JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'It was a penalty'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99489/pjanic-it-was-penalty

 

 

Mar 10, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic insists Juventus “deserved the victory and it was a penalty” in the final minute to beat Milan 2-1.

 

There was controversy in Turin this evening when Stephan Lichtsteiner’s shot struck Mattia De Sciglio on the arm from point-blank range, leading to a Paulo Dybala spot-kick.

 

“I was close to it and I saw the arm was a little bit outstretched on the cross, the referee evaluated it like that and it was a penalty,” Pjanic told Mediaset Premium.

 

“We played a good game, never gave in against an impressive Milan side and we have to compliment them on their performance too. We deserved the victory.”

 

At the final whistle, Gianluigi Donnarumma told reporters: “It’s not possible. It’s always them!”

 

“I don’t know what he was referring to, honestly,” replied Pjanic. “When we met at San Siro, they disallowed our perfectly valid goal and this season we played each other four times, winning two each.”

 

Milan beat Juventus 1-0 at San Siro and won a penalty shoot-out in the Italian Super Cup in Doha back in December.

 

Juve responded by knocking the Rossoneri out of the Coppa Italia quarter-final and with this evening’s Serie A success.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Dybala: AC Milan Have Complained

About Juventus For Six Years

 

  

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/03/dybala-ac-

milan-have-complained-about-juventus-for-six-years/

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

After his stoppage time penalty sealed a 2-1 win over AC Milan, Juventus forward Paulo Dybala dismissed complaints as bitterness.

The Argentina international dispatched his spotkick in the 96th minute of a closely fought affair, after Mattia De Sciglio was controversially adjudged to have handled in the area.

However, Dybala has brushed off Rossoneri protests and claimed that Milan have been bitter since an incident in 2011, when a Sulley Muntari strike against Juventus was not given, despite clearly crossing the line.

“By now we are used to the complaints when these things happen,” the former Palermo forward insisted to Sky Sport Italia. “Nobody will talk about the penalty that we should have had from [Cristian] Zapata in the first half.

“It has been six years that they have been complaining about Juventus. I think they need to find new excuses and not always talk about referees.”

Juventus’ victory moves them 11 points clear at the top of Serie A, as they close in on a sixth consecutive Scudetto.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Deulofeu, Bacca link up again but Milan

fall to Juve on controversial penalty

 

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/ac-milan/103/blog/post/3079485/gerard-deulofeu-and-

carlos-bacca-link-up-again-but-ac-milan-fall-to-juventus-on-controversial-penalty-call

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

AC Milan fell to an agonising 2-1 defeat to Juventus in Turin on Friday night, with Paulo Dybala scoring with the last kick of the game following a controversial penalty decision. Carlos Bacca had earlier cancelled out Medhi Benatia's opener, but it wasn't enough as debate will rage over whether or not the correct decision was made at the death.

Positives

It's evident that there is still a gap in quality between these two teams, but Milan showed grit, determination and unrivalled desire to take something from this game. Every player worked tirelessly off the ball, and they deserved a point after putting in a brilliant shift.

Negatives

The Milan midfield was never able to really take control of the game, and that ultimately led to plenty of pressure from Juventus. Further, with a clear emphasis on counter-attacking, the Rossoneri weren't able to consistently match the quality they showed in the move that led to their goal.

Manager rating out of 10

8 -- Vincenzo Montella made the right changes at the right times. Coupled with the fact that he set the team up well to frustrate Juve and break their rhythm, he also showed his class with his post-match comments as he noted; "Complaining doesn't get you anywhere. It's pointless. We have to focus, stay calm and accept referees make mistakes."

Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):

GK Gianluigi Donnarumma, 8 -- Nothing that the youngster could have done to stop Benatia, and lost count of the number of top saves that he made throughout the game. Still have to pinch yourself over the fact that he's just 18 as he produced a world-class performance.

DF Cristian Zapata, 6 -- Put into context in that he was played out of position at right-back, it was a decent performance from the Colombian defender. Rarely emerged as an attacking threat though and was given a tough night by Marko Pjaca.

DF Gabriel Paletta, 7 -- Along with Zapata and Romagnoli, can pick holes in terms of the backline's inability to prevent the two goals. Aside from that though, he kept Gonzalo Higuain relatively quiet with a solid display.

DF Alessio Romagnoli, 7 -- As mentioned above, could have been more alert to Benatia for the first goal, but focused thereafter and contributed significantly to a tight-knit defensive effort to keep Juve at bay until the last-gasp penalty incident.

DF Mattia De Sciglio, 7 -- Given the captain's armband, there seems to be a more commanding and assured presence about the full-back. Was lucky not to see an error pounced on in the second half, and will feel rightly aggrieved over the penalty incident.

MF Mario Pasalic, 6 -- Take his wonderful pass into the path of Gerard Deulofeu in the build-up to Milan's goal away, this was an average display from the loanee. Can't be faulted for work rate as he covered so much ground, but nowhere near enough quality on the ball.

MF Jose Sosa, 6 -- Of the three midfielders, Sosa looked good with his sharp passing and clever runs between the lines to get Milan moving forward. However, ruined his night by picking up a silly second yellow card late on and now will face another suspension.

MF Andrea Bertolacci, 6 -- Similarly to Pasalic, he battled hard in midfield and in many ways was crucial in unsettling Juve with his work off the ball. However, that only gets Milan so far as they need more from him on the ball to dominate a game.

FW Lucas Ocampos, 6 -- Struggled badly in the first half as he lost possession on countless occasions trying to get past his man. However, he never stopped running and he should be given credit for that, as his energy and desire up front was much needed.

FW Carlos Bacca, 7 -- Worked hard off the ball and was active in terms of making runs and trying to get in behind the Juve defence. Scored his fourth goal in his last three Serie A games, but could now face a spell on the sidelines as it's hoped his injury isn't too serious.

FW Gerard Deulofeu, 7 -- Aside from the booking for diving, the Spaniard was once again one of Milan's best performers and always looked a threat. With his pace, direct running and runs off the ball, he's finding his feet with the Rossoneri and he's working hard to help out defensively too.

Substitutes

MF Juraj Kucka, 6 -- Did the job that was expected of him as he added steel to the Milan midfield and more energy to try and limit Juve.

MF Andrea Poli, NR -- Similarly to Kucka, he was brought on to disrupt the home side and covered ground well with his energy and tenacious nature.

DF Leonel Vangioni, N/A -- A late introduction, he had little to no time to impact the game.

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Allegri: I never comment on refereeing incidents

 

 

Manager’s post-match comments after late penalty seals the win for Juve

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/11/14890266/allegri-i-never

-comment-on-refereeing-incidents-juventus-2-milan-1-referee-penalty

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said after today’s controversial 2-1 win over AC Milan that the right team had won the game, despite how the result had been achieved. Allegri, who had previously been the manager of the Rossoneri, insisted that decisions such as the late penalty that allowed Juve to get ahead work themselves out over the season.

He didn’t even watch the winner go again as he was already in the tunnel going to the changing rooms.

“The game was over… I was already in the tunnel and I preferred not to see the penalty. We were going to either win or draw. Paulo Dybala did well, because it’s never easy to put a penalty past Gianluigi Donnarumma, especially in the form he was in tonight with some remarkable saves.”

When asked if he thought the handball that led to the penalty was deserving of the punishment, he said -

“I never comment on refereeing incidents, whether in our favour or against. The officials were close by, if they gave it, then that was their decision. Incidents go for and against, that’s football, and I didn’t sit here complaining about penalties against Udinese. I said we played badly and deserved no more than a point.

“Tonight Juve deserved the win, we played better than Milan overall, even if this is a side that never gives up and kept standing under great pressure.

