JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Juventus will face Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The two sides last met in the Champions League final 2015 where Juve were beaten 3-1, but despite that, Juve director Pavel Nedved has called on the players to be without fear.

“We’re ready. This tie comes at the right time, the team are growing,”

“The return leg at Camp Nou? No matter where the games are, both will be difficult.

“It’s important to be at peak performance. We respect Barcelona but without letting fear get in the way.

“Revenge for 2015? I don’t know about that. Certainly, this is a fascinating tie against Barcelona

“It’ll be very nice, but we should look at the present, not the past. We’re strong, we can face them openly and after that, may the best team win.

“I agree with what Trapattoni said, that Juve need only look at themselves and be conscious of their own strengths.

“We must respect Barcelona, but not too much so it doesn’t result in fear, and play against them toe-to-toe.

“We should be happy and proud about being the only Italian team still in the Champions League.

“Was it better to play the second leg at home? No because I remember a time when we went through at Camp Nou. I don’t believe where the second leg is played makes a difference.

“Barcelona not as good compared to previous years? The years pass for everyone, they’ve won everything in recent years and it’s understandable that they may dip.

“Still, if we want to progress, we must do something more than what we usually do. We’re ready, but we have to be in top condition.

“If I were Juventus, I wouldn’t be happy with the draw. PSG proved anything could happen in football, and the fact that we’re here proves it.

“One of our objectives was to avoid one of the Spanish teams.”

Former Juve midfielder turned pundit, Alessio Tacchinardi reminisced about the last time Juve beat Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

“2003? It was a fantastic quarter-final, with the goal from Zalayeta,” he told Premium Sport.

“It’s a pity, although we still have to deal with it all. The fact that Barcelona are not in optimal physical condition gives us hope: Barcelona don’t seem to be at full intensity.

“They are two finals. Juventus were unlucky, also in the draw. Playing the second leg at Camp Nou, anything can happen. Barca’s comeback against PSG proves it.”

The full draw is as follows:

Atletico Madrid v Leicester

Borussia Dortmund v AS Monaco

Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

Juventus v Barcelona.

Happy with the Champions League Draw?

Yes

55%

No

29%

Indifferent

16%

Thank you for voting!

Votes 73

Socrates · March 17, 2017

CL: Juve draw Barcelona

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/99793/cl-juve-draw-barcelona

Juventus will face Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final, in a repeat of the 2015 final.

The pair also faced each other in the quarter-finals in 2003, when the Bianconeri went on to reach the finals, but were ultimately defeated by Milan.

Whilst the Old Lady defeated Porto in comfortable fashion with a 3-0 aggregate scoreline, Barca made it tough for themseves by overturning a 0-4 defecit to PSG, winning 6-1 at Camp Nou in the second leg.

The full draw is as follows:

Atletico Madrid v Leicester

Borussia Dortmund v AS Monaco

Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

Juventus v Barcelona

The ties will be played on April 11th-12, with the second leg set for April 18-19.

Socrates · March 17, 2017

UCL draw: Bayern vs. Real Madrid the big

one as Leicester take on Atletico

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post/3084040/ucl

-draw-bayern-vs-real-the-big-one-as-leicester-take-on-atletico

The quarterfinal draw for the Champions League has been made, with some intriguing ties.

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BAYERN MUNICH: BOOM! The big one as Bayern Munich face holders Real Madrid. But Bayern will be relieved to avoid an all-German clash (no, it's not a Klassiker) and also avoid Real's noisy neighbours Atletico, who dumped them out in the semifinals last time under Pep Guardiola. Of course, the main narrative will surround Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti plotting his way past Real, whom he led to the historic La Decima, thrashing Guardiola's Bayern 5-0 on aggregate in the last four in 2014. Arjen Robben, Xabi Alonso and Toni Kroos will all face former clubs, too. -- Mark Lovell

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REAL MADRID: Real Madrid definitely did not want to draw Bayern Munich at this stage of the competition -- as the reaction of the club's former player and current director Emilio Butragueno directly afterwards showed. For years Madrid have feared the big German clubs, especially Bayern, with a history of losing important meetings dating back to the 1980s, through Jose Mourinho's time in charge, right up until the shock 4-0 win in Munich on the way to winning the 2014 trophy. That Carlo Ancelotti was Blancos coach that season, and now returns with Bayern to take on his former assistant Zinedine Zidane, adds even more sauce to the mix. Everybody at the Bernabeu, from president Florentino Perez down, would have preferred this game not to happen at this stage. -- Dermot Corrigan

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BARCELONA: Juventus are a tough draw for Barcelona but the initial feeling is that the Catalans will have been happy to have avoided the other Spanish sides. Atletico Madrid are the only team to have knocked them out of the Champions League during the past three seasons, while a two-legged tie against Real Madrid would have been as tough mentally as physically. However, a meeting with the Italian champions -- and a reunion with Dani Alves -- is far from ideal. Juve are much stronger than Paris Saint-Germain in every sense of the word. If Barca play like they played in Paris in Turin in the first leg, Juve are unlikely to offer as much change in the return game at Camp Nou. It's an intriguing match up, though, between two of Europe's very best teams. -- Sam Marsden

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JUVENTUS: Juventus had hoped to face a weaker side than Barcelona in the quarterfinals, a team that pulled off the greatest comeback in the history of European football against PSG. However, this is still not the Barcelona of old and it's a team that does lose and concede with greater frequency than it once did. Meanwhile Juve are more confident now, a team that feel they deserve their place in the upper echelons of football, so this is perhaps the perfect time and the perfect opponent to play against to judge how far they have grown since their intimidated performance against Barca in the 2015 Champions League final. -- Mina Rzouki

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ATLETICO MADRID: Everybody wanted them and it was Atletico who got them. Debutants Leicester City were -- on paper -- the dream draw and it is nice to see fortune smile on Atleti at this stage of the competition having pulled out Barcelona (twice) and Real Madrid over the past three seasons. Neither side likes to dominate possession and both play counterattacking football. Diego Simeone does not use the kind of high-line that the likes of Jamie Vardy need to excel and it will be a battle to see who can pull off their game plan better. Los Rojiblancos have the better players, more experience and proven quality and I fully expect them to make it through. -- Joseph Walker

LEICESTER: It's perhaps fitting that Leicester City have drawn Atletico. The Foxes have an uncanny habit of drawing Atleti in Europe having lost to them in the 1961-62 European Cup Winners' Cup and more recently in the 1997-98 UEFA Cup. Foxes fans will have been hoping for Barcelona or Real Madrid, but a trip to the Vicente Calderon will be memorable and the tie is also very winnable since the Spanish side aren't quite as formidable as 12 months ago. It will be a similar kind of game to Sevilla, who by coincidence are Atleti's next opponent. Leicester haven't quite got a "glamour" tie, and Diego Simeone will be no doubt delighted with the draw, but don't rule out another shock Foxes triumph and an unthinkable place in the semifinals. As ridiculous as that sounds. -- Ben Jacobs

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DORTMUND: "We're challengers for the Champions League, but not favourites -- if you want to put us into a category," Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel said at his news conference on Thursday. AS Monaco are a team in the same category, with neither team being the favourite in this tie and Tuchel might give his mate Pep Guardiola a call for some advice to avoid making the same mistakes as Man City did. Both teams will be happy to have avoided Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid and both will fancy their chances. Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke summed it up nicely: "They have a goal difference of +59 [actually +58] and stand ahead of PSG in the League. It'll be very hard for us, but we cannot complain. All in all a very nice draw." -- Stefan Buczko

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MONACO: L'Equipe's online headline had stated, "Leicester or a big one" this morning. It was a big one, but not as big as it could have been. Given their triumph over City, Monaco will surely believe Dortmund are beatable. Both sides' attacking philosophy all but guarantees goals at either end, and it will be a chance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to show the Stade Louis II just how far he has progressed since an underwhelming loan spell there in 2010-11. However, for all their flair and firepower, Monaco's back four are a cut above their German opponents, and should tip the tie their way. -- Ian Holyman.

