JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · March 3, 2017

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

3-1

José Callejon 36'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 47'

Gonzalo Higuaín 64'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 69'

COPPA ITALIA TIM - SEMIFINAL

Tuesday, February 28th 2017 - 8:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Valeri: ‘I wasn’t wrong’

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http://www.football-italia.net/99087/valeri-‘i-wasn’t-wrong’

Mar 1, 2017

Paolo Valeri has reportedly declared he has “nothing to apologise for” after the controversial Juventus-Napoli game.

The Bianconeri won the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final 3-1, but the visitors were angered by two penalties awarded to the holders.

According to Il Mattino, referee Valeri has said “I have nothing to apologise for, I got nothing wrong”.

Today will see the release of the disciplinary findings from the Coppa Italia ties, and it remains to be seen whether Napoli protestations will have been noted in the official’s report.

Socrates · March 3, 2017

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

3-1

José Callejon 36'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 47'

Gonzalo Higuaín 64'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 69'

COPPA ITALIA TIM - SEMIFINAL

Tuesday, February 28th 2017 - 8:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Sacchi: ‘Napoli defensive errors’

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http://www.football-italia.net/99088/sacchi-‘napoli-defensive-errors’

Mar 2, 2017

Arrigo Sacchi believes Napoli should be focusing on their “defensive errors” against Juventus.

The Partenopei were beaten 3-1 in Turin on Tuesday night, but were enraged by two penalties awarded to the hosts.

Controversy has been raging ever since the game, with even the mayor of Naples weighing-in, but the former Milan Coach believes they should sort out their defence first.

“Juventus have a great history of winning,” Sacchi pointed out in an interview with Il Mattino.

“Right now they’re trying to do the maximum on all fronts possible, and in addition to their history giving them an advantage in the League from the start, they’ve spent four times more than the others.

“On the other hand, they’ve competent. Very competent. They’ve bought the top players to succeed in achieving their objectives.

“The other night in the Coppa Italia I saw the game and I said to myself: ‘Rugani, Benatia and Barzagli don’t always play, but in which other Italian teams would they not be starters?’.

“Napoli? It’s like a catamaran against a warship. The catamaran moves fast, it’s quick, but as soon as it’s not moving quickly, the aircraft carrier will destroy it.

“That’s exactly what Juve do to all their opponents, not just Napoli.

“The French philosopher Romain Rolland said ‘A hero is someone who does what he can’. Napoli fans should thank their team for this extraordinary spectacle.

“People need to understand that Napoli are focused on the future, against Juventus they had lads playing who were 19 or 20.

“Sarri doesn’t have any players who have ever been top players or have been starters for a great national team, they’re all growing but they don’t have much experience.

“There’s excitement, but the defence and the defensive phase are the great weakness of this Napoli. The goals they conceded against Juve were all defensive errors.

“Obviously the higher level you’re playing at, the more you’ll pay dearly for every single mistake.

“Maurizio Sarri is painting a masterpiece, but then against Atalanta nobody moves on the pitch and that’s when the blow comes.

“This is a team which always has to go 100 miles per hour to fill the gaps. The synchrony, enthusiasm and motivation must be high, or else…

“Here, take this very match: Juve had an excess of tactics and were fearful. If that had been Napoli they’d have conceded three goals.

“Instead the Bianconeri were just one behind, they rearranged things and brought out their firepower.

“The referee? If I thought there was deliberate misconduct on the part of the referee, I’d stop watching football. I must always think everything is above board, and I always have.

"Never mind the referee, focusing on him is the preserve of mediocrity. You can get angry with the referee during the game, maybe for a few minutes after, but then you have to focus on the things you lacked to win the game.

“Was it a penalty on Raul Albiol? I’m a Coach, not a referee. I don’t know.”

Socrates · March 3, 2017

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

3-1

José Callejon 36'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 47'

Gonzalo Higuaín 64'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 69'

COPPA ITALIA TIM - SEMIFINAL

Tuesday, February 28th 2017 - 8:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Mazzola: ‘Napoli won’t play kids’

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http://www.football-italia.net/99093/mazzola-‘napoli-won’t-play-kids’

Mar 2, 2017

Sandro Mazzola doesn’t believe Napoli will play their Primavera team against Juventus - “you say these things when you’re angry”.

Partenopei President Aurelio De Laurentiis reportedly threatened to play the youth team for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, in protest at the refereeing in the first game.

Mazzola made his debut when Inter fielded youngsters against Juve in 1961, scoring a penalty in a 9-1 defeat.

“Will De Laurentiis play kids at San Paolo? I don’t believe it,” Mazola told Corriere dello Sport.

“These are things you say when you’re angry, but it won’t happen.

“My debut? We lads were excited and maybe even a bit emotional. The game was on Saturday at 14.30 and my mum didn’t want to let me go because I had three important tests at school.

“Getting into fifth year was at stake. I got there just in time, and I remember that day with pleasure because I made my Serie A debut and scored my first goal.”

Socrates · March 3, 2017

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

3-1

José Callejon 36'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 47'

Gonzalo Higuaín 64'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 69'

COPPA ITALIA TIM - SEMIFINAL

Tuesday, February 28th 2017 - 8:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Napoli lose heads in Turin

The first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final showed a difference in mentality, writes Gaby McKay.

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http://www.football-italia.net/99029/napoli-lose-heads-turin

Mar 2, 2017

Napoli had the situation under control in Turin, but even if refereeing decisions made them angry, there was no excuse for completely losing their heads. Being a big team means having the mentality to ride out a storm.

“You know why the Yankees always win, Frank?” asks Christopher Walken’s Frank Abagnale Sr in ‘Catch Me If You Can’. “'Cause they have Mickey Mantle?” replies Leonardo Di Caprio’s Frank Abagnale Jr. “No, it's because the other teams can't stop staring at those damn pinstripes.”