“What I care about is that it was a good performance, one of our best this season, and we are closer to a sixth consecutive Scudetto. You don’t get 70 points just like that. This year when we had incidents go against us, we didn’t stir up chaos.”

That last statement seemed to be a direct reference to how Donnarumma and striker Carlos Bacca challenged the referee Davide Massa, with Bacca in particular having to be physically kept away by Milan manager Vincenzo Montella.

“In the second half we allowed a few too many counter-attacks, but had already created several chances to take the lead. The team played well, we had numerous shots on and off target, keeping the fans entertained, but we need to be more solid in defence, because against Udinese and tonight we conceded avoidable goals.

“As far as I am concerned, Juventus played better than Milan, but this is a side that you think has been knocked down and then they stay standing.

“I am satisfied with the performance, now we have the chance to prepare with more calm for Tuesday’s Champions League game with Porto.

“I would’ve been satisfied even with the draw, because the performance showed that Juve are in good shape.”

Meanwhile, after the game Montella called for calm and apologized for Bacca’s behaviour.

“Everyone has their interpretation and I want to apologise for the situation at the end, as that is unforgivable.

“Massa told me he took the responsibility of giving the penalty. I am told he was far away and couldn’t have seen it. I prefer not to talk about referees, even if on days like this it becomes difficult!

“Complaining doesn’t get you anywhere. It’s pointless. We have to focus, stay calm and accept that referees do make mistakes. We can only hope that the errors go in our favour…

“I don’t want to talk about referees. The officials always told us there is no such thing as compensation and therefore I don’t even want to see the Zapata incident, because it’s irrelevant.”

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

All-action Sami Khedira and virtuoso

Paulo Dybala lead Juventus past Milan

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3079497/all-

action-khedira-and-virtuoso-dybala-lead-juventus-past-milan

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

Juventus scored a controversial penalty in the final moment of the match to defeat AC Milan 2-1 and earn their 31st consecutive home win.

An excellent performance, Juventus showed ambition and intensity for the entirety of the match, creating an abundance of chances that were woefully squandered, or brilliantly saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, all too often. Paulo Dybala wreaked havoc between the lines yet it was centre-back Mehdi Benatia who created and finished off the opening goal of the game.

Gerard Deulofeu's pace proved to be Milan's secret weapon and a quick counter-attack left him with only a 35-year old Andrea Barzagli to overcome before delivering the perfect pass for Carlos Bacca to equalise.

Juventus began to get a little sloppy in the second half, conceding a few more opportunities to Milan but were awarded a penalty at the final moments of the game which was duly converted by Dybala to secure all three points.

Positives

They were sloppy at times, outdone by pace and counter-attacks, yet Juventus attacked and showed ambition from the first until the final minute, displaying great determination to seal another win at home.

Negatives

The fact Juventus conceded from Milan's first shot on target is worrying, but what's even more disturbing is how often Juve squandered perfect goalscoring opportunities. Of their 24 shots, 11 were on target and should have resulted in more goals but Juve struggled. When we consider Barcelona can score six to overcome a huge deficit, Max Allegri will hope his men can convert their chances better in Europe.

Manager rating out of 10

6 -- Allegri erred when he opted to play Andrea Barzagli as a right-back considering he would struggle to match Deulofeu's speed, but addressed the mismatch for the second half. His Juve side showed ambition from beginning to end and produced a performance he can be proud of despite the absence of important players.

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

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- Didn't look as composed as usual but always reacts quickly. Didn't have much to do.

DF Andrea Barzagli, 5 -- Couldn't match Deulofeu for pace leading to the Milan equaliser. Not the right match for him.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 5 -- Out of position and should have done better on Carlos Bacca's goal. Needed to get tighter at times to stop Lucas Ocampos from taking a shot in the second half but improved thereafter. Quite a few mistakes from the defender in recent weeks.

DF Mehdi Benatia, 6 -- Advanced very well, looking for his teammates to play him in so he could score and he did, assisted by Dani Alves. Good at holding off players to clear the ball but runs unnecessary risks at the back, including a terrifying back pass.

DF Kwadwo Asamoah, 6 -- Very good at winning back possession high up the field to keep Juve in attack mode. Doesn't advance as well as Alex Sandro.

MF Sami Khedira, 7 -- Always in the right position, exploiting every gap up top and covering at the back -- incredible. If only he directed his headers better or scored from his opportunities with greater frequency. Boasts speed of thought allowing to make the right decisions quickly and happy to take a yellow card for the team in a bid to stop Milan.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 -- Not quite as precise as usual. Better in the first half when he directed play but struggled thereafter, delivering poor crosses. Not his usual brilliant self with the free kicks either.

Sami Khedira has remained injury free for Juventus this season and has been a real asset for the team.

MF Dani Alves, 6 -- Excellent at spotting his teammates and then proceeding to pick out perfect passes. Made a vital interception to stop Deulofeu and provided more support in the second half.

MF Paulo Dybala, 8 -- Lovely footwork to overcome the defenders who often surrounded him and brilliant in-between the lines to overwhelm Milan. Created more chances than any other player on the pitch, always looking to keep the team moving forward. Scored the winning penalty to boot.

MF Marko Pjaca, 6 -- Disappeared quickly in the first half. Needs to learn when to dribble and when to pass to avoid conceding possession, but he is quick to spot a goalscoring opportunity even if his execution lets him down. Perhaps continuity would help him improve. Lovely footwork.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 6 -- Not his best performance and struggled to make the impact he usually manages, but it's difficult to score against Donnarumma and Higuain nearly managed a fantastic winner in injury time.

Substitutes:

DF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- Provided more energy on the right, delivering several crosses and believed in the winner until the end, and was on the ball when Juve won the penalty.

DF Daniele Rugani, N/A -- So composed, knows how to evade pressure and react quickly.

FW Moise Kean, N/A -- Not on long enough to make an impact.

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Milan fans always complain - Juventus

hero Dybala laughs off conspiracy theory

 

Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala was not interested in conspiracy theories

in the wake of their controversial win over AC Milan on Friday.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2017/03/11/33514732/-

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala dismissed suggestions Juventus are being favoured by referees after scoring a 97th-minute penalty to earn his side a dramatic 2-1 win over AC MIlan.

 

The reigning Serie A champions were handed a controversial spot-kick after Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross struck Mattia De Sciglio on the arm deep into stoppage time, even if there did not appear to be any intent from the defender.

 

Referee Davide Massa's decision led to furious reactions from Milan, who had Jose Sosa sent off after a second yellow card moments before, but Dybala felt Juventus should have had a penalty in the first half anyway.

 

"Milan fans have been complaining about Juventus for six years or so," Dybala told Mediaset.

 

"We are used to it. They should try something else rather than always complain about referees.

 

"I wonder if anyone will mention [Cristian] Zapata's foul on me in the first half that should have been a penalty... You have to honest.

"When something like this happens, we just move on and keep working."

 

 

 

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Dybala missed a spot-kick in the Supercoppa Italiana defeat against Milan back in December, but that did not stop him from taking the responsibility on Friday.

 

"It was not easy. We all remember the last penalty I shot against [Gianluigi] Donnarumma that he saved," he added.

 

"Fortunately I hit it better this time around. I am happy."

 

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Juventus vs. Milan: Final score 2-1, Dynamite

Donnarumma defeated by deadly Dybala

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/11/14889222/juventus

-ac-milan-2017-serie-a-round-28-final-score-recap-result

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

As I was getting my little situation ready to watch the game — piping hot mug of coffee, water for hydration because of sweat because of nervousness, my pens and disheveled notepads — I, upon seeing Gigi Buffon’s perfectly unshaven face flash upon the scream, decided to write down the following thought: The two men for whom I would leave my wife — I don’t think she’s going to read this — are Gigi Buffon and Edward Norton. I know Ed is completely normal-looking, but there’s something about him that really gets me.