Socrates · March 17, 2017

Champions League draw results 2017: Juventus

to face FC Barcelona in the quarterfinals

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/17/14956264/

champions-league-2017-draw-results-juventus-fc-barcelona

Halfway through Friday’s Champions League quarterfinal draw, the reality of facing one of the big boys left in the competition became an incredibly fast reality.

It was just a matter of who would be it.

The last two mini footballs left to be unscrewed in the the bowl had our utmost of interest. We knew the teams that were going to be announced. The first one was Juventus. The second one was Barcelona. And just like that, the rematch of the 2015 Champions League final in Berlin was going to be taking place in the 2017 Champions League quarterfinals.

The first leg will be on Tuesday, April 11, at Juventus Stadium. The second leg will be at Camp Nou on Wednesday, April 19.

And thus continues the constant theme of a current Juventus player facing a team from his not-so-distant past. Dani Alves already faced one in Sevilla. Now he’ll get to meet a Barcelona club where he won oodles of trophies both domestically and in this same Champions League competition.

Also, Leonardo Bonucci said the following Thursday:

Leicester have been the surprise package of the tournament so far but personally I would want to meet Barcelona next. Facing off against the side that beat us to the trophy two years ago would be a huge incentive for all of us.

On Friday, Juventus did indeed get Barcelona. There you go, Leo.

There will be two major themes surrounding this matchup. At least, two that immediately pop into my head as I sit here and type this out. For one, it will be the talk of the 2015 final in which Barca beat Juve 3-1. The second will be how two of the best teams going in the Champions League are playing against each other and will not be around the next time there’s a draw happening in Nyon in the middle of April.

One would think the last time these two teams met would be the No. 1 go to talking point for a lot of people. Or maybe it’s the fact that Barca had to make history to get to the quarterfinals to begin with. I assume a lot of us don’t want to hear about that day back in June a couple of years ago. It wasn’t all bad, I guess. Don’t forget, though, there was also this in that game, too...

Juventus v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Final

Well, at least the guy who put that shot on goal is now wearing a Juventus jersey, so we’ve got all of that going for us, which could turn out to be nice.

Socrates · March 17, 2017

BARCELONA FOOTBALL BLOG

IT HAD TO BE YOU / IT HAD TO BE YOOOUUU!

h http://www.barcelonafootballblog.com/26097/it-had-to-be-you-it-had-to-be-yooouuu/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BarcelonaFootballBlog+(Barcelona+Football+Blog)

The Champions League quarterfinal ties are set, and to the surprise of nobody except the most cynical and conspiracy-ridden, Barça has drawn Juventus.

Why did this have to be? Because Barça will, absent any other mitigating factors, always draw the team that it has the most history with and the deepest backstory. So when Eto’o was at Inter, guess who Barça drew? Guardiola at Bayern, and guess what? This year, now that Dani Alves, former Barça RB, is back from his injury and setting the world alight — that’s right.

In looking at the list of possible opponents, other than Leicester City, it’s hard to argue with the comfort of Barça drawing Juventus. They are a strong side with a legend between the sticks, and are playing great football right now. But RM and Atleti are two of the best teams in the world, and Barça tormentors. Plus whose heart is ready to deal with a Champions League Classic? Not mine. Not yours, either. So don’t even lie.

Monaco or Dortmund? Do you really want those damn kids running around and being a pest among our dignified veterans? No. And I don’t, either.

Other than Atleti, Juventus is also the most staunch team defensively. They will be difficult to score against. The last time the two met in Champions League was the Rome final, a match that many culers have, in the mists of legend, believed to be easier than it was. This will be a tough, tough battle. And when Higuain doesn’t wear an Argentina shirt, he is an exceptional goalscorer. And don’t forget about Dybala, even though I know that you haven’t.

Neymar vs Alves. Yikes. That is going to be so much fun, even as they won’t often be directly matched up as Juventus will be looking to help out on that side as teams so often do against Barça, given Neymar’s role as catalyst and accelerant.

The other matchups are also very interesting. Conspiracy theorists will say that the suitcases of cash didn’t arrive in time to ensure that Real Madrid drew Leicester City, which would really have been the best team for them to draw as they would have destroyed the Lesters. Instead Atleti got them, in a matchup that will be very interesting, thanks to the frequent inability of Atleti to put the ball in the net.

Real Madrid/Bayern will be fantastic, especially if Bayern can win. We’re counting on native son Thiago Alcantara to do the world a solid and rid it of evil. Bayern is playing fantastic football right now, and have Bundesliga all but locked down, so they can focus on that matchup. Not so for Real Madrid who, like a certain Catalan club, is looking rather dodgy and vulnerable all too often this season.

Finally, the tie everyone was hoping for, Dortmund/Monaco, which features two “youth will be served” teams, both of whom feature fast, dynamic attacks and players that will buy some agent a new yacht in the not-to-distant future. For you folks familiar with American basketball, that is a Western Conference showdown all the way, Golden State against Oklahoma City. It’s going to be a riot, and there should be plenty of goals scored.

Picks? Ah, the hard part. But:

Atleti over Leicester
Barça over Juventus
Monaco over Dortmund
Bayern over Real Madrid

But I could be wrong.

Socrates · March 17, 2017

Atletico, Monaco, Bayern Munich,

Juventus expected to advance in UCL

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post

/3084170/whos-going-through-quarterfinal-predictions

With the draw for the Champions League quarterfinals made, here's a look at how the matches could go. Apologies, Leicester fans, but the dream may end here.

Atletico Madrid vs. Leicester City

Of all the clubs Leicester could have met in the quarterfinals, they were drawn against the only one they had faced before. Admittedly, much has changed since Martin O'Neill's Foxes lost 4-1 on aggregate to Atletico in a UEFA Cup first-round tie in 1997, with Ian Marshall earning a place in the history books by scoring at Vicente Calderon. Atletico also beat Leicester 3-1 over two legs in the 1961-62 Cup Winners' Cup and, up until this season, had been their opponents in half of the European fixtures they had ever played.

In the here and now, Leicester can have mixed feelings about this draw -- that is, if they were minded to feel at all choosy. On the one hand, Atletico do not quite have the individual stardust many of the other contenders possess, and they have not been consistently at their uncompromising best this season. On the other, Diego Simeone's team know better than anybody how to win a game at this level through sheer guts and, like Leicester, are happy to cede possession in order to do so.

