JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

No Juventus fans at Napoli

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100410/no-juventus-fans-napoli

 

 

Mar 30, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

As expected there will be no away fans allowed at Stadio San Paolo when Napoli welcome Juventus on Sunday.

 

This fixture is one of the most fiercely contested in Serie A, and Gonzalo Higuain’s return will only add more fuel to the fire.

 

Today the Neapolitan prefecture has officially confirmed that, for reasons of public order, no visiting supporters will be allowed to attend either this weekend’s games or Wednesday’s Coppa Italia game.

 

Only residents of the Campania region and those in possession of a Napoli fan card will be allowed to go to the game.

 

The same criteria were applied for the two matches in Turin so far this season.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Mandzukic to miss Napoli-Juve?

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100414/mandzukic-miss-napoli-juve

 

 

Mar 30, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Mario Mandzukic is a major doubt for Juventus as they visit Napoli on Sunday, as he too returned from international duty with an injury.

 

It kicks off at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time.

 

Reports are emerging from the Turin training camp that Mandzukic is suffering from an inflammation in his left knee.

 

He played for Croatia this week and returned in poor condition, so Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium both claim it is more unlikely than not he’ll miss the big game.

 

It’s a real blow for Juve, who lost Marko Pjaca for the rest of the season after he damaged knee ligaments on international duty with Croatia.

 

Pjaca is visiting the Villa Stuart clinic today for more tests and that will ascertain the length of his absence, which is expected to be around six months.

 

Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado will only return to the training camp later today from South America.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Orsato 'right choice' for Napoli-Juve

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100416/orsato-right-choice-napoli-juve

 

 

Mar 30, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Former referee Rosario Lo Bello believes Daniele Orsato is the “right choice” to officiate Napoli-Juventus.

 

The big grudge match is at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

 

“Orsato is an authoritative referee, very reliable. In my view it is the right choice to designate him to this game,” Lo Bello told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

 

The 41-year-old from Vicenza has been appointed to this weekend’s Serie A showdown in Naples.

 

His record with Napoli is perfectly even with 10 wins, nine draws and 10 defeats.

 

Juventus have won 12 of their games with Orsato as the referee, drawn 10 and lost only five.

 

He already officiated their meeting in Turin in February 2016, which ended 1-0 for the Bianconeri.

 

Orsato was also there for Napoli 2-1 Juventus in September 2015, Napoli 2-0 Juventus in March 2014, Napoli 1-1 Juventus in March 2013 and Juventus 3-0 Napoli in April 2012.

 

Napoli have lost their last three matches with Orsato in a row, two of them against Roma.

 

The referee was in charge during the Partenopei’s 3-1 Coppa Italia Final victory over Fiorentina in May 2014.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Napoli-Juventus Match Preview

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88120

 

 

Mar 30, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

A clash of civilizations. Twice in a span of just four days. When Napoli host Juventus, it means football war. And this time, Gonzalo Higuain returns ‘home’.

 

There aren’t many Serie A games fans are more eager to watch than Napoli-Juventus. It’s a battle of attacking football versus the best organized team in Italy and probably Europe. It’s also a clash of south vs north, and two teams who just don’t like each other. Their meeting comes at a crucial time in their respective seasons. With just nine games left in this campaign, there’s little room for errors.

 

Napoli are hunting for Roma’s second spot in the standings and therefore a ticket for the Champions League group stages, while also trying to stay fresh for another clash with Juve in their Coppa Italia return on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Bianconeri are boasting an eight point lead in Serie A. However, they are eyeing a European triumph and are facing Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals one week after facing Napoli away twice.

 

Coach Massimiliano Allegri is expected to keep rolling with his successful 4-2-3-1 formation, despite Marko Pjaca’s injury. Since shifting to it, Juve have won eight of nine league games. Napoli have kept just two clean sheets in 2017, while Juventus have scored 23 goals. The Bianconeri’s four-man attack will be hell for the Partenopei’s defense, who’ll have to be at their ultimate best to prevent the likes of Higuain and Paulo Dybala to hit the net.

 

However, Napoli failed to score just three times all season and even found the net at the Juventus Stadium back in October. Their attacking trident of Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Jose Callejon has proven to be deadly. It remains to be seen how their petite offence will be able to crack Juve’s strong defence, which is very adequate at stopping penetration through the centre and forces opponents to use the wings to attack. But who’ll head home crosses?

 

Napoli should play a with a bigger sense of urgency in a packed San Paolo against their most hated rivals. If they are serious about catching Roma and gain some mental advantage before they clash again in the Coppa, that is. Juventus have nothing to lose on Sunday but they can all but eliminate the Partenopei from the Scudetto race, while boosting their confidence ahead of their clash with Barcelona.

Much to play for, so expect a thriller.