But I digress, because the real point that I want to make today is that a third man has joined that group, and his name isn’t Paulo Dybala. It’s, of course, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Holy coconuts! How good is that kid?! He’s 18 years old, and when I was 18 I was writing a book about a guy named Adam Everbe and the book had like twelve thousand footnotes because I was clumsily and terribly attempting to channel T. S. Eliot or something.

Juventus played extraordinarily well to open this game: Dani Alves, Paulo Dybala, and Marko Pjaca were the instigators. They distributed, created, and attacked. There were more chances for the Bianconeri than if Chance the Rapper was standing in the middle of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. The torrential pressure culminated in the 30th minute, when center back Medhi Benatia said temporarily to his central defensive position, “Hold on, I’ve got an idea,” and as the defender barreled down the field Dybala and Alves — as they are so prone to do — connected marvelously, the end result of which was an absolutely exquisite ball from Alves to a just-onside Benatia. The bag man took a touch off his chest and deftly deposited past Donnarumma.

After a pretty darn good first 30 or 40 minutes. I simply can’t agree with some who called Juve’s performance “very flat.” And it’s not like I’m afraid to criticize: I lashed out pretty harshly after the Udinese performance, but I thought this game, even if it had ended level, was a solid — if imperfect — showing. There was some questionable possession, some boneheaded turnovers, and my biggest criticism was that Juventus collectively pulled what Pjaca did a few weeks ago: foot a little heavy on the gas early on, the consequence being that the last twenty or so minutes were pretty poor. Juventus dominated possession (59 percent), chances (24 shots, 11 on target), and ye olde eye test. As good as the teenage wunderkeeper was, there were still missed chances; the lack of finishing was another area of concern.

But for much of the game, that was it. A single goal. Donnarumma had probably three to five saves that, for a lot of keepers in top-flight leagues, would’ve bulged in the back of the net. Juventus outplayed Milan by leaps and bounds in the first half, so it sucked mightily when, in the waning moments of the first half, Milan sprung a counterattack and scored.

The blame falls firstly on Andrea Barzagli, whose presence at the right back position was a questionable decision for me given Milan’s pace and also given the fact that Milan would pretty obviously be employing a counterattacking football, i.e. necessitating pace in the right and left backs. And then, what the hell was Benatia doing? He tried to have it both ways, holding and covering the attacker. He failed at both, and it nearly cost Juventus two points.

After the 67th minute, when Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain passed it back and forth nearly the entire way down the pitch, there was a gradual loss of pace and composed attacking. The ten or so minutes before this saw another flurry of opportunities, several thanks to Pjaca, but after this moment there wasn’t much good.

There’s so much to say about this game, about the individual performances, and we can’t really address it all, but I thought the last 20 or so minutes was pretty clunky. That seems like the right word. Maybe “disjointed.” The fluidity with which Juventus attacked in the first half-hour of the game wasn’t there, and Milan were happy to sit back and absorb the pressure, generally well.

Then, the end happened.

Higuain nearly converted an improbably volley, but Donnarumma, AKA my newest man crush, denied Pipita once again. The ball stayed in the penalty area, Juventus pushed everyone forward, and then Moise Kean ripped off his jersey to reveal superhero regalia and scored a dramatic last-effort volley Stephan Lichtsteiner launched a cross into Mattia De Sciglio’s chest/arm. You won’t find a complaint here.

The penalty itself was a wonder to behold, for both Donnarumma and Dybala were flawless. The keeper guessed the right direction, and was a few inches away from what would’ve been — if I were a Milan fan, or any fan besides a Juventus fan — the perfect ending to a thrilling game.

But Dybala was better.

Aperitivi

• More like Daniele Whogani, am I right?
• This isn’t an original idea, but it’s amazing how good Dybala is with the right personnel on the field. Against Milan the Alves-Dybala-Pjaca-Pjanic interweaving was wonderful. Dybala and Higuain also had a splendid move in the second half. But it’s sure fun to watch when La Joya is in good form.
• I know Mr. No Good was out with Mr. Bad Tummy, but Pjaca looked dangerous out there tonight. Yes, he missed two(ish) golden opportunities. *complain, complain* But he played a thorough match. It’s time he see more action, especially with the fine point that Sam made earlier. Juventus have three separate competitions right now, they’ve switched to a 4-2-3-1, and Max Allegri has elected not to shuffle the front line very dramatically. Higuain is tired, and it’s starting to show. At some point, to hold on in all three of these, it’s going to take faith in someone like Pjaca.
• Allegri’s lineup was, um, interesting. Some of it ended up working pretty well (Alves at right wing), and some of it didn’t work well (Barzagli, Benatia sort of).
• Best moment so far from the usually-terrible beIN announcers. Juventus got a free kick in a pretty dangerous position, and the commentator said it was the sort of opportunity that gives keepers “Pjanic attacks.” Well played, my friend/mortal enemy.

Numbers Attached to Humans

BUFFON 6.5 — Maybe he could’ve done better on the goal; his positioning seemed a little awkward, but Bacca was deft in possession. Other than a conservative parry or two there wasn’t much for Buffon to do. (Note the rhyme.)

BARZAGLI 5.5 — He attempted to make a run or two forward in the early moments of the game, but he wasn’t very good in possession, or in distribution. He lacked the pace to track the counterattack, and Juventus paid for it.

BENATIA 6.5 — I honestly feel like this is generous. He scored a goal (yay), and then didn’t help Buffon out much on the single legitimate chance for Milan in the game.

BONUCCI 6.5 — Wasn’t quite as sharp with his distribution, and he was beaten by Milan’s wingers on more than one occasion. But he was generally the stalwart defender we know him to be.

ASAMOAH 7.5 — For me, Juve’s best defender of the game. It won’t show up statistically, and he didn’t offer much moving forward, but every time Milan attacked to the right he was there. He’s a hell of a backup to Sandro.

KHEDIRA 7.5 — I for one thought the midfield played a great game. Khedira was the most accurate passer for Juve, he moved forward pretty well, including a laser beam of a shot to which Donnarumma said, “No,” and he tracked back well too; he snuffed out a Milan counterattack in the latter part of the second half.

PJANIC 7 — Oh boy, I bet he’d like to have that free kick back. Otherwise a solid if unspectacular performance. He was extremely close to threading a long-range through-ball to Higuain at one point; if the play had coalesced it would’ve been a gem. But any time you log nearly 60 percent of possession with two midfielders, those two deserve a ton of credit. Pjanic was second only to Bonucci in touches.

ALVES 8 — Look, I know Alves is occasionally too flashy, and he gets cute, but the dude is good. And maybe Allegri just tapped into something with Alves at right wing. He links up extraordinarily well with Dybala on a consistent basis, and he’s maybe Juve’s best crosser behind Pjanic and Dybala. The assist to Benatia was wonderful. He played a perfect ball to Pjaca later in the game. He was really good.

DYBALA 8.5 — Besides Kean, the man of the match for me. Goodness gracious it’s good to watch him when he’s in form, and tonight he was. Tonight was far and away his best performance in the 4-2-3-1; he was a sparkplug of an attacking midfielder, creating chances everywhere. As I watched the game, Dybala was the only Juventus player who seemed a threat throughout all 90 minutes. Others had flashes (Pjaca, Higuain), but Dybala was magic throughout. This isn’t even to mention the penalty.

PJACA 7 — He missed chances, but he created chances. He positioned himself well. He paced himself well. His most thorough performance as a Bianconero.

HIGUAIN 6.5 — Again, I agree with Sam’s point: Pipita seems pooped. It showed tonight. There were moments of near-brilliance, but he’d be a few feet wide one direction, or a touch would be heavy, or he’d pass when he should’ve attempted on goal. Yet even a crappy Higuain performance nearly shut the game down in the final moments. He remains a threat, someone whose runs and attacking positions are consistently dangerous.

