than Nikola Maksimovic and Jorginho.

Maurizio Sarri said he’d greet Higuain “like a son who made me angry” and that’s precisely what they did, sharing a warm embrace on the touchline before kick-off.

Napoli had lost their last five visits to Turin in Serie A, scoring one goal and conceding 12, and won a 3-2 thriller in October 2009.

Higuain’s through ball for Mandzukic was over-hit on the counter, while Jose Callejon had the ball in the net only after the offside flag had been raised.

Pepe Reina only flapped an Alex Sandro cross into the path of Stephan Lichtsteiner, but the defender ballooned his follow-up into Row Z.

The tension rose, as Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro were booked in the space of two minutes, while Lorenzo Insigne wasted a good team move with a poor cross.

Higuain went clear on a through ball and his dinked finish at the near post was blocked by a desperate Chiriches tackle. Allan robbed Hernanes in midfield and his snapshot was well smothered by Gigi Buffon.

Chiellini pulled up with yet another muscular problem before the break and Max Allegri opted to replace him with Juan Cuadrado, moving to four at the back.

Napoli wanted Alex Sandro to be given a second booking for following through on Reina, an incident that sparked a row moments later over the set play.

Faouzi Ghoulam’s free kick floated over the bar. After the restart Mertens flicked on a long ball and Buffon timed the intervention well to pluck it off his head.

Juventus were practically gifted the opening goal, as Ghoulam’s terrible fresh-air clearance from a corner turned into an assist for Leonardo Bonucci to volley under the bar from 12 yards.

Napoli reacted immediately, as Insigne’s low cross for Mertens was prodded over the bar from six yards by Andrea Barzagli in a decisive interception.

The lead lasted just three minutes, as Callejon caught the Juve defence napping to spring the offside trap on an Insigne cross-field pass and kept his finish low and cool past Buffon at the far post.

The Partenopei wasted a promising counter, as Callejon’s pass back to Marek Hamsik was deflected. Insigne was extremely unhappy at being substituted for ex-Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini and complained as he went off.

Juventus restored their advantage and, as expected, it was Higuain who netted against his former club. A through ball was deflected off Ghoulam and Higuain rifled a left-foot daisy-cutter from just inside the box, leaving Reina rooted to the spot. Everyone wanted to know if he would celebrate and he didn’t.

Mertens blasted a left-foot effort just past the near top corner with Buffon flying across, while Reina channelled his inner Manuel Neuer to dribble as Mandzukic came sliding in.

Higuain could’ve had a second, but steered a free header off target from Cuadrado’s cross. Napoli also threatened, a deflected Omar El Kaddouri header on to the roof of the net and from the corner it ricocheted around the six-yard box until Diawara fired over. Piotr Zielinski also turned off target from distance, as Napoli's belief visibly drained from them.

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini (Cuadrado 38); Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Hernanes (Sturaro 76), Pjanic (Marchisio 67), Alex Sandro; Higuain, Mandzukic

Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Chiriches, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan (Zielinski 76), Diawara, Hamsik (El Kaddouri 82); Callejon, Mertens, L Insigne (Giaccherini 60)

Ref: Rocchi

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Higuain winner haunts Napoli in Turin

Gonzalo Higuain's winner sinks his former club, while sending his new team five-points

clear atop the table after Jose Callejon cancelled out Leonardo Bonucci's opener

SERIE A

Sarri wishes phenomenal Higuain luck

After the Argentine scored the winner against his former club, Maurizio Sarri says he'll be happy if the striker gets his hands on European silverware with Juventus

SERIE A

Higuain winner haunts Napoli in Turin

Gonzalo Higuain's winner sinks his former club, while sending his new team five-points clear atop the table after Jose Callejon cancelled out Leonardo Bonucci's opener

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/521htu.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-napoli/2305857/ratings

Oct 29, 2016

TEAM RATINGS

Juventus

Napoli

Substitutes

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Bonucci: 'Dedicated to my family'

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/303blao.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/93641/bonucci-dedicated-my-family

Oct 29, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci explained his goal celebration after a 2-1 victory over Napoliand congratulated Gonzalo Higuain.

“These three points mattered a great deal, as we have sent Napoli seven points adrift and kept our distance from Roma,” the defender told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“It wasn’t a great performance and the credit for that goes to Napoli, who are a really strong team. What mattered was winning tonight and channelling our determination. We are happy with the three points.

“We knew Napoli couldn’t press us all over the field for the entire 90 minutes, so we waited for the right moment to punish them and find those extra spaces.

“Our performances have to improve, but if we continue with this grit and determination, we can go far. Every match is important in its own way and every time we step on to the field, our objective must be to win.

“We want to be at the top in Italy and in Europe. We want to win and this is the right attitude.”

When Bonucci scored the opener, he celebrated by making shapes with his fingers of M, L and M.

“My celebration was important to me, as it has been a tough time. I thank my son, my wife, my parents and all those who were close to me," he said after his youngest son Matteo went through serious health problems.

“The goal was dedicated to my son Matteo and to my wife. I couldn’t wait to get a goal so I could celebrate like this – it was the initials of my two sons and my wife. It was all for them.”

Bonucci had said before kick-off that Higuain should celebrate if he scored against his former club, but Pipita refused.

“I celebrated in Higuain’s place! Gonzalo is a champion and a great person, so if he decided to take that approach, I’m sure he had his reasons.”

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Allegri: 'Juve win not decisive'

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/f3iazr.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/93643/allegri-juve-win-not-decisive?

Oct 29, 2016

Max Allegri complimented Napoli for “playing very good football,” but insisted the Juventus victory was “not decisive” for the Scudetto race.

“It is an important result, but is still not a decisive one,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia after a 2-1 success.

“This match was hard-fought, intense and quite balanced, as in the second half we ran a few risks with one-against-one situations. On the (Faouzi) Ghoulam error we took the lead.

“The game was a little bland in terms of tempo at first, but the intensity stepped up. There were few scoring opportunities, as is natural in these big top of the table matches.

“Jose Callejon always makes that movement round the back of the defenders and we should’ve see him coming, but were caught napping.

“Alex Sandro was like an extra full-back, so we basically played with four when out of possession. We lifted the tempo, Napoli lost intensity and we compliment Napoli for playing very good football. It was certainly a better performance from them than last season.”

Miralem Pjanic was substituted by Claudio Marchisio and the difference was immediately clear.

“Pjanic worked very hard when defending and I think he was a bit short on fuel, so he was fatigued and has been playing a lot lately.

“He had a good pass for Gonzalo Higuain in the first half, he has different characteristics to a classic midfielder, but can improve when he’s sharper and less tired.”

Naturally, Higuain scored the winning goal in his first meeting with former Napoli teammates. He refused to celebrate, but did Pipita let it all out in the locker room?

“Gonzalo has extraordinary qualities and above all works hard for the team. He was very happy, naturally this was a special game for him.

“He made a choice to come here and absolutely should not feel like a traitor. Instead, he made a courageous decision.”

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus 2 - Napoli 1: Initial reaction

and random observations

Gonzalo Higuain, worth the money. How’s that for an initial reaction, people?

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/28wdzdd.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/29/13466578/juventus

-napoli-2016-serie-a-round-11-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Oct 29, 2016

As it turned out, Giorgio Chiellini, in his own unique way, was right on the money.

If there was one guy who had the spotlight on him, it was Gonzalo Higuain. It’s that same man who ended up deciding the final score in his first game against his former team, as Higuain’s 69th minute goal was the difference in Juventus’ 2-1 win over Napoli on Saturday night in Turin. It proved to be the kind of scenario that many Juventus supporters wanted to see happen and Napoli fans feared to the utmost degree.

And that’s exactly how it played out.

Higuain didn’t celebrate his goal. Instead, he left that up to his teammates as they crashed into Juve’s new No. 9 in the seconds following his seventh goal of the season.

But the significance of the goal couldn’t be denied.

As much as Max Allegri tried to downplay the importance of the first Juventus-Napoli showdown of the season because of the fact that it’s still October and there’s nearly 30 league games to go, Juve had left points on the table against some of their other big-game opponents. That’s basically in reference to both of the games against Milan clubs played at the San Siro this season. But it’s also the fact that any kind of slip could have seen Juve’s place atop the table put into doubt for the first time all season.

Luckily, we don’t have to worry about any of that.