Juventus aren’t unbeaten in Turin since August 2015 on reputation only. The Bianconeri are a winning machine, as evidenced by their five consecutive Scudetti. But the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final underlined Frank Jr’s point.

The first half was a fairly timid affair, with the Partenopei having the best of it. With the Old Lady looking unsteady on her feet in a 3-4-3 shape, Maurizio Sarri’s men deservedly took the lead through Jose Callejon. Here was the opportunity to not only put Napoli in the driving seat in the tie, but to provide a blueprint to beating Juve on home turf.

As so often happens though, the Bianconeri’s challengers were their own worst enemies. Napoli couldn’t stop staring at those damn black and white stripes.

Max Allegri changed things at half-time, introducing Juan Cuadrado in place of the angry but ineffective Stephan Lichtsteiner. It was an attacking change, but Maurizio Sarri’s men did the host’s work for them. Kalidou Koulibaly, so imperious in the first-half, dived in to a tackle he didn’t need to make. Paulo Dybala may have been theatrical, but the Senegal international had no need to make such a rash tackle and couldn’t complain when the whistle went for a penalty.

Dybala dusted himself down and dispatched the spot kick, but the Partenopei were still firmly in the game and, more importantly, the tie. Unfortunately, perhaps consumed by the narrative of the Juve penalty, Sarri’s side lost their heads.

Pepe Reina had been outstanding in the first half, but inexplicably came out for a cross he was never getting to and allowed Gonzalo Higuain to put the hosts in front. The Argentinian didn’t celebrate, but in reality he could have spit on a picture of Sophia Loren and booted a Diego Maradona doll into the crowd, Neapolitans wouldn't hate him any less.

Reina is a better goalkeeper and Napoli are a better side than they showed in conceding that goal, but it appears the hysteria around beating Juve can have an effect. Look at last season, before Higuain committed the ultimate betrayal.

The Partenopei, the Scudetto slipping away from them, were beaten 3-1 at Udinese, with Pipita sent-off, losing his cool and pushing the referee. Say what you like about the Bianconeri, they keep their heads when it matters.

As if to underline the point, the Vesuviani saw a credible claim for a penalty waved away when Raul Albiol went down under the challenge of Miralem Pjanic. It wasn’t a stonewaller, but the Neapolitans had every right to feel aggrieved.

However, a grievance doesn’t give licence to abandon all logical thought. Somewhat inevitably, Cuadrado raced up the other end and was brought down by Reina, with Dybala getting his second of the night.

Controversy will inevitably rage about the officiating, but the truth is that Napoli had the game under control at half-time. Even with the early second-half penalty, the away goals rule means a 1-1 draw would have been a decent result.

Instead they lost their heads, and allowed their most hated rivals to put another two goals past them, leaving the Partenopei with a mountain to climb at the San Paolo. It’s not beyond them, far from it, but it needn’t have been such a difficult task.

A cool-headed Napoli could have defended their fortress with an advantage in the tie. Now they must chase a result against the most ruthless team in Italy. Catch them if you can.

Socrates · March 3, 2017

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

3-1

José Callejon 36'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 47'

Gonzalo Higuaín 64'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 69'

COPPA ITALIA TIM - SEMIFINAL

Tuesday, February 28th 2017 - 8:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Ferrero: ‘Leave refs alone!’

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http://www.football-italia.net/99097/ferrero-‘leave-refs-alone’

Mar 2, 2017

Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero calls for Serie A referees to be left alone - “Juventus win because they’re well-run”.

Controversy over officiating has once again been ignited this week, after Daniele Doveri awarded the Bianconeri two penalties against Napoli in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final.

“All of us, myself first and foremost, have had our grievances with referees,” Ferrero admitted outside the Lega Serie A headquarters.

“They have a really difficult job though, so I stopped. We don’t need excuses, we’re giving them to players who don’t have any.

“Valeri is very good, two years ago he got it wrong against me but I didn’t start with this rhetoric. Let them work.

“Let’s talk about good things, let’s open the doors to fans and take away the tessera del tifoso. Everyone does this with Juventus, but in doing so we’re killing the League.

“Juve win because they’re a well-run club, we need to create a strong Lega, a more united house. Enough breaking the balls of referees.

“I don’t hate them [Juventus] because it’s the 11 men on the pitch who win. We have to be constructive off the pitch, and bitter enemies on it.

“We need to give a good impression, when incidents go against us we need to stay quiet.”

Socrates · March 3, 2017

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

3-1

José Callejon 36'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 47'

Gonzalo Higuaín 64'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 69'

COPPA ITALIA TIM - SEMIFINAL

Tuesday, February 28th 2017 - 8:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Rai: ‘Commentators not biased’

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http://www.football-italia.net/99100/rai-‘commentators-not-biased’

Mar 2, 2017

Rai Sport director Gabriele Romagnoli calls Napoli’s criticism of the network “absolutely exaggerated”.

The Partenopei were incensed by the refereeing in their defeat to Juventus on Tuesday, with the club’s official Twitter account declaring “if you’re watching the match on Rai, do it with the sound off”.

“It’s absolutely exaggerated, a hot-headed reaction,” Romagnoli told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I hope that, with cool heads we can realise that there was no bias in the commentary. Players, Coaches and sometimes referees decide matches, never the commentators.

“I don’t consider it to be interference, but an improper reaction. It’s like when a tennis player takes a shot, the umpire judges it to be out - rightly or wrongly - and the tennis player gets angry and smashes his racket.

“I wonder: what does the racket have to do with it?

“Fortunately the next game is in a month. I hope it can be understood that everyone is doing their job.

“I wouldn’t want there to be a climate of tension because of these incidents, perhaps with a risk of public disorder.

“I repeat: [Gianni] Cerqueti did his job well and it’ll be the same for the second leg.”