It may be that Craig Shakespeare's side have met their match -- an opponent that can do the dirty, unfussy work that brought them success against Sevilla but have that extra bit of quality where it matters. Atletico have done this all before; they can win a tie in many different ways and Leicester will have their work cut out. Only a fool would rule the Foxes out now, though.

Prediction: Atletico will go toe-to-toe with Leicester in the physical battle and have too much in the opposition box. Simeone's side reach the semis.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Monaco

In some ways, this clash of the great entertainers looks like the tie of the round. Both of them swashbuckled their way into the last eight, and there is little chance of their letting up now. Dortmund's style is a little sleeker than Monaco's high-octane, lightning-fast approach, but the emphasis on attack is similar; neither Thomas Tuchel nor Leonardo Jardim will be naïve enough to neglect their defences with so much at stake, but this should still be a shoot-out between Europe's two brightest young teams.

You would certainly pay to watch a race between Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe, both of whom have been elevated to "potential matchwinner" status on a higher level than they might have expected at this stage of their careers. Monaco will be hit by the absence of suspended midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko -- who scored the winner against Manchester City shortly after picking up the booking that ruled him out -- for the first leg, but their biggest threat comes down the flanks. And if attacking full-backs Djibril Sidibe and Benjamin Mendy are given space in the first leg, they may score a healthy number of away goals.

Dortmund will need to force them back and hope that Marco Reus, due back in early April after a hamstring injury, is fit to return by then. If not, there is always the thrilling promise of U.S. starlet Christian Pulisic, who deputised for him in the round-of-16 second leg against Benfica and duly scored. In a tie set up for the next generation to make their marks on the present, you wouldn't bet against him repeating the feat.

Prediction: Monaco are on a roll and will sneak a predictably see-sawing battle.

Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid

It was a tie that seemed written in the stars. Three years ago, with a realistic chance of reaching the final after losing 1-0 at the Bernabeu in their semifinal first leg, Bayern Munich were destroyed 4-0 on their home turf by a Carlo Ancelotti-managed Real in a one-sided encounter that few saw coming. Ancelotti went on to lead his team to La Decima; now he finds himself on the other side, and the 23rd and 24th meetings between these teams will surely be closer. Confidence will certainly not be lacking after they scored 16 goals between them in the round of 16.

Both teams lead their domestic leagues, Bayern by a familiar-looking 10-point margin after RB Leipzig's early challenge faded. They have won 16 of their last 18 games in all competitions, drawing the other two, and have regained some of the fluency that was lacking in the early stages of Ancelotti's time in Bavaria.

Real's form has not been much worse, and perhaps this tie will be decided by clever management of resources. Both teams will enter the first leg on the back of big domestic games against Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, respectively. Whoever is fresher at the Allianz Arena a few days later may be able to wrest an advantage that they don't give up.

Prediction: Ancelotti's knowledge of the Real squad to give him the edge; Bayern win.

Juventus vs. Barcelona

Juventus came through the round of 16 virtually unnoticed, profiting from early Porto red cards in both legs to progress with a minimum of drama. For Barcelona, it was the opposite and, in this rerun of the 2015 final, the first leg, in Turin, will be instructive in discovering just how much they have learned from the tie against Paris Saint-Germain.

In Paris, and to a lesser extent in the group stage defeat at Manchester City, they were blown away and looked every inch a team in terminal decline. The comeback three weeks later was all the more shocking for that but, remarkable though it was, owed more to a concentrated burst of unusual events than sustained excellence from Luis Enrique's side. Massimiliano Allegri will have taken note, and if they can produce a high-octane performance at Juventus Stadium, the Serie A leaders may fancy their chances.

The flip side is that Juve are yet to face a top-quality test in Europe this season. Lyon, Dinamo Zagreb, Sevilla and Porto have not been the most inspiring opposition, while Manchester City and PSG have been genuine tests for Barcelona that have threatened to throw them off course. If Neymar, Lionel Messi and company felt that, after all that, nothing could stop them, then it would be difficult to argue.

Prediction: Unlike PSG, Juventus have the experience and backbone to expose Barcelona's frailties definitively. The Italians to go through.

Socrates · March 17, 2017

‘Juve unlucky but anything possible’

http://www.football-italia.net/99796/juve-unlucky-anything-possible

Alessio Tacchinardi says that while Juventus “were unlucky” to draw Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, “anything can happen”.

Juve and Barca will battle it out in a repeat of the 2015 final that the Old Lady lost 3-1, but Tacchinardi remembered 2003, when the former midfielder helped the Turin giants beat the Blaugrana after extra-time to reach the last four that year.

“2003? It was a fantastic quarter-final, with the goal from [Marcelo] Zalayeta,” he told Premium Sport.

“It’s a pity, although we still have to deal with it all. The fact that Barcelona are not in optimal physical condition gives us hope: Barcelona don’t seem to be at full intensity.

“They are two finals. Juventus were unlucky, also in the draw. Playing the second leg at Camp Nou, anything can happen. [Barca’s] comeback against PSG proves it.”

Socrates · March 17, 2017

Pavel Nedved: 'Juventus are capable of challenging Barcelona'

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/story/3084137/

pavel-nedved-juventus-are-capable-of-challenging-barcelona

Pavel Nedved has said Juventus' Champions League quarterfinal clash with Barcelona comes "at just the right time" for Massimiliano Allegri's side.

The tie sees the 2015 finalists drawn together, a game which Juve lost 3-1, but Nedved hopes the five-time consecutive Serie A champions are now ready to beat Barca.

"We must not look to the past, but at the present, knowing that we are strong and that we can face them with an open mind. Let the best team win," the Juventus director told the Serie A club's website. "Juve are growing by the day. This tie comes at just the right time and I agree with what ex-Juve boss Giovanni Trapattoni said in that Juve must "focus on themselves."

"That is what we are going to have to do. We need to respect Barca, but without any fear because we are capable of challenging them.

Asked if Barca are not as strong as they were, he said: "Times change for everybody and they had won a lot in recent years so it's understandable that they are not the same now, but they are always in top form for games like these and if we want to go through, we are going to have to give that little bit more.

"We are ready, but we need to be at our very best to hurt them." For Dani Alves, it will be a meeting against his former club, while Nedved said several other members of the Juve dressing room were hoping to face the Blaugrana.

"I know that as a former Barca player, Dani would have liked to avoid them, but you can't please everybody," Nedved said. "[Paulo] Dybala and [Leonardo] Bonnuci, for example, wanted to face them. We're happy to be here today as the only Italian side left in the competition, which makes me proud, but I would prefer if it there were other Italian sides here because Italian football needs them."

Juve host Barca on April 11 with the return leg at the Camp Nou on April 19.

"I remember a precedent when we played the return at the Camp Nou and it went well for us," Nedved said, referring to April 2003 when Juve won 2-1 in Spain. "It doesn't matter where you play games like these -- at home or away, you have to be at your best."

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre told beIN Sports said he hoped Luis Enrique's side would learn from the mistakes they made against Paris Saint-Germain in the round-of-16.

"The draw is the draw, there are no easy teams in the quarterfinals but we always get tough ties," he said. "There's a good dynamic at the moment and morale is sky high but that doesn't mean we're going to go through.