Instead, Juventus got an immediate and positive reaction after Jose Callejon canceled out Leonardo Bonucci’s opener. That’s what you want your club to do after giving up a goal that they probably shouldn’t have if they didn’t fall asleep at the well on defense. And it’s certainly nice to know that Juve have a prima punta like Higuain who can go from not doing much all game to bagging the game-winning goal just like that.

I like Gonzalo Higuain being a Juventus player. That’s a fact.

Now if only Roma weren’t playing a team currently sitting in the relegation zone on Sunday, then maybe we could be optimistic about more chances to extend the lead in Serie A between both of the two closest competitors.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

It took 28 minutes for there to be a shot on goal. There wasn’t much rejoicing when it actually happened. Where’s your celebratory tweets, dammit?
First half summary: I miss Paulo Dybala.
Another first half shocker: Giorgio Chiellini, just back from injury, had to be subbed off because he got another injury. This guy, I love him, but his body is betraying him right now. The guy just can’t stay healthy for extended periods of time to save his life.
There was more action in the first 10 minutes of the second half then there was in the entire first half. That’s not what you would call a ringing endorsement for those of you who want to go back and watch the first 45 minutes.
Alex Sandro is the best left back Juventus has had since ______? He’s not only in great form, but he’s giving Juve a threat on the left wing that they haven’t had on a consistent basis in a long, long time. And no, just for the record, Cristian Molinaro does not come close to that.
Anybody else notice how much Juve’s pace and quality of play improved after Claudio Marchisio replaced Miralem Pjanic in the second half? I don’t want to say that Juve are Marchisio dependent, but when you look at what they’ve done when he’s on the field this season...
Still waiting for Pjanic to show what he’s really worth this season. Is it how Allegri is utilizing him? Is it Pjanic just not getting up to speed with his new teammates fast enough? There’s probably a multitude of reasons why Pjanic isn’t replicating the same kind of form he had when he was with Roma. Especially with Marchisio coming back into the fold over the past week, it sure would be nice if Pjanic could get things going.
Have we reached the point where Stephan Lichtsteiner shouldn’t be starting most of the time? I love the guy, but he’s still not offering much going forward and his defending on Napoli’s goal can only be described as “crap.”
We’re also still searching for Sami Khedira’s good form. If anybody knows where it might be located — Germany, Mallorca, anywhere else — please let us know as soon as humanly possible. I miss Good Khedira.
Juan Cuadrado again showed that he is capable of making an impact whenever he steps onto the field this season. Allegri’s decision to go with Cuadrado to replace Chiellini might have made some scratch their heads, but it proved to be the right move and what Juventus needed. The more of Juan we get these days, the better.
His WhoScored rating might not be the greatest, but I thought Hernanes played relatively well. A few mistakes, but the overall product was pretty good — and that’s not just because of what Juve’s other two central midfielders offered against Napoli.
Juventus’ form at home since they last lost in Turin over a year ago: DDWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Juventus have a perfect 100 percent win percentage in games that Claudio Marchisio plays in this season.

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Sarri: 'Higuain a phenomenon'

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/zxw5li.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/93644/sarri-higuain-phenomenon?

Oct 29, 2016

Maurizio Sarri praised “phenomenon” Gonzalo Higuain and told Napoli starlet Lorenzo Insigne to “shut up” after defeat to Juventus.

The Partenopei suffered their sixth consecutive Serie A loss in Turin, falling 2-1 to Leonardo Bonucci and Higuain strikes.

“In terms of the collective, Napoli worked well. Juventus on home turf had only two chances all game, but the regret is that our mistakes gifted the goals,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

“On the first goal, if the clearance goes into the stands for a corner, nobody will remember it. On the second (Faouzi) Ghoulam tried to intercept and it went straight back to Higuain.

“We had four clear-cut chances, so there are regrets, but in terms of character I liked the team. Last season we allowed Juve little, but played in too timid a fashion. This time we played with character and came here to play our football.

“It’s a pity about those errors. We could’ve done something more going forward with the full-backs, probably because our focus was on restoring defensive solidity after a negative period, so with time and more confidence they’ll find the right balance.

“Physicality isn’t something you can buy. Our physical structure is this and our philosophy is to focus on players who pass it to feet and are quicker. We were a good 10kg and 10cm off the Juve players.

“My big regret is that everything that happened in recent weeks forced us to squeeze every drop out of the front three and they reached this appointment a little fatigued.”

Insigne was visibly irritated when he came off, protesting that he ‘feels fine’ and pulling faces.

“Insigne asked me why he was substituted, I got the feeling he had cramp. When he comes off, he has to shut up and not complain. If we have something to say to each other, we’ll do it tomorrow. He has to shut up.”

Sarri said he’d greet Higuain like a son who had made his father angry and they shared a warm embrace before kick-off.

“He is a phenomenon, a loose ball at Gonzalo’s feet means certain death for defenders. If Gonzalo wins something in Europe, I am happy for him. Less so for Juve, but I’ll be happy for him.”

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Higuain should not feel like a traitor - Allegri

The Argentine struck versus his former club to seal a sixth straight home

Serie A win for Juventus, putting them five points clear.

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/282l28p.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/10/30/28987542/higuain-is-no-traitor-allegri?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_1_2

Oct 30, 2016

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri believes no guilt should be attached to Gonzalo Higuain's match-winning turn against his former club Napoli at Juventus Stadium.

Argentina striker Higuain spearheaded Napoli's bid to dethrone Juve as Serie A champions last season before making an acrimonious €90million move to Turin during the close season.

He made light of being the focus of pre-match attention against his former employers by scoring a 70th minute winner after Jose Callejon swiftly cancelled out Leonardo Bonucci's opener for the hosts.

Allegri went on to praise Higuain, who refused to celebrate what was his first goal in five games having embraced Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri before the match got under way.

"Gonzalo has extraordinary qualities and above all works hard for the team," he said. "He was very happy. Naturally this was a special game for him. He made a choice to come here and absolutely should not feel like a traitor. Instead, he made a courageous decision.

"He played a good game and has committed as much as [Mario] Mandzukic. They say that they cannot play together, however, I am very satisfied."

The hard-fought victory was the Serie A leaders' sixth on the trot at home in the league, taking them seven points clear of their opponents in third and five above second-placed Roma, who visit struggling Empoli on Sunday.

But with the season only 11 games old, Allegri refused to get carried away.

"It is an important result, but is still not a decisive one," he said. "Roma can still aspire to the title. They are five points behind but can win tomorrow and Napoli are seven points back but can recover.

"We won a direct clash against a team that plays beautiful football.

"This match was hard-fought, intense and quite balanced and in the second half we ran a few risks with one-against-one situations.

"The game was a little bland in terms of tempo at first, but the intensity stepped up. There were few scoring opportunities - as is natural in these big, top-of-the-table matches.

"I liked the second half, we created and conceded a goal that might have been avoided, but I am satisfied."

Juventus' other goalscorer, Bonucci, also admitted that it had been a tough night for the hosts and insisted that they had shown great character to grind out the win.

"It wasn't a great performance and the credit for that goes to Napoli," he said."What mattered was winning and channelling our determination. We are happy with the three points.

"We want to be at the top in Italy and in Europe. We want to win and this is the right attitude."

Next on the agenda for the Turin side is Wednesday's home Champions League clash with Lyon, followed by a league trip to Chievo on Sunday.

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Buffon: 'Juve need another gear'

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/2s7xlqf.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/93645/buffon-juve-need-another-gear?

Oct 30, 2016

Gigi Buffon warned Juventus “have to do better and find another gear” after a hard-fought win over Napoli.

The Bianconeri secured the 2-1 result through Leonardo Bonucci and Gonzalo Higuain after a Jose Callejon temporary equaliser.

‘Pipita’ Higuain didn’t celebrate the goal against his former teammates, but did he let loose in the locker room afterwards?

“Pipa is an extremely fair person, so he celebrated in sober fashion, as was only right. We won a difficult match, but naturally he was satisfied, as he couldn’t help but be satisfied,” Buffon told Sky Sport Italia.

“I know that I can count on the help of some great champions who often make me win games. Clearly this also gives you the confidence and positivity in difficult moments to believe you’ll take the result home.

“At times I had more of a feeling that Napoli would win rather than us, but as often happens, our individual champions make the difference.”