Socrates · March 3, 2017

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

3-1

José Callejon 36'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 47'

Gonzalo Higuaín 64'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 69'

COPPA ITALIA TIM - SEMIFINAL

Tuesday, February 28th 2017 - 8:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Cuadrado: ‘Reina flattened me’

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http://www.football-italia.net/99107/cuadrado-‘reina-flattened-me’

Mar 2, 2017

Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado believes his penalty against Napoli was justified - “Reina flattened me”.

Controversy has been raging ever since the Bianconeri’s 3-1 Coppa Italia win on Tuesday, as the Partenopei goalkeeper caught the ball with his elbow before hitting the Colombian.

“I could have gone a bit further,” Cuadrado explained to Sky.

“But then I felt [Pepe] Reina flattened me and I couldn’t do anything about it. These things happen in football though.

“The important thing is that we played a good game and maybe even deserved more, because we were the better team and I think that’s the most important thing.

“My impact? I don’t think it was just my input, it was the desire to get a result and turn the game around. Everyone’s contribution was decisive.”

The Bianconeri face Udinese at the weekend, the club which first brought Cuadrado to Italy.

“I had a good experience in Udine, because that was the team which allowed me to make the leap from Colombia to Europe.

“They had me adapt to tactics and I didn’t grow quickly, but it was a nice experience. I didn’t play much, but you always learn something.

“We know Udinese are a great team and they’ll definitely want to get a result, not least because of where they are in the table.

“It will definitely be difficult, but we’ll go there with the same determination as always to get a result.

“Every match is important, we need to try and win them all to stay as far away as possible from those who are chasing us.”

The former Chelsea man was also asked about the 4-2-3-1 system which has been adopted recently by Coach Max Allegri to great success.

“I must say I like it,” Cuadrado confirmed.

“Beyond formations I’ve always said that what matters is the hunger you bring, the determination, the desire to sacrifice and wanting to run to get a result.

“That’s what’s most important.”

Socrates · March 3, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Referee Damato for Udinese-Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/99096/banti-roma-napoli

Mar 2, 2017

Luca Banti has been announced as the referee for this weekend’s showdown between Roma and Napoli. Antonio Damato is the referee for Udinese-Juventus.

The second and third-placed team in Serie A meet at the Olimpico, in what could be a crucial match in determining the Scudetto race and the Champions League places.

Today the AIA has announced that Luca Banti will officiate, having taken charge of the Giallorossi’s Derby della Capitale win in December.

The Partenopei’s last game with the Livorno-native was a 1-0 win at Udinese on November 19.

Elsewhere, Marco Di Bello is the man in the middle as Inter visit Cagliari, while Daniele Doveri takes charge of Empoli-Genoa.

Serie A Week 27 referees:

Atalanta-Fiorentina - Marco Guida
Bologna-Lazio - Carmine Russo
Cagliari-Inter - Marco Di Bello
Crotone-Sassuolo - Michael Fabbri
Empoli-Genoa - Daniele Doveri
Milan-Chievo - Fabio Maresca
Roma-Napoli - Luca Banti
Sampdoria-Pescara - Fabrizio Pasqua
Torino-Palermo - Nicola Rizzoli
Udinese-Juventus - Antonio Damato

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

Socrates · March 3, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Sturaro out for Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/99106/sturaro-out-juventus

Mar 2, 2017

Juventus have confirmed that Stefano Sturaro is out of action with an abdominal injury, so he’ll miss Udinese.

The midfielder was left out of the squad for Tuesday night’s Coppa Italia game with Napoli, and underwent tests at Vinovo today.

“Following the tests carried out, Stefano Sturaro was found to be suffering from a muscular injury in his right abdominal area,” the Bianconeri confirmed in a statement.

“The player will be assessed daily and will be monitored with further medical scans next week.”

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

Socrates · March 3, 2017

Juve crowd fined, not Lazio fans

http://www.football-italia.net/99110/juve-crowd-fined-not-lazio-fans

Mar 2, 2017

Marco Parolo is suspended for the Coppa Italia semi-final against Roma, while Juventus are fined for anti-Neapolitan chants, but Lazio are not penalised for racist abuse.

The Disciplinary Commission gave its verdict after the first legs of the Coppa Italia semi-final this week.

Lazio midfielder Parolo will be banned for the second leg against Roma after picking up a yellow card, his second of the tournament.

The controversy will be in the fines handed – or not – to the clubs for the actions of their supporters.

The report confirms a racist chant was heard for around five seconds aimed at Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly at the Juventus Stadium, but that it was so brief and from such a small number of fans that it did not warrant a fine.

However, Juventus were fined €10,000 for a 20-second chant representing ‘territorial discrimination’ – abuse against those from the South of Italy.

On the other hand, the referee’s report confirms “repeated” racist noises aimed at Roma defender Antonio Rudiger, even after a statement over the tannoy system warned the game would be suspended if it continued.

Nonetheless, Lazio are not fined because it was “impossible to ascertain the number or percentage of the fans who joined in the chant.”

Socrates · March 5, 2017

Impressive Juventus Stake Claim for Champions League Glory

http://www.juvefc.com/impressive-juventus-stake-claim-champions-league-glory/

Mar 4, 2017

The Champions League looks wide open this year and a number of teams look to be in the race for Europe’s most prestigious football trophy. Juventus are one of those teams and they staked their claim during their first knockout game, a game they won away from home against Porto 2-0, all but sealing their place in the next round.

Juventus are currently 7/1 to lift the Champions League which is a big price, especially when you consider the fact they already have one foot in the last eight of the competition. Long time favourites for the competition, Barcelona, have a daunting four goal deficit to turn around in their second leg, something that has opened up the tournament.