Substitutes

LICHTSTEINER 6.5 — His pace was a breath of fresh air in the second half, and he defended pretty well. He made a handball happen! Yay, Switzerland!

RUGANI 6.5 — I’m about one million times more comfortable with Rugani at the back than Benatia, and I have a really freaking hard time understanding why Allegri has him so far back in the rotation. He didn’t need to do much against Milan, given they were sitting so far back when Rugani entered the game. But there needs to be more time on the field for this guy.

KEAN 10 — Man of the match by all accounts. He doesn’t record a single touch or statistic, yet still Juventus score with him on the pitch. Brilliant!

Manager

ALLEGRI 6.5 — A rather strange bunch of decisions from the cranky old manager. I persistently question his unwillingness to play players like Rugani and Pjaca; today, illness forced his hand with the young winger, and Cuadrado’s suspension. The decision to throw Alves on the right wing really paid dividends, and isn’t a bad option moving forward if we need to get these attackers some rest.

Tactics: Pressing and the Pjaca Effect

Pressing

One of the feats I looked for in the matchup against Milan was, simply, Juve’s intensity. It’s a difficult thing to measure, but — as in many sports, I think — it can be most easily tracked through defensive statistics. I remember when I played basketball in high school, and our coach would be as excited by a deflection as an actual steal, the idea being not just that one thing leads to another, but the pressing of the opponent requires a sort of constant vigilance and aggressive awareness about their movements, about their possible movements, about their tendencies, etc.

Against Udinese, although Juventus dominated virtually every statistical category, the Bianconeri seemed to sit back rather than press — and this against an inferior opponent. Here are the tackles from that fixture:

And here from the Milan game:

Juventus had twice as many tackles against Milan in the opponent’s half of the field, and nearly three times as many successful tackles. It felt like it, too. I think part of it against Milan was having Alves deployed as a winger; he’s an attacking right back at heart, and he tussled pretty well. But there were others, too, chipping in defensively: Dybala, Pjaca, Higuain.

The Pjaca Effect

Mario Mandžukić is a good player, and I know y’all think I/we have too much of a crush on him, but he’s a got very real merits. His ability to hold possession, his willingness to run 97 kilometers per game, tracking back and teaming up with Sandrao or Asamoah — these things matter, and they make a difference.

But he’s still a striker. And with Mandžukić on the field, Juventus predictably attacks through the right, allowing the Croatian faux-winger to drift into his true-striker position: a second target man in the box. This sounds great in theory, and although Juventus haven’t been totally ignoring the left the chances have come from the right.

Here against Udinese we can see four chances from the right side of the pitch, three from the center, and a goose egg from the left.

Again, this isn’t to say Mandžukić is worthless, but the dude is a striker. I admire his flexibility, and that he’s allowed us to make this formational transition, but maybe the thing that’s happening before our eyes is that he’s a stopgap solution, the true solution to which is a true winger in Pjaca.

Here’s the shot of the chances created against Milan:

It’s still heavy on the right, and I’m betting that it stays that way, especially since Dybala tends to hover in that right-central area of the field, but I want to float a theory out there that Pjaca’s dynamism — i.e., the characteristics of a true winger — will open up Juve’s attack in a myriad of ways. Tonight we saw Dybala in prime form, and maybe one of the reasons that was the case is that Pjaca was on the left wing. His talent, I think, relieves pressure. Mandžukić does a lot to help his team out, but he’s not particularly creative, and not particularly dangerous in one-on-one attack the way that Pjaca is.

That’s a Wrap

There will be a lot of chatter about this game, but I think it behooves us as Juventus fans not really to be concerned about it. There will be talk of conspiracy, and let’s focus on football. There will be talk of partisanship, but let’s focus on tactics. Let’s focus on the three (!) competitions in which this team is currently playing. There’s a hell of a lot of good, of fun, of excitement—let’s enjoy it.

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Juventus 2-1 AC Milan Match

Review and Player Ratings

 

 

 

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-2-1-ac-milan/

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

Player Ratings

Buffon – No chance on the goal, was mainly a spectator for much of the game and made just the one comfortable save in the second half. 6

Bonucci – Fairly average performance by the big fella and yet he joined the late charge high up the field and was unlucky to see his perfect assist for Higuain put wide. 6.5

Benatia – Took his goal superbly, played a terrible pass which put Buffon in trouble and emptied his tank by the last quarter. His price is reasonable, and if we can be certain of his fitness and rotate him into the starting XI more often, to allow him to forge cohesion with his team mates, I am fine with his signing. 6.5

Barzagli – I have mentioned this previously and I hope Allegri now understands that a 35 year old CB is not a safe fit for the modern fullback position. He does not have the legs.  Had Lichsteiner been playing we would not have conceded. Hard to blame Andrea as its not his natural game. 5

Asamoah – Solid, and back to his best at both ends of the field. 7

Pjanic – Found it hard going with a packed AC midfield, which he was unable to bypass. His set piece deliveries were also below par, though he did come close with a shot which the giant toddler pushed up onto the bar. 5.5

Khedira – Unable to capitalise on several presentable chances, yet dug in and fought hard when the visitors found a brief period of belief in more than playing for a point. 6

Alves – Deployed higher up the field and provided the perfect assist for our opener. As is often the case, his tricks caused some concern, yet he was generally tide on the ball. One of the better crossers in the team which allows him to prove viable in the RW role. 7

Pjaca – It is great to see him playing more regularly and we must take on board how little competitive action he has under his belt. Still, as direct and potent as he was, the youngster missed two glorious opportunities to put the game to bed, then faded before finally giving way to Kean. 6

Dybala – Still whining and rolling around too much for my liking but his football was decent. Showed superb mental steel to tuck away the penalty in such a moment of high tension. 7

Higuain – Guilty of missing several superb openings, yet always a threat. He can make up for it on Tuesday when Porto come to town. 6

Kindly excuse my lack of zeal, for my mood is deeply glum after finding myself finally caught by the Highway Patrol whilst practising my cornering at high speed on my two wheeled devil steed en route to the beach. A 6 month ban awaits alongside a $600 fine and yet more points on a licence which now reads like a rap sheet of a career criminal. It was probably my most perfect run of the twisting back roads to the beach, every overtake felt sublime, I was the thunder and lightning combined, carving my way through traffic, rolling on the power at the perfect point of each apex and roaring on the straights. Still, there is probably some sense to the ban and the punishment could have been far worse, given they had been chasing me for a while before they got close enough for me to see them, yet I was locked in a tunnel vision rocket man on two wheels routine. Blinkered to everything but oncoming cars, the road surface and the eagerness to maintain my high octane pace.

And so onto the football…

We were clearly the dominant force throughout, yet AC made a great fight of it. They created two chances, took one. We created 12 and took 2. Donnarumma was in brilliant form, and deservedly Man of The Match.

There was a five minute spell in the second when we dropped off, other than which we were constantly pushing for openings, applying concerted pressure to a side very much set up to defend and hit on the counter. Again we were guilty of spurning numerous chances and I hope we are saving a step towards more clinical conversion for when we face our next opponents in the Champions League.

Other than the steady flow of cards, there was of course a fair amount of controversy.

Firstly, Zapata stood on Dybala’s foot in the box. This could have been given had it been noticed, yet as the ball fell to Pjaca who went close, it was soon forgotten.

Next was Bacca’s goal, which was a few inches offside.

 

 

Finally the penalty which was given. Lichsteiner blasting in a cross, De Sciglio turning to block and his hand indeed stopping the ball. This is a tricky one. Some refs would give it, others would not. Whilst the player was close to where the ball was played, the manner in which he moved his body – whilst natural – certainly stopped the cross going in with his hand. For me its 50/50. More important was the beautiful spot kick taken by Dybala, under huge pressure.