"I respect Juve a lot. The advantage of playing the second leg at home is conditioned a lot by what happens in the first game -- we hope it's not the same as Paris. We have to score in Turin."

Socrates · March 17, 2017

Nedved: Juve without fear

http://www.football-italia.net/99797/nedved-juve-without-fear

Pavel Nedved insists Juventus must respect Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, “but without letting fear get in the way”.

Speaking after Friday’s draw in Nyon, Nedved admitted Juve wanted to avoid a Spanish team in the last four but that the Bianconeri were nonetheless ready to avenge their defeat in the 2015 final.

“We’re ready. This tie comes at the right time, the team are growing,” began the Vice-President and former midfielder.

“The return leg at Camp Nou? No matter where the games are, both will be difficult.

“It’s important to be at peak performance. We respect Barcelona but without letting fear get in the way.

“Revenge for 2015? I don’t know about that. Certainly, this is a fascinating tie against Barcelona.

“It’ll be very nice, but we should look at the present, not the past. We’re strong, we can face them openly and after that, may the best team win.

“I agree with what [Giovanni] Trapattoni said, that Juve need only look at themselves and be conscious of their own strengths.

“We must respect Barcelona, but not too much so it doesn’t result in fear, and play against them toe-to-toe.

“We should be happy and proud about being the only Italian team still in the Champions League.

“Was it better to play the second leg at home? No because I remember a time when we went through at Camp Nou. I don’t believe where the second leg is played makes a difference.

“Barcelona not as good compared to previous years? The years pass for everyone, they’ve won everything in recent years and it’s understandable that they may dip.

“Still, if we want to progress, we must do something more than what we usually do. We’re ready, but we have to be in top condition.

“If I were Juventus, I wouldn’t be happy with the draw. PSG proved anything could happen in football, and the fact that we’re here proves it.

“One of our objectives was to avoid one of the Spanish teams.”

Socrates · March 18, 2017

Italian Football Is Relying On Juventus To Do The Business

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/03/italian-football-is-relying-on-juventus-to-do-the-business/

Juventus are on course to cruise to a sixth consecutive Serie A title after opening up another comfortable lead in a league they have dominated in recent times.

Maybe if Inter and AC Milan really splash the cash in the summer they might have some decent opposition but right now their closest contenders – Roma and Napoli – are streets behind. Juventus’ heavy lead in the title race allows them to really focus on other competitions, and they could be in for a treble.

After beating Napoli 3-1 in the first leg of Coppa Italia, they were made overwhelming favourites to win it, especially after Roma were beaten 2-0 by city rivals Lazio.

You would fancy Juventus to beat Lazio easily in the final, and they are now odds-on favourites to win the cup as well as the league, a BetDSI sportsbook review and a trawl through other online betting sites has revealed. In fact, they are so likely to win both that you wouldn’t even double your money if you bet on a league and cup double for Juventus. That’s how easy they have it domestically right now.

The real test of their abilities then will come in the Champions League. They look a certainty to reach the quarter-finals after coming away from Porto with a 2-0 lead after playing against 10 men for much of their first leg encounter in the last 16.

Juve have even climbed up to fourth favourites for the Champions League. Their best finish in recent years was ending as runners-up two seasons ago after losing out to the mighty Barcelona, but they really could go one better this time around.

The 11/4 favourites are Bayern Munich, who beat Arsenal 10-2 on aggregate, followed by Barca who squeaked past PSG and Real Madrid, who are 9/2. Then comes Juventus and Atletico Madrid, both 7/1, before Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Leicester.

Right now it looks like the winner will come from the first five favourites. Dortmund are a good outside bet, while the teams below them in the betting odds order are not really good enough.

Real Madrid won it last season and will be a massive threat, but history is not on their side as no team has ever successfully defended the Champions League. They are also fighting tooth and nail with Barca for La Liga and will be desperate to gain a first title in years, so they may be exhausted and distracted.

If you rule those two out, it leaves Bayern and Atletico. Bayern did not top their group as they were beaten by Atletico, a team of similar ability and approach to Juventus. They have shown themselves to be fallible in the Bundesliga too this season.

They are a great team but Juventus can go toe-to-toe with them. Atletico are off the pace in the Spanish league and can really go for it in Europe. They know how to win in this competition, having twice been to the final in the last three years, only to lose to city rivals Real both times. They seem to buckle under the pressure at the final hurdle, so Juve could come out on top against them too.

The competition is ferocious, but if Juventus can snatch the Champions League it would do wonders for the credibility of Italian football, more top players might move to Italy and Serie A could get a lot more interesting and competitive.

Socrates · March 18, 2017

‘Barca in very high spirits for Juve’

http://www.football-italia.net/99804/barca-very-high-spirits-juve

Barcelona Vice-President Jordi Mestre claims his club are in “very high spirits” for their Champions League quarter-final against Juventus.

The last-eight tie marks a repeat of the 2015 final, when Barca beat Juve 3-1 to lift the European cup, and Mestre felt the Blaugrana were in “a good place” to get the better of the Old Lady a second time.

“It’s a very difficult tie, but we’re in a good dynamic and very high spirits,” he said after Friday’s draw in Nyon.

“It doesn’t mean we’ll go through, but we’re in a good place to do so.

“The draw is the draw and in the quarter-finals there are no easy teams. It won’t be easy against Juve, we have to remember that two years ago, they played in the final against us.

“We’ve been given tough draws for years now, but we're pulling forward.

“We have respect for the potential that Juve have and a player [Dani Alves] that was with us for many years and who we love a lot.

“It’ll be a special tie. On playing the second leg at home, it depends on how the first one goes.

“The key will be getting an away goal. Another comeback? I hope such an extreme doesn’t happen again.”

Socrates · March 18, 2017

Iniesta: 'Juventus world class'

http://www.football-italia.net/99827/iniesta-juventus-world-class

Andres Iniesta warns Juventus “have players capable of changing a game at any moment and it’ll be very difficult” for Barcelona.

The two sides will face off in the Champions League quarter-final, a repeat of the 2015 Final that the Blaugrana won 3-1.

“Like all Italian teams, Juventus have an incredibly strong defence,” noted Iniesta.

“Apart from that, they have players capable of changing a game at any moment. There are world class players in every area of the side, so it’ll be very difficult for us.

“However, if we are able to make the most of our strengths, then we’ve got a good possibility of success.”

The first leg is in Turin on April 11, with the decider at Camp Nou on April 19.

Socrates · March 18, 2017

Zambrotta: 'Juve on Barca's level'

http://www.football-italia.net/99832/zambrotta-juve-barcas-level

Gianluca Zambrotta is confident Juventus can beat Barcelona in the Champions League. “Max Allegri’s side has never been closer to Barça.”

The sides will face off in the quarter-finals with the first leg in Turin on April 11 and the decider at Camp Nou on April 19.

“This is one of the two games that could’ve been the Final, along with Bayern Munich-Real Madrid,” World Cup winner Zambrotta told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“They are two teams who can target the Treble, so that shows you how strong they are.”

Barcelona very nearly crashed out of the tournament in the Round of 16 after a 4-0 first leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, but completed an incredible comeback to win 6-1 with the last kick of the game.