In the group stages of the competition, Juventus were very impressive and went through the group unbeaten. They won four games and drew two, conceding just two goals in those six games. They continued their good form in the first game of the knockout stage, beating Porto 2-0. With Porto needing to travel to Juventus for the return leg, anything other than Juventus qualifying for the next round would be a huge shock. Porto need to score twice in the second leg, while Juventus have only conceded two goals in seven Champions League games this season, so that looks a very tall order for the Portuguese team.

Domestically it is much of the same for Juventus, who are clear at the top of Serie A. They hold the record for the most number of consecutive home wins and their most recent win against Empoli took that record to 30, an astounding number. The last time they were beaten at home was on the opening day of the 2015/16 season.

Gonzalo Higuain has been the leading light for Juventus this season and has scored 19 domestic goals, along with a further three in the Champions League. His form will be crucial if Juventus are to lift a Champions League title, but so far the signs from him are very good.

Things are looking bright at Juventus for Massimiliano Allegri’s men and you wouldn’t bet against them lifting multiple trophies this season. The Champions League is the biggest price of all and on form this season they are certainly in with a great chance. With one foot already in the quarterfinals the price of 7/1 could look very generous in a few weeks.

If you would like to place a bet on Juventus, visit FanBet.com for a wide range of excellent betting sites, featuring ongoing promotions, reviews and free bonus offers.

Socrates · March 5, 2017

Rummenigge: 'Bayern avoid Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/99176/rummenigge-bayern-avoid-juventus

Mar 4, 2017

Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge wants to avoid Juventus in the Champions League, then discussed the future of Kingsley Coman and Medhi Benatia.

“In the Champions League, you have to take it one step at a time,” the German legend told Tuttosport.

“The big clubs want to meet each other as late as possible in the competition, so hopefully we won’t run into Juventus for a while yet.

“We have not forgotten last season’s two games, both very interesting and we were a bit lucky too. In Munich it seemed to be lost, but in the end we managed to open it back up and go through.

“When Andrea Agnelli became President and sparked the post-Calciopoli rebirth of Juventus, he was inspired by Germany, the Bayern model and how we interpret the business. We are not like the English and Spanish clubs, as above all we must run the club independently, without sheikhs or oligarchs who pay the bills.

“Andrea did so well to take Juve back to where they belong. He is very professional and chose excellent collaborators like Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici.”

The two clubs engaged in several transfer deals, including Arturo Vidal, Coman and Benatia.

“We had wanted Vidal for years, but Bayer Leverkusen preferred to sell him to Juve rather than to us,” continued Rummenigge.

“At the very first chance, I managed to get him. He is one of the signings I am most proud of. He’s a guarantee on the pitch and an important figure in the locker room too. He has changed his night-time habits too.

“With Coman we have an option that is valid until April 30. He had a few difficulties after the Euros, but lately has returned to his usual level. We will probably activate the option to buy.

“Benatia’s talent cannot be debated, but unfortunately he has been penalised by some physical problems. In any case, I think he will stay in Turin, as we have a pretty clear agreement with Juventus.

“Bayern did not try to sign Paulo Dybala when he was at Palermo, but only because we have a different market strategy. Dybala is talented, but we already had so many in that area. Leo Messi is unique, but it’s true that Dybala is proving himself to be very good.”

The German Champions currently have an Italian tactician on their bench.

“In the last six or seven years we’ve been fortunate with our Coaches. We’re very happy with Carlo Ancelotti, as he never complains. We speak to each other in Italian, but his German is improving. When we go to dinner, it’s like we change places – he prefers Bavarian dishes like pork, whereas I adore pasta and your mozzarella with tomato.

“Could we lose him to Barcelona? No, anyone who has been a Coach at Real Madrid cannot go to Barcelona, and vice versa.”

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Allegri: 'My future is not interesting'

http://www.football-italia.net/99189/allegri-my-future-not-interesting

Mar 4, 2017

Max Allegri prepares Juventus for Udinese, but insists “nobody is interested in my future. When the moment clubs, I’ll talk to the club and decide.”

It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

No Press conference is complete now without Allegri being asked about his future amid Arsenal rumours, but this time he was a little less decisive.

“Right now, at this moment, we are focused on what happens this season and so to talk about what I’m going to do is of little interest to anyone,” replied Allegri.

“The Juventus fans are interested in what the team does and what the team can win. Last year I met the President and told him I would stay, that when the moment comes I will talk to the club and we’ll decide.

“I have a contract to 2018, but now we have to focus on this very important period of the season, concentrating on Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia without thinking of what will happen next year.

“Right now nobody is interested in what my future holds. The important thing is to be aware we can go all the way in all three competitions.

“I haven’t even thought about planning the future, let alone motivation for next year. The most important thing is to focus on the game with Udinese.”

Allegri has Medhi Benatia and Claudio Marchisio available again, but promised not to rotate the squad too much against Udinese.

“Tomorrow I will field my best possible line-up, taking into account that we have had quite a few games in quick succession. We’ve had four days to rest, there will be some returning. Upfront it’s the usual choices, for the rest we’ll see.

“Gonzalo Higuain will play tomorrow, but I cannot say about the next game. The important thing is that the team is in good shape and more or less everyone has played recently, so that’s an advantage for us.

“Marchisio is doing well, he will play tomorrow in the two-man midfield, but I still have to decide who to start tomorrow. This is going to be a difficult game, very physical against a side that gives its best under pressure.

“We need many more victories to secure the Scudetto and danger is always around the corner. I have a doubt between Benatia and Giorgio Chiellini.

“Last season we won in Udine and went into the Champions League zone. Now we are coming off a series of victories and need another one. It’s a complicated match that could give us a boost for the future. Seasons are decided in March, not September.