It was a very entertaining game. We played well throughout and on the balance of chances, should have won far more comfortably. However, the manner of victory is just what we needed before the crunch tie with Porto. Our heckles are up, confidence must be flowing through the ranks, and we have the perfect platform to make a serious statement of intent.

I am impressed with the work Montella is doing and respectful of his post match comments, which refused to add fuel to the fire. The flames of which are rooted in this bizarre idea that Juve consistently receive preferential treatment from the officials.

Man of the Match Donnarumma kept the scoreline respectable.

We were wrongly mauled in 2006. Effectively punished by Moratti cronies who were placed at the FIGC, for what amounts to violations of the sporting code akin to insulting linesman. This apparently pro-juve football system then went onto charge and convict Conte, in a case in which 24 players were deemed non credible witnesses and 1 player – a proven match fixer eager to get his punishment reduced – was deemed credible. Indeed, 24 players could well have been taking a piss at the same time as Conte directed his devious plan!

There is far more damming evidence to confirm that the FIGC have been on a witch hunt with Juve as their target for many moons. Also that Inter officials were rigging matches. Yet this is not mass disseminated. As many people who still believe those bothersome WMD will be found in Iraq, believe Juve are cheats. Most people follow the headlines, consume spoonful after spoonful of MSM bullshit then ask for seconds. They know only what they are told by a media empire demonstrably corrupt and deceitful. The absence of critical thinking in humanity of the West is growing worse by the hour. No questioning, no challenge, nothing but total obedience to an extremely well oiled propaganda machine. Which reminds me of ranting at a chum recently…I asked him :

“mate, do you not find anything wrong, anything strange, anything appallingly questionable about Assad – who was accused of using chemical weapons – inviting to Damascus UN chemical weapons inspectors, and launching a chemical weapons attack next door to them the next day? This is the same as me being investigated for murder, the police turn up to question me, and I place them in the living room, go to make a cup of tea, then head next door to cut the throats of my neighbours…It makes no sense whatsoever??”

His response, a little sheepish, was:

‘mate, it was all over the news…’

Indeed! Case closed.

It is a similar story with the widespread opinion that Juve were convicted of match fixing and basically own the FIGC. It is ‘true’ because it was ‘all over the news’…speaking of which, I remain unsure what happened to comrade Gaddafi’s shares in the club? Who got them? The french, english or yankees I suppose, since they took everything else from The Colonel and his country.

There is little point debating this with others who have long been tuned in to the nonsense channels which bombard them from every angle. It is best to simply try to ignore the drivel and focus on the football. As Allegri does. For to find our players reacting to the furore, distracts them from the matter in hand, which is a potential treble, in the least a historic 6th straight league title on the trot. The latter is looking more likely, week by week, and as for the former…We will know more in due course.

Another 3 points, 31 home league victories in succession, no new injuries and a job well done by Max and the lads.

forza Juve!

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Report: Milan damaged Juventus Stadium

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99503/report-milan-damaged-juventus-stadium

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

Milan players reportedly damaged the Juventus Stadium locker room by venting their frustration after last night’s defeat.

 

According to news agency Ansa, the Rossoneri squad were so furious at the last-gasp Paulo Dybala penalty to seal the 2-1 result that they took it out on their surroundings.

 

Gianluigi Donnarumma was visibly irate after the final whistle and was spotted kicking a door on the way back to the locker room.

 

It’s reported Milan players smashed lockers and chairs, along with damaging some of the Juventus signs on the walls.

 

Coach Vincenzo Montella did apologise publicly for his squad taking their protests too far and physically shoved Carlos Bacca away from referee Davide Massa.

 

“We went over the line at the end of the game and I apologise for the scuffle that occurred,” Montella told Rai Sport.

 

“I hope those watching at home can understand there was a lot of tension. A few of my players were in tears in the locker room, but they need to be strong.”

 

It now remains to be seen if disciplinary action will be taken against Bacca for his aggressive attitude towards the referee.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Juventus Stadium Smashed Up

By Angry AC Milan Players  

 

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/03/juventus-

stadium-smashed-up-by-angry-ac-milan-players/

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

After a contested late penalty helped Juventus past AC Milan on Friday, it seems Rossoneri players took out their frustrations by damaging the Juventus Stadium locker room.

Paulo Dybala netted from the spot in the 97th minute after Mattia De Sciglio was deemed to have touched the ball with his hand, causing an eruption of anger by several Milan players.

ANSA reports that the Rossoneri smashed lockers and chairs, along with damaging some Juventus signs located on the walls. Milan have refused to comment on the claims, as the club would prefer to move on from what happened on and off the pitch at the Juventus Stadium.

The decision comes after Montella immediately apologized after the match for the actions of his players. Carlos Bacca was shoved by the tactician as he protested vehemently at referee Davide Massa, while Gianluigi Donnarumma was seen kicking at a door.

 

“We took it too far after the whistle and I must apologize for the late scuffle,” Montella told Premium Sport.

“I hope people at home will understand as there was a lot of tension.”

Milan’s next match sees them do battle with Genoa on Saturday March 18.

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Dani Alves: Juventus must show

no fear to win Champions League

 

The Brazilian is confident a record sixth straight Serie A title

and Champions League glory are within the Bianconeri's grasp.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2017/03/11/33546212/-

 

 

Mar 11, 2017

 

 

Juventus are approaching a crucial part of the season and must remain calm as they attempt to fulfil the dream of winning a sixth consecutive Serie A title and the Champions League, according to Dani Alves.

 

Juve needed a 97th-minute penalty from Paulo Dybala to beat AC Milan 2-1 on Friday, a result that has left Massimiliano Allegri's team 11 points clear at the top of the table ahead of Roma's visit to Palermo on Sunday.

 

While claiming an unprecedented sixth consecutive Scudetto appears inevitable for Italian football's domestic juggernaut, the challenge of triumphing on Europe's big stage remains considerable.

 

Nevertheless, Dani Alves — who defeated Juve in the 2014-15 Champions League final during his time at Barcelona — is confident the Bianconeri have what it takes to go one better this term.

 

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

JuventusFC 

 

✔@juventusfcen

Hey, @MarioMandzukic9, thoughts on @DaniAlvesD2' outfit today?  #NOGOOD 

(P.S. get your own one here  http://juve.it/uzCq309O9x9 )

1:20 PM - 11 Mar 2017

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"We are in good shape, both physically and psychologically," he told JTV.

 

"Now we are going into the most important part of the season. Great players work all year to be ready for these moments... to win competitions. Together, we can have a great finale to the campaign.

 

"I expected it to be a strong Juve side when I arrived, because a team that wins five consecutive Scudetto titles and reaches the Champions League final has to be strong.

 

"I came to a club that wants to win everything and that fires me up, it makes me and my team-mates aware every day that we can write history.

 

 "Slowly we will reach our objective: a sixth straight Scudetto and Serie A history."

 

 

View image on Twitter

 

 Follow

JuventusFC 

 

✔@juventusfcen

.@DaniAlvesD2: "Bring on the grand finale."  

  http://juve.it/cFfh309OjbM  #FINOALLAFINE #ForzaJuve

6:00 PM - 11 Mar 2017

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Juve are at home to Porto in the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie on Tuesday, holding a 2-0 aggregate lead from the first meeting in Portugal last month.

 

"I am aware of how important the Champions League is for the Bianconeri and the history of this club," Dani Alves said.

 

"I too, like all the Juventini, want to dream and am convinced we can do it if we stay calm and show no fear of making mistakes… then we can go all the way."