 

Keep an eye on: Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus) – How can you pick anyone else to keep an eye on during this Serie A clash? Higuain plays in Napoli twice in the span of just four days, with both games being crucial in Juventus’ season. These are the moments why the Old Lady paid €90m for Pipita so it’s his time to prove why he was worth it.

 

Form Guide: Napoli (W W W L W) Juventus (W W D W W)

 

Last season: Napoli 2-1 Juventus

 

Stat fact: Juventus have been able to win just one of their last 10 games against Napoli at the San Paolo, along with six losses and three draws since 2006.

 

Top tip: Goals in either half.

 

Napoli (probable): Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Diawara, Hamsik; Callejon, Mertens, Insigne

Suspended: None

 

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

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Higuain in the lion's den

 

 

Gonzalo Higuain returns to the San Paolo on Sunday night and can

expect an angry reception after his summer betrayal, writes Gaby McKay.

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100432/higuain-lions-den

 

 

Mar 31, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

At least when Judas Iscariot sold Jesus to the Romans for 30 pieces of silver, he didn’t have to pop round to Bethlehem for tea after the resurrection. Gonzalo Higuain might not quite rank on the same level as Judas in Naples, but the Juventus striker won’t be far behind, and the next week will see him face Napoli twice at the Stadio San Paolo.

It’s not just that Pipita left, as it was always likely he’d leave the Partenopei for a club with real Champions League ambitions. It’s not even the destination, though swapping Naples for the black and white half of Turin was never going to go down well. No, the most galling thing for Napoli fans was the manner of Higuain’s departure.

Higuain fired the Vesuviani to a Scudetto challenge last season, leading chants of ‘Un Giorno all’Improviso’ under the Curva. His brother, Nicolas, had accused the Bianconeri of having ‘help’ to win the Scudetto and Pipita himself lost his cool in spectacular fashion during the 3-1 defeat to Udinese, earning a three-game ban. He truly appeared to have an emotional connection to the club and the city.

Fast forward a couple of months and the striker was taking a secret Juventus medical in Madrid. Coach Maurizio Sarri revealed that he didn’t even say goodbye before making the move north. Hell hath no fury like a city scorned, and the result will be a volcanic encounter on Sunday night, even by the recent standards of this fixture.

The double-header against the Old Lady could well define Napoli’s season. A Juve win on Sunday night would definitively knock Sarri’s men out of the Scudetto race, while failure to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the Coppa would see another piece of silverware fall out of their reach. Higuain could hardly have returned to Campania at a more crucial stage of the campaign.

The irony is, of course, that the 29-year-old hasn’t actually been in great form in recent weeks. Pipita has just one goal in his last seven appearances, a veritable drought by his standards. Napoli fans won’t need reminding though, that the one goal he did get in that run came past Pepe Reina.

Every football fan is familiar with the immutable law of the ex, and Higuain has scored in each of his previous reunions with his former teammates. He hasn’t celebrated on either occasion, but then even Judas returned his pieces of silver. The deed has been done, and no amount of respectful gestures will quell the rage of the Partenopei faithful.

Such is the depth of feeling, in the first Serie A meeting of the season in Turin, Premium Sport’s Napoli commentator Raffaele Auriemma refused to call Higuain by his name, simply announcing that “the Juventus Number 9” was on the ball whenever he touched it. When the ball fell to the striker for the Juve winner, an involuntary “noooo” was broadcast to the nation.

There were suggestions Higuain would be greeted not with jeers or insults, but one giant collective raspberry blown by the 60,000-strong crowd. Never mind singing along to the Champions League anthem – that really would show up on a seismograph.

The Bianconeri’s hotel will be “locked down” with maximum security for their stay, while previous meetings have seen bricks thrown at the team bus. Clearly it is to be hoped that there will be no unsavoury incidents at either match, but there will be a powder keg atmosphere in Naples.

Does anyone else get the feeling Higuain will score?

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tello: 'Barca favourites but Juve...'

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100437/tello-barca-favourites-juve

 

 

Mar 31, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Fiorentina winger Cristian Tello insists that Barcelona are favourites to beat Juve in the Champions league, but won't dismiss the Bianconeri.

 

Barcelona is its own world. It has a unique history. Only Barcelona could overturn the Champions League match against PSG.

 

"When they face the Catalan team, their opponents in La Liga only have one goal: to defend. I don’t remember as a winger ever having gone below the halfway line.

 

After a dramatic overturning of PSG, the Blaugrana now face Juventus in the quarter-final of the Champions League. But who does Tello think will go through?

 

"I’d say 60% for my old team. But Juve are strong. At their stadium they are unbeatable. And with the formation of Massimiliano Allegri it is almost impossible to score six goals. Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are the face of Juve. But they must be careful of Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro."

 

Who are the Spaniard's most highly-rated players in Serie A?

 

"Paulo Dybala, Mohamed Salah and Federico Bernardeschi. Federico is different. Great players are different. He has personality, quality, and scores goals.