Juventus squad for Udinese: Buffon, Neto, Audero; Chiellini, Benatia, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Bonucci, Dani Alves, Rugani, Lichtsteiner; Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Marchisio, Asamoah, Rincon; Higuain, Mandzukic, Pjaca, Dybala

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

UDINESE-JUVENTUS

Match Preview

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88091

Mar 4, 2017

Udinese are in free fall and unlikely to halt their slide as they host a rampant Juventus at the Dacia Arena.

The Zebrette are in wretched form, suffering three straight defeats and without a win since a 2-1 home triumph against Milan on January 29. Their poor form is not a mere blip and the Friuliani have taken only five points from nine rounds, sliding to 14th place in the table. Possibly most worryingly of all for Coach Luigi Del Neri is that they have been absolutely toothless in attack during this run, scoring only four times.

On the contrary, five in a row Scudetto winners Juventus have been ruthless and efficient since an away defeat to Fiorentina on January 15. After that setback, Coach Max Allegri decided to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation and the results have been emphatic. The Bianconeri have since won six in a row in Serie A plus three more in the Coppa Italia and Champions League, leaving them within touching distance of the Coppa Final and the Champions League last eight. Allegri's men also currently enjoy a seven-point lead over second placed Roma in the Scudetto race and confidence is sky high amongst his squad.

Del Neri will likely shape the home side in a 4-3-3 formation against the Champions on Sunday. La Vecchia Signora are renowned for being miserly in defence and penetrating their rearguard will be a massive challenge for Udinese. They will surely look to Rodrigo De Paul, returning from suspension, to attack from the right flank and encourage Duvan Zapata and Cyril Thereau to exploit any chance to peel on to the brilliant but diminutive Dani Alves at the back post.

Massive responsibility will be placed on the shoulders of experienced Brazilian defensive duo Danilo and Felipe to ensure The Zebrette are compact and resilient. Udinese are suspension-free, as Emil Hallfredsson also returns, but Marco Faraoni will face a fitness test to determine his availability.

Juventus are almost certain to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation that has served them so well of late. Free-scoring, summer signing Gonzalo Higuaín will be supported by Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic in attack. This formation can put a heavy burden on midfield duo Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira, and the work rate of Cuadrado and Mandzukic will be essential in helping out. Allegri has a full squad at his disposal with no injuries or suspensions to contend with.

Perhaps not even the most optimistic Udinese supporter expects them to obtain a positive result in this fixture. Juventus look as ravenous for success as ever and one cannot see them allowing Del Neri's struggling side to stand in the way of their six in a row Scudetto dream.

Keep an eye on: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) - His pace, intelligence and technique give the Bianconeri options galore. His critics, however, feel he has to do more away from home. He has scored all but one of his seven Serie A strikes in Turin so far this campaign. He surely has too much class to let these quiet away days continue.

Last season: Udinese 0-4 Juventus

Stat fact: Udinese haven't triumphed in this fixture since a 3-0 win against The Old Lady in April 2010. They have drawn twice and lost four of the last six meetings in Udine, scoring just one goal and conceding 14.

Top Tip: Juventus to win to nil

Udinese (probable): Karnezis; Widmer, Danilo, Felipe, Samir; Badu, Kums, Fofana; De Paul, Duvan Zapata, Thereau

Suspended: None

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Alves, Bonucci, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Suspended: None

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Allegri: We are fully focused on our objectives

Manager’s comments during his pre-match press conference

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/4/14813556/allegri-we-are-

fully-focused-on-our-objectives-pre-match-comments-udinese

Mar 4, 2017

Juventus take on Udinese tomorrow in the Serie A, knowing what they need to do to extend their lead at the top of the table after second-placed Roma take on Napoli today. Manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the media in his pre-match conference, and maintained that the club was not taking anything for granted.

He has had to face plenty of questions in recent times about his future, and was asked again about his links to the Arsenal job.

“Right now, at this moment, we are focused on what happens this season and so to talk about what I’m going to do is of little interest to anyone.

“The Juventus fans are interested in what the team does and what the team can win. Last year I met the President and told him I would stay, that when the moment comes I will talk to the club and we’ll decide.

“I have a contract to 2018, but now we have to focus on this very important period of the season, concentrating on Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia without thinking of what will happen next year.

“Right now nobody is interested in what my future holds. The important thing is to be aware we can go all the way in all three competitions.

“I haven’t even thought about planning the future, let alone motivation for next year. The most important thing is to focus on the game with Udinese.”

With more players now fit, will Allegri be changing things up for the Udinese game?

“Tomorrow I will field my best possible line-up, taking into account that we have had quite a few games in quick succession. We’ve had four days to rest, there will be some returning. Upfront it’s the usual choices, for the rest we’ll see.

“Gonzalo Higuain will play tomorrow, but I cannot say about the next game. The important thing is that the team is in good shape and more or less everyone has played recently, so that’s an advantage for us.

“Claudio Marchisio is doing well, he will play tomorrow in the two-man midfield, but I still have to decide who to start tomorrow. This is going to be a difficult game, very physical against a side that gives its best under pressure.

“We need many more victories to secure the Scudetto and danger is always around the corner. I have a doubt between Mehdi Benatia and Giorgio Chiellini.

“Last season we won in Udine and went into the Champions League zone. Now we are coming off a series of victories and need another one. It’s a complicated match that could give us a boost for the future. Seasons are decided in March, not September.”

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Udinese vs Juventus Match Preview

http://www.juvefc.com/udinese-vs-juventus-match-preview-scouting/

Mar 4, 2017

Udinese v Juventus

Serie A Week 27 – Sunday, 5th March – 14:00 GMT – Stadio Friuli

Juventus

Besides the pointless complains about the refereeing, the Coppa Italia tilt against Napoli was very compelling and revealing. Juventus started the game with a 3-4-1-2, or something similar, only to find out very soon that scheme with a three-man defence does not work anymore. Napoli were better in the first half and found the first goal with a well-designed action, where Kwadwo Asamoah was caught out of position. Luckily, the second half was much better and the squad gained a commanding lead ahead of the return leg, which will be played in a month.