“That told us that Barcelona can be put under serious pressure, the second leg confirmed it’s a side capable of finding hidden resources even when they seem to be out of gas.

“Allegri has to keep both those games in mind. The key will be the first leg, as Juventus can make the most of home advantage, their remarkable record on home turf and the fact Sergio Busquets will be suspended.

“Luis Enrique showed by moving to a three-man defence after the defeat in Paris that he can create new things, but inventions don’t always work and Busquets has unique characteristics in that squad.

“He could use Javier Mascherano, but that would weaken the defence. Ivan Rakitic or Andre Gomes are options, but they are very different to Busquets.

“The first leg is very important, because I’ve played at Camp Nou and I know what it feels like to be pushed on by 95,000 people. It gives you wings and we saw that against PSG. Barcelona are scary on home turf, so Juve must ensure they don’t get shaken by that atmosphere.”

The last time these clubs met was the 2014 Champions League Final, when Barcelona won 3-1 at the end of a hard-fought game.

“Qualification is within reach for this Juve side. Allegri’s teams have never been so close to Barcelona as they are now in terms of quality and mental strength,” continued Zambrotta.

“This Barcelona side remains very strong, of course, but it’s not the perfect unit built by Pep Guardiola. Juve are also different to two years ago, improving both in personnel and mentality. And Allegri knows that.

“Juve want to make that step up in Europe and to do that they need to overcome obstacles like Barcelona. They are ready and have everything it takes to win.

“The good thing about Juventus is they don’t just depend on one player. They have world class figures all the way through the squad. Even the defence isn’t their main asset. This is a complete team.”

Socrates · March 18, 2017

Zoff: 'Juve can defend with Barca'

http://www.football-italia.net/99840/zoff-juve-can-defend-barca

Dino Zoff assures Barcelona’s fightback against Paris Saint-Germain “could never happen with Juventus, who can defend against Leo Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.”

They face off in the Champions League quarter-finals with the first leg in Turin on April 11 and visiting Camp Nou on April 19.

The Blaugrana completed the most extraordinary comeback in European football when recovering from a 4-0 first leg defeat to beat PSG 6-1 with the last kick of the game.

“That could never happen with Juventus,” former goalkeeper Zoff told Catalunya Radio.

“The Bianconeri have character, great players and it simply would not be possible to do that.

“All the Juve players are dangerous. Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are great, but the real strength of the side lies in the defence.

“Messi, Neymar and Suarez are a trio who can create a lot of problems, but we are Juve and we know how to defend.”

The last time these teams met was in the 2014 Champions League Final, which was a tight affair until Neymar finished it off on the counter late on for a 3-1 scoreline.

Socrates · March 18, 2017

Nedved: Juventus V Barcelona Comes At The Perfect Time

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/03/nedved-juventus-v-barcelona-comes-at-the-perfect-time/

http://www.juvefc.com/sampdoria-v-juventus-match-preview-scouting-report/

Despite being handed a tough draw in the Champions League, vice-president Pavel Nedved sees no reason why the Bianconeri should fear Barcelona.

The Bianconeri eased through to the final eight by defeating Porto 3-0 on aggregate, but the Blaugrana made headlines by overturning a heavy first leg defeat via a stunning 6-1 victory over PSG back at the Camp Nou.

While the performance has made Barcelona favourites to win it all in the eyes of many, Nedved believes the Italian side are hitting top form ahead of the tie.

“This match comes at the perfect time because the team is in constant growth,” he told reporters after Friday’s draw.

“It doesn’t matter where we play as we both matches will be difficult. The important thing is that we get there in top form.

“We respect Barcelona, but we won’t let fear get into the mix.”

Barcelona defeated Juventus 3-1 in the 2015 final, but Nedved isn’t certain revenge is what is motivating the Bianconeri.

“I don’t know if we’ll look for revenge,” he continued. “What I am certain of is that the tie against Barcelona will be an interesting one.

“We can’t look at the past. Instead, we have to look at the future. We are a strong side and we can face them head on.

“After that the stronger side will win.”

Juventus last won the Champions League back in 1996 when they defeated Ajax on penalties.

Socrates · March 18, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Sampdoria v Juventus Match Preview

Mar 18, 2017

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

Sampdoria v Juventus

Serie A Week 29 – Sunday, 19th March – 14:00 GMT – Stadio Luigi Ferraris

Juventus

Juventus come off two missions accomplished. Despite the complaints about the very late penalties, the squad was at its best against Milan: they outplayed an opponent that appeared to have their number earlier in the season and created a bounty of scoring chances. The Rossoneri were kept afloat only by the miracles of Gianluigi Donnarumma. They were less sharp against Porto, but it was understandable because of the result of the first leg. After the one-nil, they were too relaxed and came close to conceding on careless plays. At this point of the season, anybody goes into energy management mode when they can, but I would agree that Bianconeri will have to play better against tougher opponents in Europe.

In a Sunday afternoon game, which I consider suboptimal, Juventus will take on Sampdoria. It will be the final chapter of a very busy stretch, which has been productive. It will be imperative to be focused on the task on hand and not be distracted by the upcoming international break.

There should be limited rotation. Despite being in the squad list, Giorgio Chiellini is out in this one. In the pre-game presser, it was announced that Andrea Barzagli will start, alongside either Leonardo Bonucci or Daniele Rugani, confirming the suspicious that the coaching staff sees them as an alternative to one another rather than as an ideal pairing. The battle on the defensive flanks is wide open: Stephan Lichtsteiner and Alex Sandro are slightly favoured, but Kwadwo Asamoah performed pretty well recently. Dani Alves is rambunctious, but he is a playmaker and proved that when he was used as RW against Milan: the experiment worked and it could be re-used if need be.

Massimiliano Allegri recently suggested that Claudio Marchisio is better off playing once a week for a while, so he should be on the bench, with Miralem Pjanic returning to the XI. I would not be surprised to see Tomas Rincon starting over Sami Khedira, but the German world champion is the frontrunner. Genoa president Enrico Preziosi recently declared in a very enigmatic way: “Rincon is not playing for reason I would rather not reveal.” As far as I know, it was a straight transfer, no loan with obligation or other stuff, Juventus paid €8M with a €1M conditional bonus, so I doubt he is not out there for financial reasons. All in all, it is very simple: Rincon is an inferior player compared to the other three that are featured more and his playing time suffered from the decision to use a two-man midfield.

The attack should be the usual one, especially because both Juan Cuadrado and Mario Mandzukic got some rest recently. Gonzalo Higuain is probably due for a day off, but I do not see any value in benching him just for the sake of it and he certainly does not look tired on the pitch. Marko Pjaca unfortunately failed to grab the brass ring because of his mistake in front of the goal against Milan: while that performance was certainly a let-down, he is starting to get more involved and to display the characteristics that made him a very coveted player last summer.

Stefano Sturaro could return from his abdomen ailment, while Medhi Benatia will be sidelined by a minor hamstring problem. The Moroccan, who recently voiced his frustration for the lack of playing time and withdrew his name from the next international call-ups, played poorly against Porto after scoring in the Milan game. He is on a one-year loan with a €17M option to buy that needs to be activated by May 30^th. Considering his continuous injuries and especially the shift to a four-man defence, which makes having five starting-caliber centre-backs redundant, I could see the management not picking up his option, even though the aging Barzagli and Chiellini have become less dependable from a physical standpoint.