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Juventus should go for the kill against Porto on Tuesday night

 

Why Juventus should NOT sit back and play it safe.

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/12/14884594/juventus

-porto-2017-uefa-champions-league-round-of-16-opinion

 

 

Mar 12, 2017

 

On Tuesday night, Juventus will step onto the J-Stadium pitch against Porto looking to secure a place in the Champions League quarterfinals and cement their place among Europe’s elite eight teams. Having already built a 2-0 aggregate lead after the first leg, the talk amongst supporters is whether Juventus should sit back and defend the lead they managed to acquire in Portugal two short weeks ago.

On one hand many will draw upon the strength of Juve’s game to absorb endless pressure throughout a game (see Real Madrid-Juventus 2015). It is true that Porto are the ones who need to produce at least two goals on the night if they wish to advance to the quarterfinals and that feat will also have to be at the daunting J-Stadium. “Parking the bus,” as it’s commonly known to the football world can be effective on occasion, however, sitting back and allowing the other team to attack is more often than not an unmitigated disaster and Juventus should avoid that tactic at all costs on Tuesday night.

Just in the last few years, there have been many times that have seen the team leading concede possession and brace themselves for the onslaught in their defending third and if Juventus want to be taken seriously in this competition they will go for the jugular in just a few short days. Below are a few reasons and scenarios when “Parking the Bus” proved to be the wrong decision.

March 2, 2016: Juventus-Inter Milan

After having secured a 3-0 result at home to Inter in the Coppa Italia last year, Juventus were happy to concede space and attacking possession to an Inter team that took full advantage of what they were given and almost pulled off the impossible. The 3-0 lead Juventus had worked so hard to accomplish was reversed in a mere 90 minutes and Inter sent the game to extra-time and eventually penalty kicks where Juventus were able to prevail and march on to win the cup against Milan, 1-0.

March 16, 2016: Juventus-Bayern Munich

Just a short two weeks after Juventus were given a reality check against Inter in the Coppa Italia, old habits were difficult to squash as the squad were able to build a 4-2 aggregate lead against Bayern after two quick goals by Paul Pogba and Juan Cuadrado shocked the Germans at the Allianz. That was, unfortunately, almost all we’d see from the Bianconeri for the remainder of the game (not including the disallowed valid goal). The Germans were able to take complete possession of the game from there on out, as Juve were all too happy to adopt the “Italian way” and sit back and hold onto what they had (where have we seen this before). Bayern were able to recoup the two goal deficit and eventually win the tie 6-4 on aggregate in extra’s. Yes, we will all remember Patrice Evra’s inability to clear the ball in the dying moments of the game, but had it not been the reliance on defensive ability the tie may have gone completely different.

March 8, 2017: PSG-Barcelona

This one is still fresh in the minds of all football fans as it happened a mere, few short days ago. PSG built a 4-0 lead at home in the first leg of their tie against Barcelona in the Champions League. The majority of the football world (including myself) had written off Barca, since a four goal deficit had never been overturned in the Champions League before. Then PSG did everything in their power to sit back and let Barca attack them and get right back into the tie. I will not talk about refereeing decisions (as just as that discourse would be), but any team that allows the opposition to have 71 percent of the possession with 20 shots (nine on target) does not deserve to advance to the next round of the knockouts.

Yes, Barcelona are in the upper echelon of the football world, but PSG are nothing to be laughed at, yet they defended as if they were a second division Spanish team scared to play Barca in the Copa Del Rey. The “defensive strategy” held the fort as strong a paper thin wall allowing 6 goals in 90 minutes. This style of play more often than not concedes defeat before a ball has been kicked.

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 Follow

James McManus 

 

✔@JamesMcManus1

PSG completed just FOUR passes between the 85th minute and full-time.

THREE of those were from kick-off after conceding Barcelona goals.

12:03 AM - 9 Mar 2017

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I know that many of you will mention the quality of the teams that were able to comeback against Juventus and the strength of the Barcelona side that knocked out PSG, but all these teams need are space and time to kill you and allowing them that space with relative ease is similar to pulling the trigger on yourself. To add to that, teams like Juventus and PSG should never be afraid to attack and try to kill the tie, both teams have explosive firepower up top and can easily trouble any backline in the world.

The most important thing to always remember is that having possession means the other team does not have it and you cannot score the ball if you don’t have possession. A preventative system is great when used in the final 10-15 minutes of a game in order to lock down a tie, but when it is used for an entire 90 minutes or large parts of it, it just ends up preventing you from winning.

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Hategan ref for Juventus-Porto

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99545/hategan-ref-juventus-porto

 

 

Mar 12, 2017

 

Juventus and Porto will see their Champions League Round of 16 tie officiated by Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan.

 

The second leg kicks off at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

The Bianconeri won the first leg 2-0 in Portugal thanks to goals from Marko Pjaca and Dani Alves.

 

Hategan has some experience with Italian sides, most recently in November 2016 for Napoli’s 0-0 Champions League draw with Dinamo Kiev.

 

The Romanian official was also in charge when Italy lost 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016.

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

Juventus’ win over Milan wasn't

pretty, but it didn't need to be

 

 

Juve's performance left a lot to be desired, but

all that matters at this stage are the three points.

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/13/14901852/juventus

-ac-milan-2017-serie-a-round-28-final-score-result-opinion

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

It wasn’t pretty, but at this stage of the season it doesn’t need to be. Though Juventus' 2-1 win over AC Milan last Friday night won’t go down as their best performance of the campaign, the Bianconeri still find themselves eight points clear at the top of the table as a result of the victory. It may have taken 24 shots on goal, seven minutes of added time and a controversial penalty, but Juve eventually found a way to put three points on the board, continuing to separate themselves from the chasing pack.

Every title-chasing team will have those games where they need a huge slice of luck to dig themselves out of a tricky contest. Gianluigi Donnarumma seemed invincible at times, especially in the second half, as Juve threw everything they had at him. A draw looked a certainty, with Roma and Napoli licking their lips at a possible faltering from the champions.

Fortunately, referee Davide Massa generously awarded a penalty for a Mattia De Sciglio handball deep into injury time although replays show that there was definite contact between ball and hand. De Sciglio and Milan will have felt hard done by, but his arm did stop the ball from being played into the box thus leaving himself vulnerable to being penalised.

Whether you want to call it luck or a reward for being persistent attackers on Milan’s goal, Juve were no doubt relieved. They were let off a potential slip-up despite their average outing and were only too happy to walk away with three huge points when such an outcome looked unlikely. The term “winning ugly” is always applied as a feature of champions, and this was certainly one of those grind-it-out victories.

The sudden unavailability of Mario Mandzukic will have thrown Massimiliano Allegri’s pre- match preparations into disarray, with Mandzukic being such a key part of the manager's 4-2-3-1 formation. Though Marko Pjaca looked lively, especially for someone that would not have expected to start, he brings a much different style of play to what the rest of the attackers would be used to from Mandzukic. That late change will have affected the week-long gameplan laid out to the squad by Allegri. However, it ultimately didn't matter in the end.

Being able to adjust to situations like this is just another reason why Juve constantly find themselves above their rivals. It wasn’t a perfect position that the players found themselves in. Just like it wasn’t a perfect performance that they put in. Had Gerard Deulofeau been able to capitalize on Medhi Benatia’s sloppy back pass in the second half, Milan probably leave Turin with all three points. But you need luck in this sport sometimes, and Juventus got the rub of the green on a couple of occasions throughout the match. Much like last week’s 1-1 draw at Udinese, Juve were able to avoid a disaster result and have gained four huge points in the space of five days.