 

"When he decides to challenge the world, he will not betray expectations. I hope to play with him again at Fiorentina."

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Gonzalo Higuain can expect hell on

Napoli return with Juventus - Rossi

 

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3092634/gonzalo-higuain

-can-expect-hell-on-napoli-return-with-juventus--paolo-rossi

 

 

Mar 31, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Paolo Rossi has warned Gonzalo Higuain that he can expect "hell" when he returns to Napoli on Sunday.

Higuain is back at the Stadio San Paolo for the first time since his summer switch to Juventus.

And Rossi -- given a hostile reception at the ground after turning down a move to Napoli in 1978 -- told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

"His situation is certainly more difficult than mine was because he played for Napoli, but certainly for me it was hell.

"I managed to score a penalty, but each time I touched the ball there were crazy, deafening whistles. All I can tell him is that whistles make champions stronger."

Rossi rejected the chance to join Napoli from Vicenza, opting instead to join Perugia at the last minute, and a club record crowd of 89,992 made life difficult as possible for him on his first trip to Naples since that decision.

Higuain joined Juventus after setting a new Serie A record with 36 goals last season, and Rossi believes he should be applauded for what he achieved.

"Unlike me, Higuain gave Napoli a lot and warrants recognition," he said. "His choice should be respected, not forgetting that before him, [Edinson] Cavani and [Ezequiel] Lavezzi also both moved on."

Higuain is almost certain to lead the Juve line in Naples, with Marko Pjaca due to undergo surgery on Friday after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty and being ruled out for the season.

Midfielder Claudio Marchisio told JTV: "I can imagine that this is not an easy moment for Pjaca.

"This injury comes at a key stage of the season, but Marko has a good working mentality, is still young and will have time to show off all his talent to everybody."

League leaders Juve head to Naples with a 10-point advantage over their third-placed hosts.

And former Juve coach Fabio Capello said he could not see them being caught even if they were beaten on Sunday.

"Juve are mature and know how to play each game -- they have a big advantage and they're not going to let themselves be caught," he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

"Napoli are good and they can cause problems, but Juve are outstanding."

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Reports: Mario Mandzukic a doubt for

Juventus’ trip to Naples due to injury

 

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/3/31/15134430/reports-mario

-mandzukic-injury-juventus-napoli-2017-serie-a-team-news

 

 

Mar 31, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

 

And we thought that Marko Pjaca’s season-ending knee injury was going to be the only injury-related piece of information we would hear about from Croatia’s set of games over the international break.

According to just about every major Italian sports outlet — namely La Gazzetta dello Sportand Tuttosport — Juventus striker-turned-winger Mario Mandzukic is suddenly a serious doubt for the trip to Naples over the weekend due to an injury he picked up during international duty with Croatia. Mandzukic reportedly did not train with the team on Friday afternoon due to an inflamed knee, setting off understandable alarms everywhere as to whether or not he would be available to play against Napoli this weekend (and probably on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia, too).

So, happy, happy times.

Mandzukic, who has been one of Juve’s most-used players since Max Allegri went to the 4-2-3-1 back in late-January, played all 90 minutes in Croatia’s 1-0 win over Ukraine last Friday. He did not play in Tuesday’s friendly loss to Estonia, the same game in which Pjaca injured his knee.

The main question now if Mandzukic is unable to go or not risked on Sunday is what direction Allegri will go with his starting lineup. Obviously in a game of this magnitude both Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala — if he is healthy, of course — are locks to play up front. Does Allegri go with a two-man attack and have Juan Cuadrado start on the bench? Could Allegri have both Cuadrado and Dybala play in a supporting role with Higuain as the lone target man up front? Maybe a 4-3-3 with Dybala (or even Alex Sandro) and Cuadrado out on the wings?

There are options even though Juve’s striker numbers seem to be shrinking by the day. Maybe it’s a good thing Juve doesn’t have another Croatian forward around because they might be injured in the next day or two, for all we know. At the very least it sounds as though Mandzukic’s injury is not all that serious, so maybe this time next week we’re talking about Mr. No Good playing in a game again.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

‘Higuain will handle Napoli return’

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100455/higuain-will-handle-napoli-return

 

 

Mar 31, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Alex Sandro believes Juventus teammate Gonzalo Higuain will take his controversial return to Napoli on Sunday in his stride.

 

Higuain is preparing to head back to the San Paolo for the first time since his €90m transfer to Juve from Napoli, but despite a hostile atmosphere awaiting the striker, Alex Sandro feels his colleague is experienced enough to handle the occasion.

 

“In addition to being a great champion, Higuain is an experienced player and can handle all the situations that he faces very well,” the left-back told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“He’s calm, preparing well and doing well in training. We’ll be playing against a strong team, who have a lot of quality. It’ll be a very good game."

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Alex Sandro: ‘Napoli like any other’

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100458/alex-sandro-‘napoli-any-other’

 

 

Mar 31, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Juventus full-back Alex Sandro insists “the Napoli game is as important as any other”.