Chiellini and Marchisio have not been called up by Giampietro Ventura so they can take advantage of the break to find the ideal condition.

Probable lineup:

4-2-3-1: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic, Higuain

Injuries:

Benatia (hamstring).

Suspensions:

None.

Sampdoria

Sampdoria’s season has been long peeks and deep valleys. Juventus will catch them at the wrong time: they have not lost in their last seven match, in which they have collected four wins and three draws. They have had some high quality wins this year against Inter, Roma and Milan. They are in ninth position.

They are starting to morph into what Marco Giampaolo envisioned and managed to build in Empoli: a very technical side who can go toe-to-toe with the best teams and is not afraid to play its style. Despite the interest from bigger clubs, they want to lock up the coach and it would be a great move for them if they succeeded.

The midfield is the engine of Giampaolo’s teams and the backbone composed by Edgar Barreto and Lucas Torreira has been excellent this year. The Uruguayan youngster has shown a rapid growth in a very delicate position and I would not mind Juventus making a run at him if the attempts for more established players, like Corentin Tolisso, Leon Goretzka or Mahmoud Dahoud, are unsuccessful. He is 21, he is tiny but has that David Pizarro-esque gravitas on the field and he is very capable also in the defensive tasks. I do not think he would have trouble adapting to a slightly different position in the Juventus midfield.

Three players are battling for the other two positions: left box-to-box and attacking midfield. Dennis Praet can cover both and he is slated to start, with either Bruno Fernandes or Karol Linetty in the other. The other doubt is at left back: Daniel Pavlovic has recently overcome the knee issues that kept him out for a good portion of the season and started playing regularly, but it could be Vasco Regini getting the nod for a more defensive look. Jacopo Sala is set to beat out Bartosz Bereszynski at right back.

Fabio Quagliarella has not practiced with the rest of the group for the whole week because of muscle fatigue, but it is reported that it was just a precautionary measure and he should be in the starting XI. Anyway, they can count on the best 12^th man in Europe Patrik Schick if the veteran striker is not available. Their main offensive weapon is Luis Muriel, who is finally meeting expectations outside of Udine. His combination of speed, power, dribbling and finishing skills makes him a handful for any defender and he is a much better passer now, he gets his teammate involved, while being a solo player was a knock on him in the past.

The goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano is suspended but the reserve Christian Puggioni has already gotten a lot of playing time this season.

Probable lineup:

4-3-1-2: Puggioni; Sala, Silvestre, Skriniar, Regini; Barreto, Torreira, Praet; Fernandes; Quagliarella, Muriel.

Injuries:

None.

Suspensions:

Viviano.

Formation

Socrates · March 18, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Allegri: 'Samp tougher than Barca'

http://www.football-italia.net/99845/allegri-samp-tougher-barca

Mar 18, 2017

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

Max Allegri warned Sampdoria are more difficult for Juventus than Barcelona and “our primary objective is to win the Serie A title.”

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

Most of the questions in today’s Press conference were about the Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona.

“It will be a big clash, but there’s no point talking about Barcelona now,” said Allegri in his Press conference.

“We have Sampdoria, two games with Napoli and then Chievo. It’ll be a fascinating match, but tomorrow is the most difficult of them all, because you don’t need to find motivation against Barcelona. Samp have beaten Roma, Milan and won the derby with Genoa.

“Giorgio Chiellini is available, but he’s not 100 per cent fit and won’t play tomorrow. He won’t go on international duty either. We’ll recover him for the next games. I need to choose between Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani, but Andrea Barzagli will start.

“With all due respect, there are 10 games left in Serie A, Roma and Napoli have the potential to pick up 30 points, so we don’t have first or even second place under lock and key.

“If we don’t play tomorrow’s game with a serious, responsible attitude, we could find Roma five points away. Our primary objective is to win the Serie A title, because six consecutive Scudetti is something historic that has never been done.

“After the break for international duty, we’ve got Napoli and then the chance to reach the Coppa Italia Final. Barcelona isn’t until April 11, there’s time.

“I want to point out, and this is the last thing, that Juventus playing Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final is not an extraordinary event. It has to be normal. We have been in this position fairly regularly of late, we were just unlucky last year to get Bayern Munich in the draw straight away.”

The clash with the Blaugrana is also a return to Camp Nou for Dani Alves.

“I might let him play other games and not against Barcelona.”

“Tomorrow we need to be careful of ourselves. Sampdoria have enthusiasm, Marco Giampaolo has given a real tactical identity to the team and they have nothing to lose. After winning the derby, they will try to make a dream come true by beating Juventus.

“If we don’t have the same motivation as Samp, we’re in real trouble!”

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

Socrates · March 18, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Sampdoria - Juventus Match Preview

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88113

Mar 18, 2017

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

Juventus visit a Sampdoria side on splendid form, including an historic derby success.

The hosts will be determined to give Max Allegri’s side another shock away loss as they look to solidify their midtable position in the league and, after their Derby della Lanterna victory last time out, they will be on Cloud Nine as they take on the champions.

Samp have no injuries to worry about this weekend, but goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano is suspended, so Christian Puggioni has to step in.

Marco Giampaolo will take inspiration from arch-rivals Genoa and Fiorentina by looking at how they defeated Juventus and try to implement that into their game.

Giampaolo will need the Blucerchiati to be at their very best to beat a Juventus side who are off the back of advancing to the Champions League Quarter-Final with a convincing 3-0 aggregate defeat of Porto. However, this season Juventus have been fairly poor in Serie A in the fixture after continental exploits, including losses against both Inter and Milan, as well as Genoa in this very stadium.

One weakness of the Old Lady this season has been away form, and Allegri will want his side to put in a strong and commanding performance. Whilst Samp are at full strength, Juve will be without Stefano Sturaro and Medhi Benatia, but Giorgio Chiellini, Miralem Pjanic and Andrea Barzagli should be well-rested.

The match itself will be a fascinating clash between two sides that come into the game on very good form. Sampdoria are currently on an unbeaten run of seven games, winning five. The inconsistent nature of Samp has almost ruined their season to a degree, with this run showing that almost at the flick of a switch, they can beat anyone.

However, they will come up against a Juventus team who has really shown recently why they are champions. Their recent 1-1 away at Udinese was their first draw of the season, and the first time they had dropped points since their loss in January to Fiorentina.

The incredible form of the Bianconeri has set them up perfectly for a sixth consecutive Scudetto, unless Sampdoria pull off a shock and give us a title race in the latter stages of the season.

Giampaolo has never beaten the Bianconeri in nine attempts, winning only two of his eight encounters with Allegri.

Keep an eye on: Luis Muriel (Sampdoria) - If Sampdoria are to get a win or even a draw out of this one, the deadly finishing instinct of Muriel will be key for Marco Giampaolo’s side.

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

Last Season: Sampdoria 1-2 Juventus

Stat Fact: Samp picked up one point from their last seven meetings with Juve, home and away, since a 3-2 victory here in May 2013.