A draw is never a great result, but in the context of last week’s events prior to the Udinese game, it was crucial Juventus left with something. Roma’s loss against Napoli allowed Allegri’s side to extend their lead at the top, which meant another week passed without any ground being made on the defending champions. Last Friday’s win meant there was zero chance of their closest challengers closing the gap this weekend as well. They know that time is running out to make this title race into anything other than an inevitable Juve triumph.

The performances have been far from spectacular in the last fortnight. The results, meanwhile, have been more than satisfactory. The sign of champions isn’t the ability to win when playing well, it’s being able to pull points out of the bag when a negative result looks a foregone conclusion. Juventus are heading for their sixth consecutive Serie A title, and it's clear these players know all too well what it takes to be champions, as evidenced by their recent results.

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

‘Milan player branded Juve thieves’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99592/milan-player-branded-juve-thieves

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

A person reportedly wrote ‘thieves’ on the walls of Juventus’ tunnel after last Friday’s controversial clash with Milan.

 

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, replicas of Juve’s Scudetti for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 campaigns – revoked by Italian courts due to the Calciopoli scandal – were targeted.

 

The newspaper also hinted it could have been a Milan player, given the contentious nature of the Diavolo’s 2-1 defeat to the Bianconeri.

 

It comes after reports of punch marks on walls and a broken stool in the dressing room that Milan occupied.

 

Carlos Bacca, meanwhile, will discover on Tuesday if he faces punishment for his display of anger towards referee Davide Massa.

 

La Gazzetta claims the striker could be banned for two games.

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Dybala: Scoring vs Casillas special

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99598/dybala-scoring-vs-casillas-special

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala reveals he would like to score against Iker Casillas when Juventus host Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 

Dybala failed to score in the first leg of Juve’s last-16 clash with Porto, which ended 2-0 to the Bianconeri, but the forward is ready to try his luck against “special” Casillas a second time.

 

“Obviously I’d like to score against him,” he told O Jogo.

 

“My job is to score goals and to do so against a goalkeeper like him would be special.

 

“The win against Porto gives us some peace of mind because we have a good advantage, but the truth is that Porto are a good team and, in the first leg, they made life difficult for us until we scored.

 

“Our away goals will be the key, so we’ll have to be very careful at the back.

 

“[Tiquinho] Soares, in the first leg, caused us some headaches. In order to qualify, we have to be very careful.

 

“We dream of winning the Champions League, but we’ll have to pass through different traps: Porto is the next one.”

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - MILAN

 

 

2-1

 

 

Mehdi Benatia 30'

Carlos Bacca 43'

Paulo Dybala (penalty) 97'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 28

 

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

 

 

 

AC Milan could be forced to pay for

Juventus stadium damages - report

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3081458/ac-milan-could

-be-forced-to-pay-for-juventus-stadium-damages-report

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

 

 

AC Milan may have to foot the bill for repairs after graffiti was scrawled on a wall inside the Juventus Stadium following their 2-1 defeat to the Bianconeri on Friday night, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Rossoneri were beaten by a 97th-minute Paulo Dybala penalty and somebody within their dressing room let their anger get the better of them.

According to La Gazzetta, the word ladri (thieves) was written across two plaques which line the wall heading into the Milan dressing room from the pitch. The plaques commemorated the 2005 and 2006 Serie A titles, which have officially been taken from Juve due to the Calciopoli scandal.

The report said that the choice of those two plaques might not be casual. The controversial late penalty denied Milan a point in Turin.

Napoli fans held aloft a banner ironically saying "It's a penalty for Juve!" whenever the referee blew his whistle during their 3-0 win over Crotone on Sunday, and their president Aurelio De Laurentiis said that gesture summed up the general feeling in Italian footballthat the defending champions have been on the receiving end of refereeing favours.

"There are banners which put things in a much clearer way than I could," De Laurentiis said, sidestepping a question as to whether his side can still win the title this season. "It's going to be important to see technology applied in football."

Juve's win kept them eight points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A, with Napoli two points further behind in third.

Massimiliano Allegri's men also extended their winning streak at home to 31 Serie A fixtures last Friday, giving them confidence for the visit of Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday, with a 2-0 win from the first leg giving them further comfort.

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Dybala: Scoring against Casillas would

be special - I want his jersey

 

The 23-year-old says he is still in awe of Gianluigi Buffon and is looking

forward to coming up against another goalkeeping icon on Tuesday.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/8/main/2017/03/13/33594322/-

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala says it would be "special" to score against Iker Casillas when Juventus host Porto for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, and hopes he can get the goalkeeper's jersey afterwards.

 

 

Goals from Marko Pjaca and Dani Alves gave Juventus a two-goal lead from the first leg against Porto, with the return fixture being played on Tuesday in Turin.

 

Dybala has scored just once in five Champions League appearances this term, netting 13 in 30 in all competitions, but he is looking to improve that rate and ensure his side reach the quarter-finals of the competition. 

 

Despite his admiration for a goalkeeper who has collected a World Cup, two European Championships, three Champions League titles and five La Liga crowns, Dybala is looking forward to getting the chance to beat him.

 

"Obviously I'd like to score," he told O Jogo. "Always within maximum respect and because my job as an attacker is to score goals. It would be special to score against a goalkeeper like him.

 

When asked if he wants to swap jerseys with the former Real Madrid star, he said: "I'm a little embarrassed by these questions, but maybe if he reads this interview - I hope you see me and remember to bring me your jersey. Or the gloves, at least."

 

The Spain international is not the only great goalkeeper the 23-year-old knows though, as he shares a dressing room with Juve and Italy icon Gianluigi Buffon.

 

Although he is deep into his second season as a team-mate of Buffon, the striker is still in awe of the goalkeeper.

 

"Being with Buffon every day is an unbelievable experience," he said. "It's hard to explain. He is a bastion of the squad and his influence on each of us is important. 

 

"It's similar to Casillas, he is a historic goalkeeper, for all he has managed to achieve and win at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. Despite his age, he is still a big player at Porto."

 

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Juventus v FC Porto: Preview

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=469088

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

 

Paulo Dybala is targeting a special achievement when Juventus host Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday -- scoring a goal past the distinguished Iker Casillas.

A quarter-final place is up for grabs in Turin, with the Old Lady holding a handy 2-0 lead from the first leg in Portugal.

But as well as helping his side into the last eight in Europe, 23-year-old Dybala has a personal motivation for the 90 minutes ahead.

He is no stranger to coming up against formidable goalkeepers, having shared a training ground with the great Gianluigi Buffon for the past 18 months and on Friday beat his heir apparent, Gianluigi Donnarumma, to seal an injury-time victory over AC Milan.

The Argentinian now has 13 for the season and hopes to add to that tally against former Real Madrid and Spain number one Casillas.

"Obviously I'd like to score against him," Dybala told O Jogo. "My job is to score goals and to do so against a goalkeeper like him, with the maximum respect, would be special.

"Despite his age he is still a big player at Porto. His achievements as a goalkeeper are historic, everything he has managed to win at Real and the Spanish national team."

For his part, Casillas offered a tepid rallying cry to Porto's fans.

A Facebook post on his official account read: "We know we face a very hard task but in football anything can happen. We will look put in a good performance, try to win and see what happens."

Juve sit eight points clear on top of Serie A following victory over Milan and two unanswered away goals puts them in a formidable position to progress against Porto, but Dybala is remaining level-headed.

"The last win against Porto gives us some peace of mind because we have a good advantage, but the truth is that Porto are a good team and, in the first leg, they made life difficult for us until we scored," he said.

"Our away goals will be the key, so we'll have to be very careful at the back. In order to qualify we have to be very careful.

"We dream of winning the Champions League, but we'll have to pass through different traps: Porto is the next one."

Porto finished the first leg with 10 men after Alex Telles' sending-off helped put Massimiliano Allegri's side on the front foot, and the Brazilian defender will be suspended as a result.