Having lost the head-to-head clashes with Inter and Milan this season, did Juventus have a different approach tonight?

“It was a match we won, that gives us great confidence, joy and morale against a direct competitor for the title, but we must improve in terms of performance and many other situations.

“The objective is to build a radiant future and one that lasts as long as possible, both in Italy and in Europe. Despite the fact results say we are top of the table in Serie A and the Champions League group, we need to realise the current level won’t be enough, so we need steps forward.

“If we go into the next round in Europe, it’ll be the hard stuff from March and we’ll have no more time to work on it then. We need to make those improvements now.

“Coming off five years of great success, we have many certainties. Signing Higuain made us feel even more confident and strong.

“However, at the end it’s all about where we want to end up. If our idea is to win the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Super Cup, then this performance and spirit could well be enough.

“If we want to play on a par with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, then it is our duty to do better and find another gear.”

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Allegri: Juventus win over Napoli important, not decisive

Manager’s post-match comments after beating Napoli

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/28h0qq0.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/30/13468298/allegri-

juve-win-over-napoli-important-but-not-decisive-post-match-comments

Oct 30, 2016

Juventus beat Napoli 2-1 on Saturday night with Gonzalo Higuain scoring the winner, something guaranteed to irk the Partinopei. That the goal came at a time when the Neapolitans were in the ascendancy will only bother them more.

After the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri was quick to say that the win, though timely, would not settle the race for the Scudetto (Sky Sport Italia).

“It is an important result, but is still not a decisive one.

“This match was hard-fought, intense and quite balanced, as in the second half we ran a few risks with one-against-one situations. On the (Faouzi) Ghoulam error we took the lead.

“The game was a little bland in terms of tempo at first, but the intensity stepped up. There were few scoring opportunities, as is natural in these big top of the table matches.

“Jose Callejon always makes that movement round the back of the defenders and we should’ve see him coming, but were caught napping.

“Alex Sandro was like an extra full-back, so we basically played with four when out of possession. We lifted the tempo, Napoli lost intensity and we compliment Napoli for playing very good football. It was certainly a better performance from them than last season.”

Bringing on Claudio Marchisio immediately re-energized the Bianconeri who had been flagging at that point -

“Pjanic worked very hard when defending and I think he was a bit short on fuel, so he was fatigued and has been playing a lot lately.

“He had a good pass for Gonzalo Higuain in the first half, he has different characteristics to a classic midfielder, but can improve when he’s sharper and less tired.”

There was a sense of destiny that Higuain would bag the winner -

“Gonzalo has extraordinary qualities and above all works hard for the team. He was very happy, naturally this was a special game for him.

“He made a choice to come here and absolutely should not feel like a traitor. Instead, he made a courageous decision.”

In a different interview with MediaSet Premium, he touched on a few players and some different points -

“It’s a very important victory in a match against a direct rival that played great football. We gave up an avoidable goal, but after that we played much better. I chose Cuadrado because he’s one that always pressures the opponent.”

On Higuain:

“I didn’t tell him anything, he went on the field serene and he sacrificed a lot despite his goal. His chemistry with Mandzukic is very good, I’m satisfied with both of them.”

On Pjanic:

“Pjanic played well in terms of his movement, he was tired. Since he was on the pitch he did well for the team, since he’s been called up for the national team he hasn’t stopped playing. Giving Pjanic less game time is hard due to Dybala and Pjaca being injured, in the midfield we need his quality.”

Finally, Allegri spoke about the Scudetto and Hernanes:

“Even with 7 points ahead, Napoli are still in the course for it along with Roma. I feel bad for Hernanes that he gets whistled, he played well defensively. It wasn’t easy playing against Napoli.”

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Miralem Pjanic struggles as Higuain

finds the net against his old club

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/2mmvb0h.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2984795/miralem-pjanic-

struggles-as-gonzalo-higuain-finds-the-net-against-his-old-club

Oct 30, 2016

They lost against Internazionale and were beaten by AC Milan, but Juventus finally won a match against a "big" club on Saturday night, defeating Napoli 2-1.

Deployed in their usual 3-5-2 formation, Juventus lacked intensity and fluidity in midfield and struggled to impose themselves in the first half. Yet that didn't stop them from creating chances against a Napoli side that thrilled with their quick and incisive passes.

The game proved more open in the second half, and both sides scored one each, but it was Juventus who looked more in control. Raising the tempo and playing with more speed on the ball, Gonzalo Higuain not only created but finished off a wonderful manoeuvre to rub salt in an open wound and score the winner against his former side.

Positives

Higuain has been accused of being an emotional player who struggles under pressure, who can't score in the big games and who overthinks a move when offered the luxury of time.

However, in a stressful match against his former side, the Argentine proved to be the difference-maker, fighting off Napoli's close defending to create and finish a perfect opportunity.

Negatives

The midfield and the many changes within it have caused imbalance and instability resulting in disjointed performances. Juventus need Miralem Pjanic to live up to expectations and provide more for the side currently reliant on his creativity and experience.

Lacking in character, he needed to contribute more than a precise pass. He must run to exploit spaces, provide the incisive vertical passes required to launch Higuain and win the one-on-one battles against the opponent, otherwise there is no point to him.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Massimiliano Allegri made the right substitutions to encourage a better performance from his team. Juan Cuadrado provided the numerical superiority, while Claudio Marchisio's arrival on the pitch allowed Juve to take control and earn the winner.

The side is still far from their fluid best, but Allegri still has them winning.

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

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- Little he could do to avoid the goal, but it was business as usual from the veteran.

WB Alex Sandro, 6 -- Dominating the left flank, he pushed forward, ran back and delivered crosses to keep Juve moving. Still can't read the game well from a defensive point of view.

DF Andrea Barzagli, 7 -- His reading of the game is close to perfect, allowing him to always know when to tackle high up the pitch or halt a dangerous manoeuvre.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 7 -- A beautiful finish to score the opening goal, the player was excellent on the night. A leader at the back.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 6 -- Good start to the game but suffered an injury early on and was taken off.

WB Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- Read certain manoeuvres very well but missed a great opportunity to score by ballooning the ball over the top and played Jose Callejon onside to concede the equaliser.

MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- Recovered possession efficiently, Khedira played an intelligent game. Struggling to really impose himself despite his reading of the game, Marchisio's entry on the pitch released him and allowed him to rapidly improve.

MF Hernanes, 6 -- Has a few moments that can prove useful, but he fails to provide the control required of a man in his position. Can't penetrate tough defences and lost the ball dangerously on several occasions.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 5 -- Frustrating to watch in the first half. Technical and visionary, his position in the field requires him to do more than pass the ball. He has to take up positions in the final third. Lacks character and fight and can't make the impact required.

FW Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- A fighter and a team player, Mandzukic is not the most refined but can always be relied upon to provide the grit and heart. Proved valuable in defence.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 7 -- Perfectly shackled by Kalidou Koulibaly, Higuain wasn't allowed to operate with the midfield struggling to provide the right kind of service. Yet he didn't stop trying and created and finished the winning goal as he sprang into life in the second half.

Miralem Pjanic has made a slow start to life in the Juventus midfield.

Substitutes

MF Juan Cuadrado, 7 -- Very good performance from the player who created chances going forward, dribbling his way past the opponent. He proved valuable in defence too.

MF Claudio Marchisio, 7 -- His every good move applauded, Marchisio knew what to do and when to do it. Tactically intelligent, his presence on the field allowed Juve to regain control in midfield and released his teammates offensively.

MF Stefano Sturaro, N/A -- Physical, tenacious and intense, Sturaro is the fighter Juventus needed on the pitch.

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

Socrates · October 30, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

'Phenomenal' Higuain wished luck by beaten Napoli

After the Argentine scored the winner against his former club, Maurizio Sarri says

he'll be happy if the striker gets his hands on European silverware with Juventus.

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/2pod4cz.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/10/30/28996442/

sarri-wishes-phenomenal-higuain-luck?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_0_2

Oct 30, 2016

Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri lauded Gonzalo Higuain and wished the "phenomenal" Juventus striker luck after he came back to haunt his former team.

Ex-Napoli star Higuain was the match-winner in Turin on Saturday as Serie A champions Juventus claimed a 2-1 victory.

Public enemy number one in Naples after angering fans by moving to the Italian title-holders in the off-season, Higuain did not celebrate his 70th-minute goal.