 

The Bianconeri face Maurizio Sarri’s side on Sunday night at Stadio San Paolo, in a match which is being billed as crucial for the Scudetto race.

 

“The Napoli game is as important as any other,” Alex Sandro told Sky.

 

“That is it’s worth three points, we know we’ll face a strong team with a lot of quality. It will be a good game, but not a decisive one.

 

“Napoli have good players, a top structure and a quality team.

 

“I played with Allan in the Brazilian youth sector, he has a lot of strength and quality and he’s a very intelligent player.

 

“It will be a match between two great teams, it’ll be exciting for the players but also the fans.

 

“We’re expecting a fiery atmosphere, the city feels this match with passion and they’ll all be behind their team.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Reina still in doubt for Juventus

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100465/reina-still-doubt-juventus

 

 

Mar 31, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Reports suggest Pepe Reina is still in doubt for Napoli’s showdown with Juventus on Sunday night.

 

The Partenopei are looking to re-open the title race with a win at San Paolo, a match which will see Gonzalo Higuain return to Naples for the first time since his summer move to Juve.

 

Goalkeeper Reina was forced to withdraw from the Spain squad with a calf injury, but it was thought he’d be ready to face the Bianconeri.

 

However, Premium Sport is reporting that he trained separately at Castel Volturno today, and will face a fitness test tomorrow.

 

In more positive news for Maurizio Sarri’s side, Elseid Hysaj and Marek Hamsik are fit and ready to play.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

How should Juventus line up in Sunday’s

showdown with Napoli at the San Paolo?

 

 

Juventus is back! Choose your fighters.

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/4/1/15142344/juventus-

napoli-2017-serie-a-round-30-you-choose-the-starting-lineup

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

The international break is finally over. This means Juventus is back in action. This means there’s a lineup vote to participate in!

Juventus heads into the Sao Paolo on Sunday to take on Napoli in the Serie A portion of their doubleheader. This will be the first trip back to the San Paolo for Gonzalo Higuain, who of course joined Juventus from Napoli this past summer. Here’s hoping that nothing stupid happens to him before, during, or after the game while he’s in Naples.

Napoli comes into this game sitting in third place on the table, and a win for them could see them surpass Roma in the standings if Roma drops points. Napoli boasts quite the attacking core, led this year by Dries Mertens who has 20 goals and seven assists so far. Juventus has played them twice already this season, winning 2-1 in October, and 3-1 in February. Jose Reina and Elseid Hysaj are listed as doubtful with injuries.

Juventus unfortunately has some new injuries to deal with. Marko Pjaca will unfortunately miss the rest of the season with his ACL injury. There is an optional vote as to how devastating this injury will be to our Champions League chances. Additionally, Mehdi Benatia, Moise Kean, and Mario Mandzukic are doubts to be able to play for this game.

Juventus’ next game is also against Napoli in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinals on Wednesday. After that they take on Chievo next Saturday, then Barcelona on the following Tuesday.

All things considered, who would you like to see start on Sunday? Remember, this is who YOU would start, not who you think Max will select.

Starting Formation(168 reactions)

3-5-2/5-3-2	24
4-2-3-1	61
4-3-3/4-5-1	34
4-3-1-2	45
Overig	4

 

Starting Keeper (168 reactions)

Gianluigi Buffon	166
Neto	2
Emil Audero	0

 

Starting Lineup (168 reactions)

Waarde	Aantal
D - Daniele Rugani	59
D - Mehdi Benatia	8
D - Leonardo Bonucci	156
D - Giorgio Chiellini	115
D - Andrea Barzagli	37
D - Stephan Lichtsteiner	68
D/WB - Dani Alves	106
D/M/W -Alex Sandro	157
WB/M - Kwadwo Asamoah	49
M - Sami Khedira	148
M - Stefano Sturaro	22
M - Tomas Rincon	35
M - Mario Lemina	8
M - Claudio Marchisio	137
M - Rolando Mandragora	1
M/AM - Miralem Pjanic	155
M/W - Juan Cuadrado	119
S/AM - Paulo Dybala	136
S - Gonzalo Higuain	164

 

Justify an interesting inclusion (optional)

because is the most logic to do

Alex sandro AML

Rincon would be important due to his physical presence. He can really bully people off the ball which is important against a strong midfield in Napoli.

Need alternative formation

4 3 3

sandro for left wing and Asa covering his back

Lemina

Rincon i think can be a key inclusion infront of defence to break napoli's fast passing game

4-4-2 with asabob and alves as wingers. Testing for barcelona

Probably should switch to 4-3-1-2 given injuries to Pjaca and Mandzukic

Benatia

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rummenigge: 'Juve can beat Barca'

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100477/rummenigge-juve-can-beat-barca

 

 

Apr 1, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits he’d love to bring Paulo Dybala to Bayern Munich and believes Juventus can knock Barcelona out of the Champions League.