My takeaway is that at this point of the year there is no time to improvise new formations: the coaching staff needs to ride 4-2-3-1, which has become indispensable in so little time, and eventually scale it back from a defensive standpoint during the games as they have often done effectively over the last month. The team has conceded very little with this tactic and Giorgio Chiellini explained why very clearly: even though they are not very stout on paper, they are more aggressive and especially more compact, there is much more density and that makes it easier to win the ball back and makes the defence less exposed to counter-attacks.

On Sunday, the Juventus will face Udinese at the regular time (3 pm in Italy), something that I despise very much but likely does not happen that often. The next match will be on Friday, so the lads will have a good amount of time to recover. However, it looks like the squad will be rotating heavily once again.

Gianluigi Buffon will be on goal, while the competion to start in the defence is pretty much wide open. Dani Alves and Alex Sandro are the favourites on the flanks, while there is much more uncertainty about the center-backs. The coach stated that he will choose between Giorgio Chiellini and Medhi Benatia, but it is not quite sure who their partner would be as it is not a slam dunk that Leonardo Bonucci will start. Benatia is a former Udinese player, so he could have extra motivation.

In the midfield, Stefano Sturaro will be sidelined because of a mild abdomen injury. I will have to say that him being used out of position has been my least favourite detail since the tactical switch, however the squad is thin upfront so we will have to live with that. Claudio Marchisio was held out of the Napoli bout but it was a really minor knee ailment and he is available and is the frontrunner to start, especially should Miralem Pjanic be rested. Tomas Rincon is the other option.

For a brief moment yesterday, it looked like Gonzalo Higuain was headed to the bench, but then the reports corrected the course and he is slated to start. Obviously, he is the one that played the most lately but I do not think this role is particularly tiring for him. Then, of course, he is thriving and that can make the fatigue go away. Massimiliano Allegri confirmed in the pre-game presser that the attack will remain the same as the last few matches.

Probable lineup:

4-2-3-1: Buffon; Alves, Benatia, Bonucci, Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain.

Injuries:

Sturaro (abdomen), Mandragora (foot)

Suspensions:

None.

Udinese

Udinese are having a very uninspiring year: they are in fourteenth position and they have lost three games in a row. Their appointments have been rather boring: first Giuseppe Iachini and then Luigi Delneri. Themaudacious team from the four-five years ago seems long gone. They have unearthed some good players, but not some franchise-altering ones.

Rodrigo De Paul has been up and down all year, bouncing from position to position. Delneri is using him as right winger: he has some interesting dribbling skills, but he is not very quick and he is not a good finisher at all. He is a decent contributor, but not a game-wrecker. Adalberto Penaranda did not pan out and was sent back to Watford. Jakub Jankto, who was extremely solid at Ascoli last season, has grown into a dependable player and he is also rather versatile. The most interesting addition was Seko Fofana, a very elegant yet physical midfielder that they will be able to profit on in a big way.

They will be without Assane Gnoukouri, who unfortunately has been diagnosed with a heart condition right after his loan move in January, Davide Faraoni and Lucas Evangelista because of knee injuries. They are not starters. However, their leader Cyril Thereau is questionable and might miss the game: he routinely trains on his own for the whole week but the pre-game practice because of nagging knee problems, but this time around he has not re-joined the rest of the group on Friday. Delneri has confirmed that he will not play and will be spared for more feasibile match-ups.

They have few options to replace him: the most defensive one is Jantko, a winger turned into box-to-box midfield, in the trident. The other ones are Stipe Perica and Ryder Matos, who are definitely more offensive-minded. Nonetheless, they lose a lot both in playmaking and scoring without the French forward, who has carried them with nine goals since late October.

The defence will be very stingy and experienced: Silvan Widmer, Danilo, Felipe and Samir. Emil Hallfredsson has missed the last game because of a suspension but should return in his new role as deep-lying midfielder, supplanting Sven Kums. With Jankto more advanced, the midfield will be completed by Emmanuel Badu and Fofana. In the attack, the lack of scoring by Duvan Zapata has been an issue, but he remains a force to be reckon with because he is so muscular.

Their counter-attacking game is predictably very strong and almost their only source of offense. They have few long-distance shooters and also a good number of tall players good in the air, so Juventus will have to be very careful on set pieces. They will probably deploy a very conservative game plan, so the guys will have to take their time to work around the defence.

Probable lineup:

4-2-3-1: Karnezis; Widmer, Danilo, Felipe, Samir; Badu, Hallfredsson, Fofana; De Paul, Zapata, Jankto.

Injuries:

Thereau (knee), Gnoukouri (heart), Faraoni (knee), Evangelista (knee).

Suspensions:

None.

Formation

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

Roma's Luciano Spalletti: 'Very hard'

to catch Juventus after loss to Napoli

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3075119/romas-luciano

-spalletti-very-hard-to-catch-juventus-after-loss-to-napoli

Mar 5, 2017

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti conceded it is now going to be "very hard" for his side to overhaul Juventus in the race for the Scudetto after losing 2-1 at home to Napoli.

Dries Mertens scored twice as Napoli held on for victory to move within two points of Roma and nine behind Juventus, who travel to Udinese on Sunday.

Roma, who had won eight of nine Serie A matches coming into the weekend, produced a late rally with a goal from Kevin Strootman before Napoli goalkeeper Jose Reina made a superb stoppage-time save to push a deflected shot from Diego Perotti onto the crossbar.

But the hosts could not find a leveller and Spalletti accepts making up the difference to Juve, which could stand at 10 points after the weekend's games, may well prove too big a task.

"The championship will depend on Juventus, but it is going to be tough and very hard," Spalletti said. "When you are defeated in these clashes with direct rivals, it can overturn the morale and enthusiasm.