And after sharing a pre-match embrace with Higuain, Sarri had nothing but praise for the 28-year-old, who scored a record-breaking 36 goals as a Napoli player last season.

"He is a phenomenon, a loose ball at Gonzalo's feet means certain death for defenders," Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

"If Gonzalo wins something in Europe, I am happy for him. Less so for Juve, but I'll be happy for him."

Higuain's goal secured Juve's sixth successive home league win of the season as they moved five points clear of second-placed Roma, who are due to play on Sunday.

Napoli, meanwhile, are seven points off the pace in third.

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

Socrates · October 31, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. Napoli 2016: Final score 2-1, Gonzalo Higuaín

the difference in a fascinating top-of-the-table clash

Gonzalo Higuaín scored the winner as the Bianconeri edged out Napoli in a spirited second-half.

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http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/30/13468434/

juventus-napoli-2016-serie-a-round-11-final-score-recap-result

Oct 30, 2016

A cool Saturday evening in Torino was the stage for the biggest game of the weekend in Italy as Juventus welcomed Napoli to the Juventus Stadium. The home side, as usual, had lots of injuries to deal with, but Napoli were, crucially, missing their start signing from this summer, Arkadiusz Milik. Napoli began the game with an aggressive press spearheaded by the mobile and dynamic trio of Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens, and Jose María Callejón. This pressure worked quite well as the Bianconeri couldn’t get much of an attacking rhythm going in the opening period.

However, the first notable piece of action came courtesy of the home side. Gonzalo Higuaín, infamously playing against his former side, led a dangerous counter-attack and released a through ball to his striking partner Mario Mandzukic. Unfortunately, the pass had too much weight on it so goalkeeper Pepe Reina was able to gather the pass to stop the danger. The away side responded with a moment of danger of their own: Callejón gathered a fabulous Kalidou Koulibaly long ball on the chest, quickly swiveled, and then poked the ball into the goal past the onrushing Buffon all in one quick movement. The Napoli winger, however, was rightly flagged offside so the goal was disallowed.

The early action continued as Alex Sandro motored down the left wing and fired in a powerful, deep cross to the far post which Reina awkwardly batted away on the bounce. The loose ball fell to Stephan Lichtsteiner who, in a sudden rush of adrenaline, sent a wild shot well into Row Z.

The game dried up in terms of action but not in terms of tension as Chiellini, Sandro, and Insigne all collected yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes. For the second time in a week though, a Juventus player pulled up with a hamstring injury. This time, Giorgio Chiellini pulled up injured and was replaced, surprisingly, by Juan Cuadrado just before the half-time whistle. The last piece of action came after a sloppy Hernanes foul that gave Napoli a dangerous free kick close to goal, but the Partenopei could not capitalize on the situation. 0-0 at the break after a cagey and disjointed first half.

Juventus FC v SSC Napoli - Serie A — Is it even humanly possible to have your leg up that high?

The second half started in complete opposite fashion to the first period. It was difficult to track the tactical game because suddenly, everything was moving at 200 km/h. The Bianconeri were the first side to benefit from this surprising breath of fresh air by scoring the opening goal. An unsuccessful corner kick was fired back into the box but Faouzi Ghoulam horribly sliced the clearance towards his own goal. Leonardo Bonucci gratefully took the unintentional assist as he rifled a cracking first-time volley past Reina to open the scoring for the hosts!

The lead, however, was very short-lived though as Napoli hit back impressively just three minutes later. Lorenzo Insigne, playing unexpectedly centrally all game, floated in a right-footed cross from a very central position towards Callejón at the far post. The Spaniard stealthily beat the offside trap by sprinting past a static Lichtsteiner and calmly side-footed the ball past Buffon. Two goals in a pulsating five minutes shocked this game into life!

There was just no end to the action (I could barely keep up with my notes) as Napoli rode the momentum of the equalizer. This time, Marek Hamsik led a dangerous 3-v-2 counter-attack but a misunderstanding between him and Callejón allowed Juventus to clear the danger after what could very well have been the second goal for the visitors. The breakneck intensity of the game was interrupted by a few niggly fouls, yellow cards, and substitutions.

We were finally able to take a deep breath and take in what had suddenly turned into an absorbing match. Soon after, Sandro laid a ball into Miralem Pjanic inside the box, but the disappointing Bosnian couldn’t quite get the touch so the Napoli defenders were able to clear the danger. That was the last piece of action for the frustrated Bosnian as Claudio Marchisio replaced him. The game was still on a knife’s edge though as both teams battled away to try find the second goal.

The moment we had all been waiting for came just a few minutes later, though.

Higuaín dropped deep to collect the ball from midfield and lofted a delicate ball into Sami Khedira, who had made an intelligent run into the space vacated by the Argentine. Ghoulam once again awkwardly cleared the ball away, but this time straight into the path of the ex-Napoli striker, who didn’t hesitate for a second in slamming a left-footed shot past a stranded Reina into the far corner!

As expected, Higuaín showed a very muted celebration against his former side, but it didn’t matter as the Juventus faithful were absolutely ecstatic.

It was now truly turning into a match worthy of the occasion as attacks continued to flow from end to end. Napoli tried to respond in the same way as to the first goal as Mertens fizzed a wicked shot narrowly wide of the upright with Buffon beaten as the time slowly ticked away for the visitors. Juventus really grew in their swagger as they confidently controlled the possession and tempo of the game and Napoli grew frustrated. They still had to remain alert though because substitute Omar El Kaddouri’s headed a Ghoulam free-kick delivery off Mandzukic’s shoulder and just inches over the bar.

There were a few more half chances for Mertens and Callejón but Juventus held on resolutely to secure an absolutely massive 2-1 victory at home against bitter rivals Napoli!

LE PAGELLE

BUFFON 6.5 – Couldn’t do much for the goal. A few saves here and there to contend with.

BARZAGLI 7 – Switched to the left side of defense after the Chiellini injury. He did struggle a little when the intensity of the game went up a notch, but played well overall.

BONUCCI 7.5 – Cracking volley for the opening goal and dealt with Mertens quite well when came up against him.

CHIELLINI N/A – Here we go again with the injuries…

LICHTSTEINER 6 – I downgrade him because he sloppily played Callejón onside for the equalizer.

KHEDIRA 6.5 – He had a bit more freedom to operate because Hamsik moved forward quite a bit in attack. Played an important part in the winning goal.

Although he was offensively a non-factor, defensively he worked very hard

PJANIC 6 – He’s another player I don’t know how to grade. Should I base it on his creative output or his overall defensive work? I don’t really know…

HERNANES 6.5 – Some sloppy tackles during the game but for the rest played well. Nevertheless, continues to divide fans’ opinions more starkly than when Moses parted the Red Sea.

SANDRO 7 – Had a fun battle against Callejón and Hysaj. Once again showed that he’s a very balanced player in the offensive and defensive departments.

HIGUAÍN 7.5 – Of course, it had to be him. Scored the all-important winning goal by intelligently dropping deep to link up with Khedira.

MANDZUKIC 6.5 – Struggled to contribute a lot to the play though especially due to Napoli’s high line, but still worked very hard.

Subs

CUADRADO 7 – A very impressive outing for the Colombian. He gave us a strong offensive outlet on the right and did his defensive work well.

MARCHISIO 7 – Calm and collected display by the returning Prince. I was worried when it all turned into an absurdly high-intensity game, but he dealt with the pressure with wonderful composure.

STURARO 6 – Provided some useful fresh legs in the final 15 minutes of the game.

Manager

ALLEGRI 7 – I criticized him against Milan for using Cuadrado in a very confused role, but this time his substitution was inspired. Opting for Cuadrado for the Chiellini substitution provided a better balance between offense and defense and the Colombian ultimately played very well. The team dealt very well with the high defensive press by Napoli as well.

Tactical corner: Can I follow you?

There were two key features to Napoli’s game: Their extremely high press and Insigne’s positioning with the ball. Let’s start with the first feature:

Most noteworthy is to see Diawara, the CDM in the middle of the screen, so far pushed up as well

In addition to the high press, was the fact that Mertens didn’t really play as a false nine by dropping deep and harassing the Juventus midfielders, but instead more as a genuine nine playing up against the Juventus defenders:

Diawara (circled red, right) again very high up the pitch. Mertens (circled red, left) is chasing down Buffon instead of marking Hernanes, contrary to what I expected him to do as a false nine.