 

The German legend is no stranger to Serie A thanks to his time at Inter and cast his eye over the current European situation for the Corriere dello Sport.

 

“Over the last three years Spanish sides have won the Champions League, but I think this will be the toughest Cup to win of all time, because all the quarter-finalists are capable of taking the trophy – except perhaps Leicester City.

 

“It is now difficult to say who is the favourite. Juve are a very strong side, so I am by no means convinced that Barcelona will get through.”

 

Rummenigge confessed he would like to bring Juventus star Dybala to Bayern Munich, but also that it’s unlikely to happen.

 

“There are many great players in both those squads. I think of someone like Dybala, but the problem is that no good players are sold on the market. Either you have to pay a sum that is outside the realms of normality or you don’t get them.

 

“The big difference from when I was a player is this – there was always a price-tag and it was achievable. Nowadays the best players are not sold by Bayern, Juve, Real Madrid or Barcelona, even if there’s a huge offer.”

 

The former German international is also unimpressed with the approach taken by UEFA and FIFA in recent years.

 

“I think we’ve been on the wrong track for a while, because the focus is on politics and finances more than actual football. It’s a mistake to expand the World Cup from 32 teams to 48, because the dominant principle now is quantity. I, on the other hand, am a big supporter of quality.

 

“We currently have a format that suits everyone, but is being changed because there were requests from Africa and Asia to expand.

 

“In my view, FIFA should focus much more on football rather than power strategy. In my experience, when the product is good, then the rest like financing and marketing follows suit.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Extra bodyguards for Higuain

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100480/extra-bodyguards-higuain

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Gonzalo Higuain returns to face Napoli for the first time and Juventus are reportedly hiring two bodyguards per floor at their hotel.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Pipita has not been back to Naples since pushing through his €90m transfer to their arch rivals in Turin and the city is on high alert for tomorrow’s game.

 

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Juve have taken the precaution of hiring some extra bodyguards for the occasion, ensuring there will be at least two per floor of the hotel.

 

The club has bought up 60 of the available 80 rooms in the hotel in Corso Vittorio Emanuele and the director of the venue said they would be “on lockdown.”

 

Many are curious to see how Higuain will be greeted at the Stadio San Paolo, as some intend to jeer every time he touches the ball, others to come together and blow a giant raspberry, while there are street sellers providing toilet paper with Higuain’s face on it.

 

Flyers have appeared around the city representing the Curva B section of the fans, who are urging for calm.

 

“Aside from diatribes tied to presumed traitors and those who have been betrayed, we remind everyone that this Curva is tied only to the shirt and its colours, so we renew our invitation to wear the symbol of belonging (scarves must be blue).

 

“In the next games that will see our team in action, we must show those scarves with pride. Puff out your Partenopei chest, because belonging is your prestige and this makes you bigger than any one champion.

 

“Chant loud and scarves aloft, we never let you down!”

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Napoli-Juve inner strength'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100484/allegri-napoli-juve-inner-strength

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Max Allegri told Juventus the “psychological aspect will be fundamental” against Napoli, but could retain the 4-2-3-1 despite injuries.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“The players are all back from international duty. Mario Mandzukic worked separately, Paulo Dybala in part with the team, so after today’s training session I’ll decide who to field,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“Dybala returned from Argentina without many training sessions, he’s not in terrible condition, but not at his best either. Even if Dybala doesn’t play, we have others who stayed in Turin and improved their fitness levels.

 

“As for Mandzukic, he had this inflammation to his knee and we’ll see what happens. I want to wish all the best to Marko Pjaca, who has been really unlucky with the microfracture and then this serious ligament tear.”

 

Would Allegri change system if Dybala and Mandzukic were unavailable, scrapping the 4-2-3-1?

 

“I have not even thought about it yet. We have players like Juan Cuadrado who can play there, so it can still work.”

 

This is the first return to the Stadio San Paolo for Gonzalo Higuain, so what is the climate like for Juventus and Pipita?

 

“Juventus are accustomed to playing these games against sides who feel this is the match of their year. We hope it will remain a fair game and that we can show Italian football has gone into a new era of sporting behaviour.

 

“This will be a clash between first and third. I am fully convinced the Napoli fans will be there to support their team and set an example of great civility and fair play. That’s what it ought to be and we shouldn’t even be discussing this.

 

“This is a game that will be watched all over the world and we want it to be an example of enthusiasm and fair play both on and off the field.

 

“There’s no point denying Gonzalo spent three years at Napoli, where he was loved, but he made a professional choice and that has to be respected. It’s only normal he’ll be jeered, because he now plays for Juventus and they support Napoli.

 

“Unfortunately in Italy we live for controversy, blaming everyone else and finding excuses. I think everyone ought to look at their own houses.