Jesus Corono and Hector Herrera were both fit enough to travel, having been doubts for the game, but the challenge remains formidable against a side who have become watertight on home soil.

Porto boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: "We can not give up. This is in our education, this is how we are."

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tacchinardi: 'tension towards Juve absurd'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99608/tacchinardi-tension-towards-juve-absurd

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Former Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi believes the tension towards Max Allegri's side is 'absurd'.

 

There has been much discussion of the debate after the Bianconeri sealed victory with a last minute penalty against Milan on Friday evening.

 

"It's always the same, when you play and you win, there are controversies and sniping,” the 41-year-old told Radio Onda Libera.

 

"The laws say that against Milan it was a penalty, and therefore the victory was deserved.

 

"Congratulations to [Coach Vincenzo]Montella for behaving with class after the game. When it comes to Juve they only look at some incidents and not others when looking for where they can complain about the Bianconeri.

 

"We saw two penalties for Napoli at the weekend that shouldn’t have been given and the only one that talked about it was [Crotone Coach Davide] Nicola.

 

"The tension towards Juve is absurd, it was even going on in my day.

 

"When teams win there’s always controversy, I remember the same thing happened with Jose Mourinho’s Inter."

 

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

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Chiellini in Juventus squad

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99621/chiellini-juventus-squad

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Giorgio Chiellini is in the Juventus squad to face Porto tomorrow night, but Stefano Sturaro is out.

 

Both players missed the win over Milan on Friday night, with the centre-back struggling with a muscular injury.

 

There were doubts surrounding Chiellini’s presence for tomorrow’s Champions League Last 16 second leg, but he has been included in the Bianconeri squad.

 

Sturaro, on the other hand, will not feature as he has yet to recover from an abdominal injury.

 

Mario Mandzukic is available after a stomach bug forced him out of Friday's game.

 

 

Juventus squad to face Porto: Buffon, Neto, Audero, Chiellini, Benatia, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Bonucci, Dani Alves, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Pjanic, Khedira, Marchisio, Lemina, Asamoah, Rincon, Cuadrado, Higuain, Mandzukic, Pjaca, Dybala

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Nuno: Juventus Must Lose At Home Eventually

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/03/nuno-espirito-santo-porto-juventus-lose-home/

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Juventus’ outstanding unbeaten record at home isn’t worrying Porto boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who pointed out that the run couldn’t continue forever.

Not since a surprise 1-0 loss to Udinese on the opening weekend of the 2015/16 season have the Bianconeri been beaten at home, a run of 45 games in all competitions.

It is also four years since they lasted tasted defeat in Turin in European competition, when Bayern Munich beat them 2-0 in April 2013, but Nuno isn’t too daunted about the task ahead of his side.

“We have done so much to get this far,” he told reporters. “We competed well and overcame some big obstacles in the group stage of the competition already.

“I think we are now a much better team and I’m proud of the work that the players have put in. We came out of the first leg with a lot of hope because it is difficult but it isn’t impossible.

“Juve have a very good unbeaten record but it doesn’t matter too much because sooner or later, someone will beat them there. I’m confident it can be my players.”

Given that his side lost former Inter man Alex Telles to a red card so early in the first leg, the Portuguese tactician also believes that this could be a different game with parity in the numbers.

“The first leg was affected in a major way by the expulsion of Telles,” he added. “Having 11 men on Tuesday will make a big difference to us and we believe in our tactics and our plan.”

 

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

‘Porto in Turin for a result’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99622/‘porto-turin-result’

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Nuno Espirito Santo calls on his Porto players to keep their concentration against Juventus “to get the result we’re here for”.

 

The Bianconeri won 2-0 in Portugal in the first leg of the Champions League Last 16 tie, meaning they need at least two goals without reply in Turin tomorrow.

 

“Porto never speculate on a game, we have our game plan for every match,” Espirito Santo told reporters in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“We have a plan, we have an idea of play but we never give up. That’s never compromised, we have a tremendous competitive spirit and we have to prove that on the pitch.

 

“We know we’re facing a great team, who haven’t lost at home for a long time. But that motivates us to be able to say that we’ve won here, so we have to compete.

 

"We know it'll be difficult for us to reach the Quarter-Finals, but it's by no means impossible.

 

“Are we inspired by Barcelona’s comeback against Paris Saint-Germain? It’s different, we have a different game and a different opponent.

 

“We’re facing them in their home, we know we have to play a tough game, we need to contain, be consistent and creative to show the growth of the team. We have to focused to get the result we came here for.

 

“We’ve come here to compete, with maximum motivation.”

 

Porto overturned a 1-1 draw in qualifying against Roma, winning 3-0 at the Olimpico in the second leg.

 

“That qualification tells us that we had a difficult path to be here today, in the Last 16. We had a play-off in Augest when the team was just starting to work and we were able to compete.

 

“We managed to overcome a major hurdle, we reached our objective and we’re proud to say that we’re better now.

 

“So our target is to do what we did before now, and we always have to try to improve and be a better team.

 

“There will be no surprises, we know Juventus well and they know us. We’re all ready to compete tomorrow, it would be absurd to say that we won’t play this game.

 

“There are two phases in the game, with the ball and without it and we need to improve in both phases.”

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Brahimi: ‘Porto are confident’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99623/brahimi-‘porto-are-confident’

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Yacine Brahimi insists Porto “have a lot of confidence” going into their Champions League second leg with Juventus.

 

The Dragões trail 2-0 on aggregate after the first leg in Portugal, meaning they must score at least twice without reply tomorrow to go through.

 

“We know it will be an important game against a great team,” Brahimi admitted in the pre-match Press conference.

 

“But as the boss said, we have a lot of hope, we need to play a great match and I hope that the unity of the group can give us strength tomorrow.

 

“We’re very united and we hope every player can give a good performance tomorrow. We’ll have to play a great match.

 

“Clearly we’re in a good moment of the year, we have a lot of confidence and we hope that will give us strength tomorrow.

 

“The match in Oporto was complicated, we had 10-men but these things happen. We want to show we’re a good team with mental strength, we’ll give our all to qualify.”

[Socrates 7966]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PORTO

 

  - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round of 16 - Second leg

 

Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Ovidiu Hategan (Romania)

 

 

 

Dybala: ‘Milan provides motivation’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99624/dybala-‘milan-provides-motivation’

 

 

Mar 13, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala says Juventus’ “deserved” win over Milan will provide motivation for tomorrow’s Porto match.

 

The forward converted a controversial last-minute penalty against the Rossoneri on Friday night, and says that victory will provide motivation for the second leg of the Champions League Last 16 tie.

 

“The team is playing very well,” Dybala explained, sitting alongside Coach Max Allegri in the pre-match Press conference.

 

“We’re coming off a win which had to suffer a bit for, but which we deserved. We know Porto, we saw what they did against Roma. It won’t be easy at 11 v 11.

 

“The game against Milan definitely gives us strength, but I think with how the game ended we deserved the win beforehand because we played a great game with a lot of chances to close it out earlier, but we had to wait until the last minute.

 

“But given how we won and the way we celebrated it, we’ll have the motivation to come into this game with more faith.

 

“Was the penalty the most important of my career? I think so, yes. There was so much at stake, both personally and for the team because of what happened in Doha, because we were at 1-1 and because it was the last-minute.

 

“I had to wait almost four minutes to take the penalty, so there was a lot of pressure, but it was a beautiful moment when it went in.”

 

Could an early goal for the visitors unsettle the Bianconeri?

 

“Conceding an early goal isn’t in our plans, we hope it doesn’t happen but if it does we have to put the ball in the centre-circle, and continue the game while trying not to concede another one.

 

“Of course, we want to win this match without conceding any goals. We have a very strong defence, and all 11 of us have to defend when we don’t have the ball.”