In that sense, Maurizio Sarri’s men executed their defensive plan very well because it certainly disrupted Juventus’s rhythm. Here we see an extreme example of just how high up Napoli were defending, which really made sense because Juventus had no runners in behind for them to worry about:

A perfectly-synched defensive line playes Higuaín and Mandzukic offside

The second feature was Insigne’s interesting positioning which actually played a key role in the equalizing goal as he was able to loft a ball from a very central position over to Callejón on the other side.

Here Insigne (circled) is up against Khedira, all the way in central midfield while Callejón tries to run in behind on the far side

This positioning meant that Ghoulam had little protection against the impressive Cuadrado because Insigne had to shuttle from central positions offensively to wide positions defensively; perhaps this explains why the Colombian had such a strong display.

Insigne (marked right) is basically a support striker here. Mertens again clearly NOT instructed to play a false nine role. Ghoulam (bottom of the screen) is playing very high up the pitch

Sometimes I sure do owe the cameraman a lot of credit. This shot perfectly shows everything in one picture: Napoli’s shape (clear midfield trio of Hamsik, Allan, and Diawara), their offensive structure with Insigne playing in the trequartista space, Ghoulam playing almost as a left-winger, and Mertens playing explicitly as a striker. A false nine would have occupied the space marked by the ~~funny looking striped~~ box, allowing the wingers to run in behind from widepositions but instead Insigne is (somewhat) occupying that space centrally and Mertens keeps Barzagli and Bonucci busy.

Sidenote: Funny enough, Higuaín’s goal was more resemblant of a false nine goal. He dropped deep, Khedira occupied the space created by this movement, and the Argentine was eventually untracked and unchallenged to slam the loose ball into goal.

Highway to the Danger Zone

The game was at risk of petering out into yet another stale encounter for the disgruntled Juventini watching the game, until the second life just jolted everything into life. Napoli’s high press seemed to be effective at stifling Juve’s attacking endeavors so it was invaluable that the game eventually brought excitement to the fans and, ultimately, a victory that was made all the sweeter by the manner in which it was secured. I’m still a bit concerned about Mandzukic’s form, though. With Higuaín, I can see a more defined contribution to our play with his intelligent linkup play and long balls to switch the play from side to side, but with the Croatian I’m struggling to see his unique offensive contribution to our game. Nevertheless, this win was an absolutely massive confidence boost as we go into another crunch Champions League tie and the team can now carry this fantastic momentum on to the midweek fixture, once again in front of a roaring home crowd!

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

Socrates · October 31, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus 2-1 Napoli Match Report

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/9lg400.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-2-1-napoli/?

Oct 30, 2016

The match began with a confident, probing Napoli side eager to push us onto the back foot. Which wasn’t to be for whilst they were attacking in numbers, they were creating holes in the midfield which we threatened to puncture. The first half soon developed into a pattern of this nature, with fairly even possession, Juve trying to draw out the opposing midfield or cycling the ball to the flanks, ceding the ball to then spring into life with swift counters to try catch Napoli outnumbered when committing men forward.

A couple of chances came and went, mainly for Khedira, who couldn’t quite get on the end of a lovely Sandro pass and of course Higuain, who was put through almost one-on-one and looked certain to score but was thwarted by an expert piece of last ditch, perfectly timed defending. There was also a chance for Lichsteiner, who blasted horribly over with the goal close to gaping!

Other than the rare goal-mouth action, the majority of chances falling to Juve, we lost Chiellini to injury just before the break with what looked like a muscular problem. Such a shame given his barn storming return to the first team of late. In his place, Allegri elected to deploy Cuadrado, altering the tactics to a notionally rear back four with the midfield almost too odd and changeable in shape to define as anything specific. Though I shall make a stab at it…

Unorthodox to say the least, yet the regular 3-5-2 changes to several variants throughout the course of a game, as did this formation. One of the major changes which Allegri has brought to Juve is a transition from Conte’s far more rigid, regimented system to much greater encouragement for players to express themselves as the situation best demands, rather than run like ethiopian olympians on fixed paths. Yes there are positions, but the midfield and wingbacks are fluid. However, this was a new one for me…perhaps more commonly 3-4-1-2 than any other.

Both teams emerged from the tunnel for the second half with increased zeal, the game restarting at a lively pace. And it came as no surprise to see the deadlock broken on 50′. A defensive howler by Ghoulam sent the ball spinning in the air and back towards goal with Big Leo in the right place at the right time to thunder in a left footed volley from 12 yards out for 1-0. It was an emphatic finish.

Still, as in previous games, we often switch off after scoring, which is a horrible habit and must be addressed and crushed. Less than five minutes after taking the lead, Insigne picked out Callejon in the area for a decent, yet fairly simple finish past Buffon to bring the sides level. The marking was non existent with the Spaniard able to escape the attentions of two in black and white for an unhindered strike.

We have a truly world class goal machine in Gonzalo…

With both sides going for the win, it was Juve who began to emerge as the more dominant and capable. Marchisio appeared in the 68th minute for the awfully absent Pjanic and soon after we regained the lead. With Higuain picking the ball up outside the box, chipping in to Khedira…the Argie Master followed up on the loose ball to launch an excellent first time left foot drive past the hapless and always annoying Reina.

He could and should have had another after a decent team move saw a cross find his head, yet with others in front of him in line with the flight of the ball, we can forgive him this once!

There was a late brief scramble in the box to concern the home side, but it was a scramble involving only Juve players. A few bothersome passes to invite pressure aside, we closed the game out fairly comfortably for a deserved and important victory against one of our two major rivals for the title. At last we had won a game against high quality opposition.

Player Ratings

Buffon – Largely untested and could do little about the goal. Somewhat shaky in his distrubution late on when we were trying to play out the game. 6

Bonucci – Staggering masterclass of a performance. Big Leo was unflinching in his tackling, covering, passing and plundered the opening goal with devastating power. More often than not one of the world’s finest defenders. 8

Barzagli – Such is his prowess that he actually seemed to improve when moved to the rarely tested DCL position after Chiellini’s injury. No fuss, no nonsense, calm and composed throughout. An exceptional stalwart of the black and white army. 7

Chiellini – Combative until his departure due to injury. He will be missed, but perhaps the back four-ish we morphed into as a result of his removal is something to build upon. 6

Lichsteiner – He brought courage, adventure, defensive muscle and also whining and rustiness! What more can we expect of a player who has barely featured this term. Showed his professionalism by sticking carefully and competently to a deeper role when Cuadrado appeared on the scene.7

Sandro – He is yet to have a poor game, but was close to it in this one. Yet he dealth well enough with the forages into his defensive zone and showed good strength when moving the play forward. 6.5

Khedira – Yet again nowhere near involved as much as we need him to be. This advanced position works well against the lame, but becomes listless when facing well organised, capable foes. Worked hard, yet I remain eager to see him rested and Sturaro to take his place. Just for a game or two. Give the man a chance to take breath after starting more games on the trot than ever before for Juve. 6

Hernanes was far from sublime, yet constantly involved and showed welcome grinta throughout…

Hernanes – Monstrous! Hardly impeccable when on the ball, yet gave everything, threw himself into challenges and did not once offer any quarter to the opponents. A lame shot or three aside, this was a swash-buckling effort from the Brazillian, and what I hope for of anyone set as our regista is that he makes his presence felt. On this measure, Hernanes was decent. 7

Pjanic – Outmuscled, outhustled and rarely involved. He has yet to find his feet in our squad and system and this was a game where we needed him to show. He failed to do so. Set piece work has become not just his bread and butter, but his sole input of value to our performances. Presently, the large money spent seems wasted. I hope for improvement, which may not come until…unless…we pretty much reconfigure our tactics to play him in a system akin to his Roman adventure. Yet with Marchisio now back, and the team showing signs of life everywhere but in his role and Khedira’s role, we have Asamoah soon to challenge for a more dynamic option. 5

Cuadrado – Outstanding! Our man of the match. Juan not only contributed a handful of top drawer crosses, he also defended with quality. He literally owned the right flank. If only he could reproduce such form week in, week out, we would have a major talent in our hands. I will re-open my jury and hope he can use this showing as a building block, to continue in the same vein. He was not world class, but he was superb. 8

Higuain – An exceptional player. Learning to come deep in the absence of Dybala, creating the play as much as eager to score. Physically imperious, and scored 1 of 3 decent chances forged by his own determination. His goal may well prove worth its weight in gold. He has been outstanding since the first game, and continues to threaten goals in every game. 8

Mandzukic – Finding his rhythm slowly but surely, the big man was worthy of commendation, for his endeavour, for sticking to the task. No obvious chances, but his work was reliable. 6.5

Marchisio – Quality personified. Whether finding himself surrounded by two players and irking out a decent pass, or moving the ball swiftly to create another attack, Claudio was astonishingly sharp considering this was his second game since April. We are very clearly a better side with his presence, and I am extremely excited of how much we can improve as a team as he regains match sharpness. 7

This was probably our finest performance of the season to date. From start to finish we maintained a decent level of concentration and determination, with several players giving their all and finding just reward for their endeavour. On the balance of chances created we were superior and despite the game providing a fair amount of heated moments, we managed to keep our heads and finally reveal ourselves as worthy champions elect.