 

“Tomorrow is an important match between first and third. We need great internal strength and above all the psychological aspect will be fundamental. Nothing that is said or done must remotely touch us. We have to be calm, happy and focused.

 

“We’ve played Napoli many times, Maurizio Sarri’s movements are largely the same, but there are some changes without Higuain and Arkadiusz Milik.

 

“Their great strength is playing hide-and-seek with defenders near the box, so we need to be very careful.”

 

Juve will return to the San Paolo on Wednesday for the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, having beaten Napoli 3-1 in Turin.

 

“These are two completely different games. There are three points up for grabs tomorrow, next week a place in the Coppa Italia Final. We know it’s complicated, we’ve faced Napoli many times, so we need to be tough, but very calm,” added Allegri.

 

“Napoli are going through an excellent period of form, as are Roma, so in order to win the Scudetto we still need many more victories.

 

Tomorrow’s game won’t be decisive for the title, no matter what happens, but the next few weeks are going to be decisive for Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.

 

“We have everything we need here to prepare for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final, so it’s normal to return to Turin between the games.”

 

Allegri was asked whether he had used the break for international duty to meet with the club.

 

“Absolutely not. We have not met up, we’re not discussing next season, as there is plenty of time for that.”

 

This week Allegri was beaten to the Panchina d’Oro (Golden Bench) award for Coach of the season by Napoli boss Sarri. Was he upset by that?

 

“If I remember right, I voted for Eusebio Di Francesco at Sassuolo. Sarri deserved it, as he did great work at Empoli and then at Napoli.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Napoli v Juventus Match Preview

 

 

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

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

 

Napoli v Juventus

Serie A Week 30 –  Sunday, 2nd April – 19:45 GMT – Stadio San Paolo

---

Juventus

Just as it looked like that the international break was going swimmingly with early returns for Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves, Miralem Pjanic, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Andrea Barzagli thanks to either suspensions or coaches’ decisions, the Marko Pjaca news was a gut punch. It is excruciating that the youngster got severely hurt twice with Croatia and will now miss the rest of season and basically the whole summer because he blew out his knee.

The winger is obviously not a starter or a centerpiece of the XI, but he was a valuable backup and his role was set to become bigger and bigger in a busy stretch of the schedule. His absence will be sorely felt, starting from this Sunday when the Bianconeri are dealing with other injury concerns, and further delay his complete introduction in the rotations and slow his improvement. Simply a bummer. Here’s hoping to a full recovery: he has already undergone surgery and from the reports only the ACL and the meniscus tore, and that is positive. Had he damaged the MCL or the LCL as well, the recovery would have taken longer because he would have had to wait for the operation. Some guys have returned in four months after such an injury, however the standard time is six and I would prefer to err on the side of caution in this one: the last thing you want is a relapse.

Furthermore, Mario Mandzukic has a sore knee and there is pessimism on this front, and the condition of Paulo Dybala is murky because he took tests with his national team after exiting the Sampdoria game: he did not play with Argentina and his availability will be in question till the last minute. He and Juan Cuadrado returned very late, as it is often the case with South Americans, and that is one more issue. As a matter of fact, the Colombian is not set to start because of all the traveling and jet lag stuff. That leaves the coaching staff with very few offensive weapons at their disposal. Ironically enough, the attack will all fall on the shoulders of Gonzalo Higuain as he pays a visit to his former team: I am sure the welcome back will be very warm.

Massimiliano Allegri has not given away much about the possible lineup, but looked rather non-committal about deploying Dybala and Mandzukic if they are not 100%. However, he stated that 4-2-3-1 is possible even without them, obviously it would be a rather different approach and somebody would have to adapt to a new position, so let’s try to piece it together. Alex Sandro could advance, or Cuadrado could play on the left, with Dani Alves as right winger. Miralem Pjanic could play as the ’10’, or Cuadrado as second striker. At Fiorentina, the Colombian has played at basically any position. I would guess that Cuadrado-Pjanic-Sandro, with Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira in the midfield, is the most likely option if Dybala is ultimately out.

Dropping 4-2-3-1, the  coaching staff would have plenty of alternatives because the defence and the midfield are almost at full strength; 3-5-2 or 4-3-2-1 would be the first fall-back options.

Moise Kean got injured in the Viareggio Cup and is slated to miss up at least two weeks: he would not have been an option in the next two massive games, but I could see the coach fielding him against the easiest opponents and he could potentially play also as left winger.

Napoli has historically been a difficult town for Juventus: they have won only once in the last eleven trips, in a very clutch situation two years ago. Hopefully the numbers will catch on Wednesday, when they will be allowed to draw or to lose by one goal. For the first time in a long while, Juventus are not actually favoured to win according to the bookmakers.

UPDATE: Dybala and Mandzukic are both in the squad list and there is optimism Mandzukic will be able to start. The latest reports indicate a very strange trio behind Higuain: Mario Lemina, Pjanic and Mandzukic. That would be odd because Alves has been at Vinovo for a week, but we will see. Anyway, such lineup could quickly switch to a 4-3-1-2.