"However, our team is strong, so are Napoli, and there are a lot of things which can happen. We are there to play, thinking in the right way, but we face problems with consistency.

"There are lots of tricky games still to be played so we have to get on with it, maintaining the right mentality."

Spalletti had opted to rest the likes of Mohamed Salah and Emerson Palmieri, perhaps with one eye on next week's Europa League tie against Lyon.

However, the Roma coach refused to offer up fatigue as a reason behind the defeat for his squad, which suffered a midweek loss in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia to city rivals Lazio.

"We can't use tiredness as an excuse today. We all saw the way these players finished the game," Spalletti said, quoted on the club's official website. "Napoli were quicker and moved the ball about better than us in the first half.

"We weren't able to find space between the lines or raise the tempo, which would have prevented them from taking up good positions and making it hard for us to regain possession.

"Napoli deserved their lead in the first half because they were better than us. It was a totally different game in the second half and luck came into it a little too."

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Del Neri wants to take on Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/99219/del-neri-wants-take-juve

Mar 5, 2017

Luigi Del Neri wants Udinese to take the game to Juventus when the two sides meet this afternoon.

Max Allegri's team have the opportunity to go 10 points clear at the top of Serie A at the Stadio Friuli, while the hosts have lost their last three matches and lie in fourteenth place.

However, speaking at a Press conference, Del Neri insisted his players' recent displays have been positive as he prepares to face his former club.

"We need to take Juve on. Waiting for them would be a mistake," the tactician commented.

"On the technical side of things, they are better. We will be relying on the physical side.

"The team is giving me positive responses match after match. Against Lazio we showed a lot.

"The motivation is there because of the name of our opponents, we need to have great balance."

Del Neri also confirmed that forward Cyril Thereau will not feature against the Old Lady.

"Thereau won't play, I have given him a rest. He deserves respect despite this period, I would prefer to have him at his peak for the coming games.

"His absence could mean we change our formation, I haven't decided yet."

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Line-ups: Udinese-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/99229/line-ups-udinese-juventus

Mar 5, 2017

Juventus make some adjustments, but stick with the super strike force including Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala away to Udinese.

It kicks off at the Dacia Arena at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

The Bianconeri have the opportunity to go 10 points clear at the top of the table with a victory, as yesterday Napoli beat second-placed Roma 2-1 at the Olimpico thanks to a Dries Mertens double.

Max Allegri warned he would keep squad rotation to a minimum, even though this is on paper the easiest of the fixtures during a packed schedule.

Higuain continues to lead the way with support from Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado.

Stefano Sturaro is out injured, but Miralem Pjanic does start with Sami Khedira.

The adjustments were expected in defence, but Dani Alves is the only real change, resting Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Allegri was supposed to rest Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, as they are one booking away from suspension and next Friday it’s Juventus-Milan.

Udinese have Emil Hallfredsson and Rodrigo De Paul back from suspension after their slender and controversial 1-0 defeat to Lazio, decided by a dubious Ciro Immobile penalty.

Cyril Thereau is nursing an injury and does not start, so Seko Fofana and Jakub Jankto are in midfield with Stipe Perica, on loan from Chelsea, supporting Duvan Zapata.

It has been a rough time recently for ex-Juve Coach Gigi Del Neri, as Udinese have one point from the last four rounds, in which they scored only one goal and conceded six.

The Friulani enjoyed one victory – 2-1 over Milan – and two goalless draws in their last 10 Serie A games.

Juventus are unbeaten in Udine since a 3-0 hammering in April 2010, followed by two draws and four defeats.

In that period, the hosts scored one goal and conceded 14.

Udinese: Karnezis; Widmer, Danilo, Felipe, Samir; Jankto, De Paul, Hallfredsson, Fofana; Duvan Zapata, Perica

Juventus: Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Higuain: 'Opportunity for Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/99231/higuain-opportunity-juventus

Mar 5, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain warns Juventus that their trip to Udinese is “one more victory that will take us closer to the Scudetto.”

It kicks off at the Dacia Arena at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

“This is an opportunity we have in our hands and we hope to make the most of it,” Pipita told JTV.

A win here would move Juventus 10 points clear at the top of the table, as Napoli beat second-placed Roma 2-1 on Saturday.

“It would be a big cushion from the chasing pack, so we need the perfect performance this afternoon.

“It’s a difficult stadium to play in, Udinese are tough and tend to start strong, so it all depends on our attitude. We’ve got to play the way we have been doing.

“It’s one more victory that will take us closer to the Scudetto.”

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

Marotta: 'Allegri is our Coach now'

http://www.football-italia.net/99234/marotta-allegri-our-coach-now

Mar 5, 2017

Juventus director Beppe Marotta refused to comment on Max Allegri’s future and hailed “great professional” Leonardo Bonucci.

The Bianconeri visit Udinese this afternoon and have the opportunity to go 10 points clear at the top after Napoli beat Roma 2-1 yesterday.

“I don’t think it’s a match-point for the Scudetto, as there is a long way to go and many points still up for grabs.

“In any case, we still have to win, as we are far from the final strait,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

English papers continue to suggest Allegri has already reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal.

“Allegri is our Coach and we are concentrated on the end of this season,” was Marotta’s only response.

Bonucci also spoke to the media about his future and said it depended on Juventus.

“Bonucci’s comments were those of a great professional. Saying his future is in the hands of the club is a very wise statement, proving the club comes above all else and when signing a contract, a player has to listen to his club.”

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 27

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

HT 1-0: Duvan Zapata stuns Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/99235/ht-duvan-zapata-stuns-juve

Mar 5, 2017

Duvan Zapata out-muscled Leonardo Bonucci to give Udinese a surprise half-time lead over Juventus.