Juan put in a superb shift…

Allegri got his tactics spot on, with the decision to remove a spare defender and add width on the right proving a master stroke, for the much maligned Juan Cuadrado gave one of his strongest showings in our colours, rarely putting a foot wrong and constantly taking the game to the opposition. Hernanes also proved resolute and immensely aggressive, fortunate perhaps to remain on the field without receiving his marching orders, but I enjoyed that grit, it has been sorely lacking in recent weeks.

The only negative of an enjoyable victory was Pjanic who continues to find himself unable to provide value in any part of the game but set piece deliveries. Whether he is playing too high or too far from the ball is down to the player, not our tactics, for he is too often well out of the game, to such a degree, that it is easy to forget he is even present.

A quick word on Il Principino, who looks instantly at home and classy. His distribution, concentration and solid technique were a joy to behold. And he is only going to improve game after game. Having him back in th squad is a huge bonus and is already giving the squad a lift. Claudio simply does everything well.

Napoli were strong, yet also irritating and undignified in their behaviour. Too much rolling around, going down too easily, baiting their opponents with even their manager showing his lack of class when demanding a yellow card for a nothing challenge. That transmits to the players and the only other manager who comes to mind who is often an enemy of propriety is Mourinho. Still, it comes as no surprise given the character of their owner…

This was a Juve side which made me proud, filled me with passion and found me kicking every ball, scything down every opponent, chasing every ball with my own spirit. Perhaps it is the turning point in a season of solid results, yet haphazard performances. We shall find out more on that score when Lyon visit for what could prove a pivotal tie in our quest for qualification for the knock-out stage of the champions league.

A job well done.

forza juve

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

Socrates · October 31, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Gonzalo Higuain nets winner for Juventus

against former team Napoli

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/fjf43o.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2984766/serie-a-gonzalo

-higuain-nets-winner-for-juventus-against-former-team-napoli

Oct 30, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain scored the winner against his former club Napoli as Juventusextended their winning home run in Serie A to 22 matches.

Juve's 2-1 win lifted them five points clear of closest rivals Roma at the top of the table, while it was Higuain's first goal against Napoli since his move to Turin for £75 million in July.

Leonardo Bonucci had fired Juve into the lead early in the second half when he lashed home a spectacular volley after Napoli had made a hash of clearing a corner.

Napoli responded quickly and were level four minutes later when Jose Callejon caught the Juventus defence flat-footed to calmly slot the ball beneath Gianluigi Buffon, but Argentina international Higuain had the last word, firing home a rebound inside the area in the 70th minute.

Juve's last league defeat on home soil was on the opening day of the 2015-16 season when they lost 1-0 to Udinese.

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

Socrates · October 31, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Clinical Juve trump Napoli beauty

A balanced and tactical game, Juventus efficiency defeated Napoli’s beautiful football. Mina Rzouki analyses the match.

<a href="http://oi66.tinypic.com/25a3j13.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/93658/clinical-juve-trump-napoli-beauty?

Oct 30, 2016

A tantalising encounter boasting melodrama off the pitch and tactical intrigue on it, Napoli took their mesmeric brand of football to the Juventus Stadium fortress hoping to reassert their ambition and snatch the win.

The pressure was on Napoli to prove that despite the departure of Gonzalo Higuain and Arkadiusz Milik’s injury, they had enough to compete for the title. A win would send a clear message to their Scudetto rivals, a defeat would render them, in the eyes of their critics, incapable of mounting a serious challenge. After all, Juventus could afford to lose, Massimiliano Allegri had already insisted their Champions League match against Lyon midweek would be more important.

No sooner had the whistle been blown than the Partenopei got to work on shackling Higuain. The player looked caught up in the emotion of the game for much of the first half. While he chose ambition over loyalty over the summer, he still held a torch for his former club and former Coach, whom he embraced affectionately just prior to kick off. Higuain is and will always be the naughty son Maurizio Sarri cannot help but love.

Kalidou Koulibaly, on the other hand, showed no such affection, watching the striker like a hawk to limit his chances on the ball. Napoli as a collective played an impressive defensive game. Countering Juve’s athletic and physical strength with lithe and quick movements, they pressed high up the pitch to expose the weaknesses of the Bianconeri’s imbalanced midfield.

The Champions of Italy once hailed some of the world’s best midfielders, but these days the lack of control and character within the department has harmed the side’s ability to play as a fluid collective. Hernanes was often dispossessed with ease, Miralem Pjanic looked incapable of providing the vertical edge or character required of his role, while Sami Khedira seemed fatigued by the need to cover for all his teammates.

Incisive, slick and coordinated, it was the Partenopei who boasted the edge in a tactical encounter, playing with more character than they managed before in Juventus’ stadium. Yet for all their beauty on the ball, they struggled to create too many dangerous moments as they appeared to prioritise defensive solidity over offensive courage with the full-backs opting to play a cautious game.

The Bianconeri were anything but slick and beautiful, but Allegri’s men didn’t need to be at their best to score the opening goal, they just needed to be efficient. One Faouzi Ghoulam error resulted in one fine finish from Leonardo Bonucci.

While the Old Lady quickly conceded an equaliser, the sense was that regardless of their collective woes, the superior ability of their individuals would eventually resolve the match, especially once Claudio Marchisio entered the pitch in place of the timid Pjanic.

There is a reason why Marchisio’s every move was applauded by the home fans. His geometric passes, stubborn desire to keep hold of the ball and tactical intelligence took the pressure off his teammates and allowed the likes of Khedira to push forward. His presence alone helped the team recover control in midfield and play with greater pace on the ball in search of the winning goal.

Higuain duly delivered. Initiating the move before finishing with aplomb, in the words of Gazzetta dello Sport: “He decided”. A cool response to those who have long accused him of not scoring in the big games, an emotional Higuain struck the winning goal to secure all three points for the Bianconeri.

No celebration, a desire to be nothing but respectful, yet the Neapolitans felt the familiar pain of heartbreak all over again. You only ever loathe the exes you truly loved.

Juventus had ground out another hard fought win, this time against a Milik-less Napoli team, but if the Bianconeri want to truly challenge the biggest and best in Europe then they must recover their precision and intensity quickly.

Individual moments of beauty may rescue them in certain Serie A matches, but unless they recover their swift movements on the ball and play as a team, European glory will remain a mere dream.

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

Socrates · October 31, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Koulibaly: ‘Higuain knows us’

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/2vvvwhv.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/93657/koulibaly-‘higuain-knows-us’

Oct 30, 2016

Kalidou Koulibaly admits Gonzalo Higuain was able to score against Napoli because of his familiarity with their defensive system.

The Argentine forward controversially joined Juventus from the Partenopei during the summer and scored the winning goal in Saturday evening’s meeting between the teams.

“We can win against any team, we need to continue like this,” defender Koulibaly said after the match at Juventus Stadium.

“Higuain? Nobody spoke with him, it was an important match and we tried to play our game.

“He knows us and he scored through something he knows we work on in training. I am sorry that he scored.

“We played well, it is always difficult to play in this stadium. Now we need to concentrate on the coming matches.

“There is more anger than anything, we know our level of play was higher than theirs but Juve made the most of their shots.”