Probable lineup: 

4-2-3-1: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira, Marchisio; Cuadrado, Pjanic, Sandro; Higuain. 

Injuries: 

Pjaca (knee). 

Suspensions:

None.

 

Napoli

Napoli are in third position and are constantly putting pressure on Roma as they try to avoid finishing third and going through the daunted UCL play-off. They play brilliant football and they are having one heck of a season. They have last only once in their last eleven Serie A matches and only twice at San Paolo in the domestic league.

After the break, they are dealing with some problems themselves, but they should all be resolved in time. The most serious one regards Pepe Reina, who left the Spanish camp because of a calf ailment and has trained on his own for two weeks: the replacement would be Rafael and not Luigi Sepe. Anyway, the Spaniard is a charismatic figure, but he is pretty average at this point as a goalkeeper. Elseid Hysaj has a mild ankle sprain and Marek Hamsik is nursing some muscle fatigue: Christian Maggio and Piotr Zielinski would enter the XI, but the two regular starters are slated to feature from the get-go.

There are other doubts involving the midfield: as a matter of fact, Maurizio Sarri, fresh off a rather controversial “Panchina d’oro” win, has rotated Jorginho and Amadou Diawara in the focal position and Allan and Zielinski as right-hand side box-to-box. Diawara did not perform well when he was subbed in against Empoli, drawing the ire of the coach, so he should sit in this one. Allan will accompany Jorginho to maintain a decent level of physicality.

There is always some chatter in Napoli about when Arkadiusz Milik is going to play a full game after an excellent start of the season ruined by a devastating knee injury. However, Dries Mertens as false-nine is working wonders and there is no need to disrupt anything for a player who is not up to speed yet. The squad has shown also in the brief stints by Leonardo Pavoletti, that it has adapted to having the Belgian attacker up front and that it struggles to play with a pure center-forward now.

Napoli are powered by their offense: they have scored the most goals in Serie A and when the whole trident gets it going, they are almost impossible to guard. Lorenzo Insigne and Mertens are having fantastic seasons, while José Maria Callejon, albeit not scoring much lately, is always a nuisance. The departure of Higuain has caused the scoring duties to distribute and everybody has taken advantage, including Hamsik and Zielinski.

Even though Allan is expected to start, Zielinski has played a lot and could be very dangerous off the bench because of his breaks and shooting. Marko Rog has come into his own recently and is becoming a similar player: very technical and explosive, ready to take advantage of the tiredness of the opponents late in the game.

On the other side, their defence is not elite and that is maybe to be expected with so many offensive-minded guys on the pitch at the same time. Kalidou Koulibaly is capable of monster performances but he has not had many this year, while Raul Albiol is out there mostly for his experience and his corporate knowledge.

Especially at home, they are ball dominant and play in the opponent’s half, creating a wealth of opportunities. Mertens, Insigne, Callejon, Hamsik, Zielinski and Rog are all quick twitch players that can leave the defender in the dust with a sudden move. They have also many great shooters and sweet finishers and assist-men. The challenge presented by such a small attack is clear and Juventus do not have particularly speed defenders. They attack down both flanks and especially hit so fast once they recover the ball.

They will be without Lorenzo Tonelli because of a knee problem and probably Emanuele Giaccherini who has picked up a muscular injury late in the week, but they are both fringe players.

Probable lineup: 

4-3-3: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Mertens, Insigne. 

Injuries:

Giaccherini (hamstring), Tonelli (knee). 

Suspensions:

None.

 