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

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

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

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

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

Gigi Del Neri lost Fofana to injury, but the visitors struggled to mount much of a comeback.

Udinese 1-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Duvan Zapata 37 (U)

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

Juventus: Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Ref: Damato

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

1-1

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

MATCHDAY 27

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

Udinese 1-1 Juventus: Bonucci earns

draw but winning streak ends

The Italy defender popped up with the equalising goal in the second half

to ensure his side narrowly increased their lead at the top of Serie A.

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/k9gkfb.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/udinese-vs-juventus/2306016/report

Mar 5, 2017

Juventus missed the chance to go 10 points clear at the top of Serie A after being held to a 1-1 draw by Udinese.

Duvan Zapata scored the opening goal after 37 minutes and it was no more than the home side deserved as Luigi Delneri's men looked the better team for long periods at the Stadio Communale Friuli.

Massimiliano Allegri's champions looked disjointed and lacked their usual fluency in attack, while Udinese's pressing game and well-organised defence further restricted their opportunities to score.

The equaliser left a sour taste for Udinese, who felt that Dani Alves did not deserve to win the free-kick that Paulo Dybala landed on the head of Leonardo Bonucci, who scored with aplomb.

Delneri was sent to the stands for his protests in the aftermath of the goal, but he watched his side hold out for a deserved point while Juventus laboured to their first draw of an otherwise impressive Serie A season.

Juventus tried to patiently unpick Udinese early on, first testing goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis when Miralem Pjanic struck a speculative 25-yard shot that was comfortably saved, but Seko Fofana's dangerous counter-attacks disrupted the league leaders' flow.

Fofana linked up well with Rodrigo de Paul to create space around the Juventus box and Bianconeri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon dealt with a couple of early shots that skidded off the slick surface.

Udinese were dealt a hammer blow when Fofana's afternoon ended prematurely due to an ankle injury sustained in a challenge with Alex Sandro, but before Delneri could send on a replacement his side took the lead.

The goal was all down to the determination of Zapata, who outmuscled and outpaced Bonucci on his way into the box before drilling a low shot that squirmed under the body of Buffon and into the net.

Leonardo Bonucci celebrates his scoring Udinese Juventus Serie A 05032017

Duvan Zapata Udinese Juventus Serie A

Juventus had barely threatened the Udinese goal before they scored the equaliser in controversial circumstances on the hour mark.

Alves won a free-kick after going down under an innocuous-looking challenge from Stipe Perica, and Dybala subsequently crossed to the far post where Bonucci powered the ball into the net from close range.

Udinese attempted to restore their lead immediately and Jakub Jankto's looping free-kick found Danilo, whose header struck the post before Juventus cleared their lines.

Bonucci came to the rescue for a second time but in his customary defensive role when Zapata broke down the left and crossed towards his onrushing team-mates, but the Juventus goal-scorer stretched out a leg to turn the ball out for a corner.

Delneri rang the changes in the closing stages, sending on a raft of defensive players to see out the draw, while Allegri was left to reflect on a performance that will need to be bettered if Juventus are to win their forthcoming clash with AC Milan.

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

1-1

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

MATCHDAY 27

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

Udinese 1-1 Juventus: Player ratings

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/2z7iced.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/udinese-vs-juventus/2306016/ratings

Mar 5, 2017

TEAM RATINGS

Udinese

1O. Karnezis
Didn't have too many saves to make in what was a fairly simple contest for a goalkeeper that may have expected to be busy
3Samir
Made a couple of great blocks and was equally happy to use his athleticism to burst down the left-hand side on the attack
5Danilo
Kept Higuain very quiet throughout the entire 90 minutes, and the experienced Brazilian also hit the post with a header
30Felipe
Strong in the air and formed a good partnership with Danilo, as the pair didn't allowed Dybala nor Higuain any space
6S. Fofana
Went on a few excellent bustling runs in the first half, but was substituted after turning his ankle nastily
14J. Jankto
Showed real energy and stamina, as the midfielder was often the first man to race forward to support counter-attacks
23E. Hallfreðsson
Calm and composed at the base of midfield, and was always quick to make interceptions in and around the area
10R. de Paul
Drifted infield from the right-hand side dangerously at times, but didn't quite have the cutting edge required to make an impact
27S. Widmer
Marshalled his back post fairly well throughout the second half, showing composure even when given Mandzukic to deal with
18S. Perica
Full of running and pressed well. Had an ongoing battle against Dani Alves throughout the 90 minutes offensively
9D. Zapata
Took his goal beautifully and was a brilliant focal point for Udinese, using his frame and power to cause Bonucci problems

Juventus

Substitutes

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

Socrates · March 5, 2017

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

1-1

Duvan Zapata 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 60'

MATCHDAY 27

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

Leonardo Bonucci rescues point for

below-par Juventus at Udinese

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/jrv5s1.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461034

Mar 5, 2017

Juventus saw a nine-game winning run come to an end as they were held 1-1 by Udinese at the Stadio Communale Friuli.

Serie A leaders Juve could have gone 10 points clear at the top with victory, following second-placed Roma's loss to Napoli on Saturday, but they will settle for a point having fought back to rescue a draw.

Duvan Zapata put Udinese in front on 37 minutes, against a Juventus side lacking their usual fluency and understanding, holding off Leonardo Bonucci and beating Gianluigi Buffon at the near post.

The Bianconeri pulled level after an hour when a Paulo Dybala free kick was headed home by Leonardo Bonucci.

Udinese coach Luigi Delneri was dismissed immediately after for dissent.

The hosts almost restored their lead two minutes later but Danilo's header came off the base of the left post, although it looked as if Buffon had it covered.

That result, a first draw of the season for Massimiliano Allegri's side, who have won 22 of 27 Serie A games to date, leaves them eight points clear with 12 fixtures remaining.

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

Accedi

JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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