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

Socrates · October 31, 2016

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2-1-

Leonardo Bonucci 50'

José Callejon 54'

Gonzalo Higuain 70'

MATCHDAY 11

Saturday, October 29th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Gonzalo Higuain Decisive as Juventus Defeat Napoli Once Again

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/1y323k.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2672785-gonzalo-higuain-decisive-as-juventus-defeat-napoli-once-again?

Oct 30, 2016

As their team ventured north to Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening, fans of the southern club would have had two major fears. Foremost among them of course would be losing to the Bianconeri once again, the Partenopei already four points behind their opponents before the match in Turin got underway.

Their secondary source of dread was of course embodied by Gonzalo Higuain, the striker who left Napoli for their biggest rivals in a stunning summer transfer. The €90 million fee was never consolation enough for the loss of their deadly front man, especially after he struck 36 goals in just 35 Serie A appearances last term.

By the time the 90 minutes unfolded, both things would of course happen, the Old Lady simply proving too strong for the visitors and eventually taking all three points. Watching Higuain net the winning goal—handing his new side a 2-1 victory—only served to rub salt into the fresh and raw wound his move to Juventus had opened.

View image on Twitter

Follow

OptaPaolo

✔@OptaPaolo

22 - Tonight vs Napoli, Juventus have won their 22nd consecutive home game in Serie A. Domination.

11:12 PM - 29 Oct 2016

43 Retweets

28 likes

It was harsh on Napoli. Coach Maurizio Sarri has not only had to combat the departure of his talismanic Argentinian star, but replacement Arkadiusz Milik suffered a torn ACL after scoring seven goals in his first nine matches as well.

A week ago, the only other striker in the squad was sent off against Crotone and suspended for two matches, a punishment which meant he was ruled out for the clash with Juventus. That prompted Sarri to field Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon in attack, a rapid unit that offered few reference points for the Juventus defence.

Once the match got underway however, the Bianconeri recognised their usual 3-5-2 formation needed tweaking to combat Sarri’s lineup. As can be seen in the image below, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri switched to a four-man defence early into the tie, his players adapting seamlessly to the new system.

935a16a7054bd017ea8f26446fe3b1d0_origina

Adam Digby via WyScout

With Andrea Barzagli as a full-back and Stephan Lichtsteiner playing on the right of midfield, it was set to be a somewhat stunted formation, but an injury to Giorgio Chiellini proved to be a happy accident for the Bianconeri.

Many expected Medhi Benatia to be sent on, but Allegri was bold enough to use Juan Cuadrao instead, shifting Lichtsteiner to full-back and Barzagli into the centre of defence to accommodate the winger.

Given the recent form of the Colombia international—a subject discussed in this previous post—it was no surprise to see Juventusimprove immediately. By full time, WhoScored.com figures show Cuadrado had completed three take-ons and created three clear scoring opportunities.

hi-res-29b4bc6fafb3c75e15c79325b7babc83_

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

Juan Cuadrado played well yet again.

Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam had no answer for the pace and direct style of his new opponent, but even before Cuadrado’s introduction Juve had created chances. Lichtsteiner ballooned the ball over the bar after a superb team move, while Vlad Chiriches’ crucial intervention denied Higuain an early strike.

However, Ghoulam’s poor display would take a turn for the worse in the second half. Miralem Pjanic’s corner was only partially cleared and as Alex Sandro turned it back into the box, Napoli’s Algerian defender miscued the ball.

Leonardo Bonucci reacted quickest, volleying home in superb fashion to hand Juventus the lead. It would be short-lived however, with a momentary lapse in concentration allowing Napoli to equalise just four minutes later.

“Jose Callejon always makes that movement round the back of the defenders and we should’ve see him coming, but were caught napping,” Allegri told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) at full time.

The coach was visibly irate as the Spanish forward finished the chance, turning Insigne’s pass beyond Gigi Buffon and sparking hope that the Partenopei could somehow earn a positive result.

Follow

Ebrahim Sadien @ebisadien

The ball from Insigne for Callejon to finish is top class #JuveNapoli :

10:03 PM - 29 Oct 2016

6 Retweets

9 likes

But instead, Higuain’s quality came to the fore. Claudio Marchisio had been introduced in place of Pjanic, his calming influence helping the Bianconeri play become much more fluid, and slowly the team began to string more and more passes together.

A flowing move with many passes saw Hernanes fire over the bar, before a wonderful cross-field ball from Cuadrado picked out Sandro. Napoli intervened at the cost of a throw-in, but the Brazilian defender took it quickly and found Hernanes, the midfielder quickly playing a pass to Higuain.

His cross was intended for Mario Mandzukic, but Ghoulam again made a poor clearance, the ball dropping to an unmarked Higuain. The striker smashed the ball beyond goalkeeper Pepe Reina, his former team-mate powerless to prevent Juve taking a lead they would never surrender.

Yet despite the former Liverpool and Bayern Munich man having no chance of making a save, the goal was yet another example of Higuain’s predatory instincts making the difference.

As can be seen in the series of images below, he picked up the ball in a pocket of space before aiming a lofted pass to Mandzukic. Trailing behind the play, Allan simply stood and watched Higuain as he ran beyond him, the striker hoping for a chance while the midfielder never considered that one would be afforded to him.

395daa6d588bfa4bb2edc984791b779b_origina

Adam Digby via WyScout

As a mark of respect to Napoli, he did not celebrate, but Bonucci and Marchisiomade up for that, as did the supporters filling the sold-out stadium around them. Higuain’s name rang out from the 41,000 jubilant fans, but he would continue to work until the final whistle in a superb all-round display.

Rarely praised for his work-rate, the 28-year-old and Mandzukic pressed the Napoli defence constantly, closing down the spaces and rarely allowing Sarri’s men to build from the back as they so often do.

The FourFourTwo Stats Zone graphic in the tweet below highlights Higuain’s impact on the clash, scoring with one of his three shots and connecting with 16 of his 20 pass attempts (80 percent).

View image on Twitter

Follow

Adam Digby

✔@Adz77

Gonzalo Higuain vs #Napoli 3 shots, 1 goal, 16/20 passes, 2 tackles, 1 ball recovery. A match-winning performance (via @StatsZone)

9:43 AM - 30 Oct 2016

2 Retweets

9 likes

He also won two tackles and recovered the ball once, suffering one foul and pushing himself and those around him to a victory they so clearly needed, much to the delight of the Juve coaching staff.

“Gonzalo has extraordinary qualities and above all works hard for the team. He was very happy, naturally this was a special game for him,” Allegri told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia). “He made a choice to come here and absolutely should not feel like a traitor. Instead, he made a courageous decision.”

His opposite number was frustrated by the inattentiveness of his side, believing they should have been more aware of the man who fired them to so many victories before leaving in the summer.

hi-res-de368dd41e44b983ac4d06b3854d0326_

GIUSEPPE CACACE/Getty Images

Higuain refused to celebrate against Napoli.

“He is a phenomenon,” Napoli coach told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia), “a loose ball at Gonzalo’s feet means certain death for defenders.” The striker certainly punished that error, dispatching the chance with ease and consigning his former side to their third league defeat of 2016/17.

For Juventus, the focus now shifts to Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash with Olympique Lyonnais, a match which will be crucial if they are to top their group. Higuain is undoubtedly key to those hopes, and his goal against Napoli should improve their confidence of doing just that.

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

Socrates · October 31, 2016

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIQUE L.

-

MATCHDAY 4

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Juventus Stadium-Turin

Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Buffon: 'We must be biggest in Europe'

http://www.football-italia.net/93709/buffon-we-must-be-biggest-europe

Oct 31, 2016

Veteran stopper Gianluigi Buffon claims that 'being the best' is an ambition that the Bianconeri 'must cultivate' in order to succeed.

The 38-year-old also discussed new methods being trialled in training by Coach Max Allegri, that the team were struggling to translate onto the pitch at times.

"Being the best is an ambition that we must cultivate, a boost of self-love that we feel inside," the Captain continued in his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. "Being the largest in Europe: this is the goal.

"The arrival of Higuain makes us stronger and more confident, but it depends on where we are heading. This mentality could be enough if the idea is to win back the Scudetto in Italy.

"But if we - as we said earlier this year - aim for raising the bar in Europe, making progress is a must.