Top Tip: Lay a Juventus victory

Sampdoria (probable): Puggioni; Sala, Silvestre, Skriniar, Regini; Barreto, Torreira, Praet; Fernandes; Quagliarella, Muriel

Suspended: Viviano

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

Suspended: None

Socrates · March 18, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Allegri cautions Juve to focus on the present

The spectre of Barcelona is still close to a month away

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/18/14966702/allegri-

cautions-juventus-focus-on-scudetto-serie-a-sampdoria-preview

Mar 18, 2017

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

Juventus return to Serie A action this weekend with a game against Sampdoria and manager Massimiliano Allegri has warned the Bianconeri that they need to focus on the present and worry about the Champions League tie against Barcelona later.

“It will be a big clash, but there’s no point talking about Barcelona now.

“We have Sampdoria, two games with Napoli and then Chievo. It’ll be a fascinating match, but tomorrow is the most difficult of them all, because you don’t need to find motivation against Barcelona. Samp have beaten Roma, Milan and won the derby with Genoa.”

He restated the importance of what he calls Juve’s first objective, winning the Scudetto.

“With all due respect, there are 10 games left in Serie A, Roma and Napoli have the potential to pick up 30 points, so we don’t have first or even second place under lock and key.

“If we don’t play tomorrow’s game with a serious, responsible attitude, we could find Roma five points away. Our primary objective is to win the Serie A title, because six consecutive Scudetti is something historic that has never been done.”

Going back to the Barca clash -

“After the break for international duty, we’ve got Napoli and then the chance to reach the Coppa Italia Final. Barcelona isn’t until April 11, there’s time.

“I want to point out, and this is the last thing, that Juventus playing Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final is not an extraordinary event. It has to be normal. We have been in this position fairly regularly of late, we were just unlucky last year to get Bayern Munich in the draw straight away.”

For Dani Alves, there is a lot at stake against his former club -

“I might let him play other games and not against Barcelona.”

And then back to the Sampdoria game tomorrow -

“Tomorrow we need to be careful of ourselves. Sampdoria have enthusiasm, Marco Giampaolo has given a real tactical identity to the team and they have nothing to lose. After winning the derby, they will try to make a dream come true by beating Juventus.

“If we don’t have the same motivation as Samp, we’re in real trouble!”

He also had some updates on the squad -

“Giorgio Chiellini is available, but he’s not 100 per cent fit and won’t play tomorrow. He won’t go on international duty either. We’ll recover him for the next games. I need to choose between Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani, but Andrea Barzagli will start.

Socrates · March 18, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Massimiliano Allegri wants Juventus

to forget about Champions League

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=461014

Mar 18, 2017

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

Massimiliano Allegri will not allow his Juventus players to be distracted by their Champions League clash with Barcelona as he targets an "extraordinary" sixth straight Serie A title.

The Bianconeri will get an opportunity to try and avenge their Berlin defeat from 2015 when they meet Barca in the quarter-finals next month, but revenge is not on Allegri's mind this weekend.

Most pressing for the Juve head coach is getting a positive result at Sampdoria on Sunday night, as a victory would push the Turin side ever closer to clinching an historic sixth successive Scudetto.

On the eve of the match at the Marassi, he told juventus.com: "We shouldn't be getting carried away about playing Barcelona in the Champions League.

"Our quarter-final will be a fascinating tie, but first we have four other matches to worry about.

"Our primary objective is the league, because winning six titles in a row would be extraordinary.

"Sampdoria have won five and drawn two of their last seven matches. We need to be on top of our game."

Allegri will not risk defender Giorgio Chiellini against Samp, meaning Andrea Barzagli or Leonardo Bonucci will play alongside Daniele Rugani as fellow centre-back Medhi Benatia is out injured.

Midfielder Claudio Marchisio played 90 minutes against Porto in midweek and will be available.

On his star striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has not scored in three matches, Allegri added: "Higuain is not tired. He might not have scored for a few games, but he's in good shape."

In the home camp, goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano is the only absentee as he serves a one-match ban.

Samp boss Marco Giampaolo does not think Juve will be diverted by European engagements.

He said: "The Bianconeri have never had any problems with that, they don't know how to take it easy.

"Juve are always clinical and fierce... they're like cannibals.

"They will turn up in Genoa putting their best foot forward."

On the opposition's chances of winning the Scudetto, he added: "It's not over yet although history tells us that clubs are unlikely to lose it from that position."

Samp had, in recent years, been something of a bogey team for the all-conquering Bianconeri, beating them twice in 2012-13 and regularly holding them to draws.

However, that has changed with Juve plundering a 5-0 home win last season and following it up with a 4-1 triumph in Turin back in October.

Giampaolo has never produced a win against the Old Lady across his stints with Cesena, Catania, Empoli and other top-flight clubs.

"That's true," said the Switzerland-born tactician. "I hope it changes tomorrow afternoon with Samp."

Socrates · March 18, 2017

'Juve know how to defend' - Club legend Zoff fires

warning to Messi, Suarez and Neymar

Barcelona have been told that they will struggle to score at will when

they face the Serie A leaders in the Champions League quarter-finals.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2017/03/18/33769202/-

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/19/14970156/juventus

Juventus great Dino Zoff has backed the Serie A champions to contain Barcelona's fearsome 'MSN' forward line.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were all on the scoresheet as Luis Enrique's side produced a miraculous comeback to defeat Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 at Camp Nou last week and book their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

They will meet Juve in the last eight in a repeat of the final of 2015, in which Barca triumphed 3-1 to clinch the treble in Luis Enrique's first season in charge.

But while Zoff acknowledges the strength of Barca's attacking trio, he believes a repeat of their goalscoring heroics against PSG would be impossible against Massimiliano Allegri's side.

"That could never happen with Juventus," the former Italy goalkeeper, who won six league titles with Juve, told Catalunya Radio.

"The Bianconeri have character and great players. It simply wouldn't be possible for them to do that.

"All the Juve players are dangerous. Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are fantastic, but the real strength of the side lies in the defence.

"Messi, Neymar and Suarez are a trio who can create a lot of problems, but we're Juve, and we know how to defend."

Socrates · March 19, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Juventus vs. Sampdoria: BWRAO

Starting lineup vote results

-sampdoria-2017-serie-a-round-29-starting-lineup-vote-results

Mar 19, 2017

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

Another game, another 4-2-3-1 formation selection. The rest of the formations we’ve previously used were pretty evenly split, at 8-10 percent each.

Gianluigi Buffon didn’t have his usual dominance with the goalie votes, but he still wins with 81 percent. It was clear that some viewed this game as one to rotate, while others heavily disagreed.

In defense, Alex Sandro beats out Kwadwo Asamoah for the left back spot, while Leonardo Bonucci and Daniele Rugani make up the center. Stephan Lichtsteiner beats out Dani Alves for the right back spot, with 62 percent of the votes.

Rugani must start

Alves should start more in order to gel with the rest of the team.

For the two pivot roles, Claudio Marchisio and Miralem Pjanic take the spots, while Sami Khedira was chosen to be rested. Rincon also got some shouts, and got 38 percent of the votes.

Rincon on to give Khedira a rest. I love seeing Kwadwo play in these games.

Lemina needs game time late.

Pjanic must start

BWRAO’s Marko Pjaca obsession continued, as he was voted into the left wing spot. Beside him is Paulo Dybala in the attacking midfielder role, and to his right will be Juan Cuadrado.

Neto and Pjaca are the ones who can and should play in such games

FREE PJACA

Zukic should be rested.

Up front, Gonzalo Higuain leads the way, yet again. The decision wasn’t unanimous, however, as he received 71 percent of the votes, compared to Mario Mandzukic’s 51 percent.

Not inclusion, exclusion. For god's sake leave Higuain on the bench to get some rest

My lineup’s thinking is to semi-rotate. Sampdoria isn’t exactly a weak team this year, so there should at least be some firepower to put up a good fight. Kwadwo Asamoah had a good performance last time out, so he should be able to handle the narrow formation of Udinese. I would rest Pjanic and put Rincon there, leaving the deep playmaking responsibilities to Claudio. I want to see more of what Rincon can do. I would also start Mandzukic over Higuain, and have Gonzalo ready to go in case of disaster.

The plan for the Champions League opponent vote was for the article to come out before the draw, but that didn’t happen so it wasn’t as fun. For what it’s worth, Leicester City was voted as the easiest team, and Bayern as the hardest.

BWRAO’s Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Buffon; Alex Sandro, Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Stephan Lichtsteiner; Claudio Marchisio, Miralem Pjanic; Marko Pjaca, Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado; Gonzalo Higuain.

Anthony’s Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Buffon; Kwadwo Asamoah, Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Stephan Lichtsteiner; Claudio Marchisio, Tomas Rincon; Marko Pjaca, Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado; Mario Mandzukic.

Socrates · March 19, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Juventus cannot play like it's a friendly

if they hope to knock off Barcelona

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3085669/juventus

-cannot-play-like-its-a-friendly-if-they-hope-to-knock-off-barcelona

Mar 19, 2017

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

In what will be a repeat of the 2015 final, Juventus will once again take on Barcelona in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. And while they are trying to concentrate on their upcoming Serie A clash against Sampdoria, all anyone can discuss is Barcelona. Can Juve overcome the Catalan side that managed the greatest comeback in European football?

Based on talent alone, Juventus are not inferior and haven't been for some time, yet talent will not be the defining factor when the two sides clash on April 11. Mental fragility has been Juve's problem for some time, and they must grasp this upcoming opportunity with both hands and prove they have grown and are worthy of their history and legacy.

It won't be easy. That is not necessarily because Barcelona are a formidable side this season but because, much like Bayern Munich, they boast a winner's aura and have the power to intimidate an opponent to provoke weakness. Paris Saint-Germain were rattled after conceding only one goal, and Juventus looked awestruck when the two faced off, playing an embarrassing first half in which warriors such as Arturo Vidal were apologetic after tackling the opponent.

Since when should Juventus feel honoured to play anyone? They have spent millions on constructing one of the best sides in Europe, which boasts both offensive brilliance and defensive might. They attack with ferociousness and defend heroically and have not suffered any form of crisis this season. Unlike the great Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barca, they have maintained first place in their league and won their Champions' League group. They also reached the semifinal of the Coppa Italia.

Barcelona, by contrast, have heavily relied on Lionel Messi's brilliance to mask their identity crisis. They no longer hold possession as well as they once did or play a direct game with conviction. They may have scored six against PSG in the second leg, but they conceded four in Paris and lost too many games this season, including last weekend's match against Deportivo.

Sergio Busquets is a shadow of the player he once was, Luis Suarez has hardly played his greatest football this season, while Sergi Roberto is a liability, even if he did score the winning goal against PSG. Luis Enrique suffered so deeply from the criticism leveled at his team that he had no choice but to reveal his departure at the end of the season.

Juve are perfectly equipped not only to comprehensively beat the Catalans but to win the entire tournament. And the very fact Spanish newspapers breathed a sigh of relief that Barca is facing Juve and not the mighty Bayern or Atletico should further motivate the Italians to get the win.

Yet we can understand why Juve are not feared. They may boast great veterans and characters, but the side is too respectful, too nice, too vanilla. The club once boasted abrasive or supremely arrogant players such as Pavel Nedved, Antonio Conte and Angelo Di Livio, players who taunted their rivals by sniggering at their inferiority. They have since been replaced by good or even great players but ones who all hug the opponent after the match.

It's time to fight and, unfortunately, play dirty. It's time to tackle with strength, attack with a vengeance and bully the opponent. Juventus may be hated in Italy, but they need to be hated across Europe. Respecting the opponent suggests weakness and fear. Just ask PSG.

The Champions League clash will truly test the mental strength of this Bianconeri side, and it's up to the players and Massimiliano Allegri to prove the side has grown. The coach has already taken a step in the right direction with his nonchalance, batting away questions on the topic that has Italy quivering at the knees.

"Juventus playing Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal is not an extraordinary event," he said. "It has to be normal."

It is normal, and if it isn't, then it should be. Tactically, Allegri is confident of his brilliance, but it's up to him to convince his players of the same thing. Until then, Sampdoria await in Serie A.

Marco Giampaolo's team may lie in ninth place in the league, but they have beaten both Milan and Roma and won the derby against Genoa twice this season -- a feat they hadn't managed since 1960. They boast an interesting squad of players, none more interesting than Patrik Schick, the 21-year-old Czech forward who in 788 minutes of football has already managed seven goals, making him the side's second-top goal-scorer.

A team with a clear identity, the Blucerchiati have impressed this season under a coach once wanted by Juve. With the fantastic five set to play from the start, the Bianconeri are heavy favourites to pick up another win. Yet the question remains: Can Gonzalo Higuain rediscover his goal-scoring efficiency? The Argentine has scored only one in his last six matches and will be hoping to get back to his predatory best against a team that has suffered from his lethality before. If the Old Lady wants to continue growing, she will need her best players to be performing at optimum levels at this critical stage of the season.

Socrates · March 19, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Giampaolo: 'We need our fans'

http://www.football-italia.net/99875/giampaolo-we-need-our-fans

Mar 19, 2017

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

Sampdoria Coach Marco Giampaolo says his side will need their fans if they are to get anything out of their match with Juventus.

The Blucerchiati come into today's clash with the champions on a seven-match unbeaten run in Serie A, winning five and drawing the other two.

The club is also basking in the glow of recently completing a top-flight double over arch-rivals Genoa for the first time in half a century, but Giampaolo is aware of the size of the task facing Samp today.

"Our closeness to our fans and their support, for me, has always been an added strength," the Luigi Ferraris boss told reporters at a Press conference.

"In order to be competitive and in order to not show the gap between the teams, we need them more than anything.

"The team need to do well and push themselves even harder. In the second half of the season we have had good results but we still need to play 10 matches."

Giampaolo added that there is no chance of Juve taking their eye off the ball, with their Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona on the horizon.

"Juventus are Juventus because they have never had those problems. They don't know how to drop their levels of intensity, performance and game management."

Socrates · March 19, 2017

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 29

Sunday, March 19th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Line-ups: Sampdoria-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/99886/line-ups-sampdoria-juventus

Mar 19, 2017