"If I think about a quarter-final, semi-final or a Champions League final against certain teams like Bayern Munich or Barcelona, well then this is not enough. We need to take forward steps. "

"Everyone thinks this, from the technical staff, to the Coach, to the president to us players. Allegri is rightly testing new ideas because we have had so many injured and this is why why he has not been able to work continuously.

"Despite this, we have to find solutions, to do on the pitch what we have been doing in training through the week.

"I really believe in the strength and balance of the team and also in the concepts that Allegri is teaching us but we sometimes we find it hard to express them on the field."

The Captain was then asked about the role of Miralem Pjanic, and stressed that the team must help the Bosnian to realise his full potential.

"It is clear that we have changed parts of the midfield, and I do not speak of the values of an individual.

"We must find ways to exploit these new players. Miralem will make a difference because he has tremendous quality, but we as a team we have to put him in a position to show his great talent."

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · November 1, 2016

Can Juventus Make It Six Years In A Row At The Top Of Serie A?

TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 29: Leonardo Bonucci (R) of Juventus FC celebrates victory with team mates at the end of the Serie A match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli at Juventus Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

http://www.juvefc.com/can-juventus-make-six-years-row-top-serie/?

Nov 1, 2016

Juventus are the most dominant team in the entire history of Italian football where they have won Serie A a record 34 times. That’s almost twice as many as their nearest rivals, AC Milan and Internazionale, each with 18 league wins. Last season Juventus won their fifth consecutive Serie A title, which they’ve previously done twice before in the 1930’s and 80’s, but they’ve never won six in a row before. 888sport predict Juventus to make history and win a sixth consecutive title this season. Here We examine why they are set for a big campaign.

Early Results

Last season Juventus won the league by 9 points, (Napoli finished second with 82) and this year they are intending to win the league by an even bigger margin this season. At seven matches in, and it’s so far so good for the Old Lady with six wins from seven. From an opening day 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, a 3-1 win over Sassuolo and a 4-0 win over Cagliari are some of the highlights of the campaign so far. A 2-1 loss to Internazionale remains a minor blip at this stage as Juventus remain four points clear at the top of the league as they went into the international break before they are set to host Udinese on the 15^th October.

Gonzalo Higuain

Last season Juventus made their stadium quite the fortress, only losing one game at home all season, a narrow 0-1 loss to Udinese. However, they lost 13 games on their travels along with a couple of 0-0 draws that showed just how much they struggled to score on the road. Juve’s top scorer Paulo Dybala return of 19 was some way behind league top scorer (and fellow Argentine) Gonzalo Higuain, then of Napoli, who scored 36. Manager, Massimiliano Allegri has now solved this issue by buying Higuain for Juventus. Higuain cost the club €90 million, most of which was probably funded from the sale of Paul Pogba, and he has already hit the ground running by scoring 6 league goals in 7 appearances and is set to make the Old Lady an even more powerful force.

Gianluigi Buffon

Captain of both Juventus and the Italian national side, Buffon is now 38 years old and has declared he will retire once he’s 40, after the 2018 World Cup. Generally, goalkeepers can play for a lot longer than outfield players, (Edwin van der Sar also retired at 40) and Buffon has remained a consistently high quality goalkeeper throughout his 15 years at Juventus, which includes three clean sheets so far this season. Somewhere down the line, Allegri will have to prepare for life after Buffon, but that time is not right now.

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

Socrates · November 1, 2016

Capello: ‘Juventus will win Scudetto’

http://www.football-italia.net/93757/capello-‘juventus-will-win-scudetto’?

Nov 1, 2016

Fabio Capello believes Juventus “will win the Scudetto hands-down”, but praises Roma and Milan too.

The veteran Coach has won the title with all three teams, though the two he won while in charge of the Bianconeri were later revoked.

“I still think Juve will win the Scudetto hands-down,” Capello told Quotidiano Sportivo.

“Luckily they’ve lost two games, if they hadn’t it’d be over already. They have a core of important players, real leaders, who know how to make a difference to the rest of the team.

“Napoli? When they had Higuain they were winning matches 1-0. Now they’ve started drawing 0-0, so it’s a big difference.

“Roma are very strong, they’re complete in every department.

“As for Milan, they’ve started a process with youngsters, they can’t rush it.”

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

Socrates · November 1, 2016

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIQUE L.

-

MATCHDAY 4

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Juventus Stadium-Turin

Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Juventus squad for Lyon

http://www.football-italia.net/93773/juventus-squad-lyon?

Nov 1, 2016

Juventus named their squad for the Champions League meeting with Lyon, but Giorgio Chiellini misses out.

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT in Turin.

Chiellini, Paulo Dybala and Marko Pjaca miss this match due to injury.

Stephan Lichtsteiner is unavailable, as he was left off the UEFA squad list this season.

Juventus squad for Lyon: Buffon, Benatia, Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Marchisio, Higuain, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Mattiello, Barzagli, Mandzukic, Bonucci, Asamoah, Dani Alves, Rugani, Neto, Sturaro, Audero, Evra, Kean

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · November 1, 2016

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIQUE L.

-

MATCHDAY 4

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Juventus Stadium-Turin

Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Genesio: 'Lyon will attack Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/93774/genesio-lyon-will-attack-juve?

Nov 1, 2016

Lyon Coach Bruno Genesio promised they will go on the attack at the Juventus Stadium following a 1-0 home Champions League defeat.

It kicks off tomorrow in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“I hope we can surprise Juve, otherwise there would be no point stepping on to the pitch,” said Genesio in his Press conference.

“We know full well what qualities Juventus have on home turf, but we are coming here to take our chances. I have great faith in my players.

“We needed a victory to turn the tide and beating Toulouse was a real boost of confidence. Tomorrow a much more difficult match awaits us, but after winning in Ligue 1 that’ll certainly make it easier for us.

“In the first leg we played very well against a strong side, but lacked a clinical edge in attack and that’s what we need to improve on.

Clearly scoring goals is the basis for a good result and we must be at 100 per cent.”

Lyon lost to a Juan Cuadrado strike despite Juventus going down to 10 men, as Mario Lemina was sent off.

“Even though we lost, that game in some ways gave us more confidence, because it proved we could cause huge problems for a very strong Juve. Tomorrow is another match and another atmosphere.

“Gigi Buffon is marking his 100^th Champions League game. If I think about the Juve squad and the Lyon players, clearly there is a big difference in terms of experience, but we can prove ourselves up to the task.

“We need the same spirit seen against Toulouse, but more precision and technique, because we cannot allow Juve to control the ball too much.

“We need to attack and to win, so that means having lots of attacking players on the field. The 4-2-4 could be used, but not necessarily tomorrow.”

Buffon performed heroics in goal, including a penalty save on Alexander Lacazette.

“Alex has proved himself to be a good hitman in Ligue 1 and can be on the international stage too. There are no doubts about that. He is one of four or five players who represent a symbol of the team and are leaders in the locker room.

“Buffon is one of the greats, we have respect for the player and the man. Someone who played at such a high level for such a long time certainly has an enviable mentality.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · November 1, 2016

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIQUE L.

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MATCHDAY 4

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Juventus Stadium-Turin

Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands)

Higuain: 'I'm growing at Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/93776/higuain-im-growing-juventus?

Nov 1, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain said Juventus are helping him to “grow every day,” including Champions League experience against Lyon.

It kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT, following on from Juan Cuadrado’s goal for a 1-0 victory in France two weeks ago.

“I always work for the team. If I score a goal, that’s better, but I play primarily to help the team achieve victory. We can go all the way in this competition,” said Higuain in his Press conference.

“I play well alongside Mario Mandzukic, even though we haven’t played together very much. There’s a whole season ahead of us. I am in a new team and trying to improve myself.

“According to you in the media, I was in ‘crisis’ up until Saturday because I hadn’t scored for four games, yet now I’m considered to be fine.

“The Champions League is wonderful and tomorrow we have the chance to play an important game that could put us into the next round.

We’re doing well so far this season and can only get stronger.

“We are fully aware of how important this match is, as if we win, we can top the group. We work all week to improve and I am happy to be here, as every day I feel like I’m growing.

“We expect Lyon to be physical and aggressive. We ended up a man down in Lyon, so our approach has to be very focused.”

On Saturday Pipita scored against his former Napoli teammates and refused to celebrate.

“It was a special game, as I was there for three years. Fortunately we won, but it ends there. I am happy for the victory and how the team played, but now our minds are on Lyon.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

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JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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