Formation

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Napoli v Juventus: Preview

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=461006

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri insists Gonzalo Higuain made a ``professional'' choice to leave Napoli for the Serie A champions as the Argentinian prepares for a sour San Paolo return.
Napoli threatened to beat Juve to the Scudetto last season, thanks chiefly to former Real Madrid striker Higuain, who scored a record-equalling 36 league goals.
Most Azzurri supporters were appalled, therefore, when their idol was allowed to move to Turin and bolster Juve's already fearsome squad for 90 million euros in the summer.
He has since been called a traitor and a mercenary by his erstwhile worshippers, who accused him of chasing money over the undeniably genuine love of the fans.
To add insult to injury, Higuain scored the winner in Juve's 2-1 victory over Napoli back in October.
Ahead of his first of two returns to Naples inside four days - the rival clubs meet again in the second leg of the Coppa Italia - Allegri said Higuain was relaxed and ready to help the Bianconeri take all three points.
He told a pre-match press conference: ``Higuain made a professional decision and that must be respected. He's calm and has worked well during the week.
``We haven't had a chance to talk about his longer-term future with the club, but we will have plenty of time to do so, without any pressure.''
Of Sunday's game, he added: ``Tomorrow we will need to win three more points to put towards our Scudetto bid, and then on Wednesday we have a big knockout game to get through.
``If we get through this match then we will be well-placed to push on and win Serie A.
``We will need to play a really good game, knowing that we will have to keep it up across 95 minutes if we are to get past a great team like Napoli.''
Juve are entering a difficult stage of the campaign, with a home meeting with Chievo following the double-header against Napoli and preceding a Champions League quarter-final clash with Barcelona.
``Napoli versus Juve will be a big test - especially as we have to prepare ourselves for future matches,'' said Allegri. ``But we will worry about Barcelona another time.
``Right now we're fully focused on Napoli and we must not lose our concentration.''
Allegri is definitely without defender Medhi Benatia and winger Marko Pjaca, who underwent surgery on cruciate ligament damage on Friday, ruling him out of action for at least six months.
The participation of Higuain's striking colleagues Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala is in doubt, too, with the tall Croatian expected to get the nod.
Lorenzo Tonelli remains sidelined for Napoli, who must run the rule over Allan and Piotr Zielinski.
Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri won the 2016 Panchina d'Oro - coach of the year - award this week, but Allegri was quick to remind reporters he voted for someone else.
With tongue firmly in cheek, the Tuscan tactician said: ``Sarri deserves that award, he's done great work with Empoli and Napoli.
``But if I remember rightly, I voted for Eusebio Di Francesco of Sassuolo...''

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Reina major doubt for Napoli-Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100491/reina-major-doubt-napoli-juve

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Pepe Reina is increasingly unlikely to recover in time for Napoli-Juventus. “It’s up to him, he’ll realise if he’s fit,” said Maurizio Sarri.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

The goalkeeper left international duty with Spain early due to a calf injury and up until this afternoon the sensations were positive.

 

However, the official club radio station reported that he is “only 65 per cent likely” to start in goal tomorrow night.

 

“The decision is up to him, he’ll realise if he’s fit or not,” added Coach Sarri in a Press conference.

 

“Tests results can well be comforting, but it’s also about how the lad feels. If he is efficient enough to play, then we’ll evaluate it.

 

“As I said, it depends on him. Reina has great experience and intelligence.”

 

It would be a massive blow for Napoli to lose 34-year-old Reina, as understudy Rafael has played only one game all season – January’s 3-1 Coppa Italia victory over Spezia.

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Sarri: 'Higuain just an opponent'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100492/sarri-higuain-just-opponent

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Maurizio Sarri insists Gonzalo Higuain “is just an opponent” for Napoli and tells everyone “winning here is different” to success at Juventus.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Naturally, the first question in the Press conference was about Higuain’s return to the Stadio San Paolo after forcing through a €90m move to Juventus.

 

“I am honestly not interested in what the atmosphere will be like. I care for Higuain and owe him a lot, but tomorrow he is just an opponent for me,” noted Sarri.

 

“I never said that we’d make Higuain have a horrible day at the San Paolo, we just want to make life very difficult for Juventus.

 

“Will I hug Higuain again? I don’t think about these things before a game, I am too focused on the match. In the reverse fixture I only noticed he was there when he was a metre away.

 

“He knows my opinion of him and I have nothing more to prove. He’s an opponent like all the others, except maybe a bit better.”

 

This week Sarri beat Max Allegri to the Panchina d’Oro (Golden Bench) award as Serie A Coach of the Year.

 

“I like Allegri, there’s no particular interest in beating him. I want a great performance and hopefully a victory. Wins on the field are always worth more than an award.

 

“At this point in my life, nothing can really change it, but I would enjoy winning silverware. I tell my players they can go anywhere, but winning something here at Napoli is just different.

 

“I told Higuain that too, it’s something that gives a different sense of satisfaction, but you can’t go into people’s lives and dictate things to them. There are some aspects it’s best not to judge on.”

 

Due to a quirk of fate, Juventus will be back against Napoli at the San Paolo on Wednesday night for the Coppa Italia semi-final, having won the first leg 3-1.

 

“We have to focus exclusively on tomorrow’s game and only consider the Coppa Italia afterwards. There’s no such thing as a perfect game.

 

At times we are extraordinary and in other moments we make banal errors. To beat Juventus, we need to be more consistent, as in these games every error can be decisive.

 

“It’s about finding the balance between determination and sharpness within that. It goes beyond the tactical aspect.”

 

Sarri was asked about the various Napoli complaints about refereeing decisions around Juventus, but dodged the question.

 

“If we look at the individual incidents, then we could well have been closer to the top, but overall Juventus have been on a different level for the last few years. You might think of a single incident, but you’ve also got to take everything else that has happened into account.

 

“The pressure is on Juventus, who are top of the table and have been there for several years, because they are the strongest team. If we want to talk about positive pressure, then I want my players to feel how much the fans and the city care about this game.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Pirlo wants to play Napoli-Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100494/pirlo-wants-play-napoli-juve

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Andrea Pirlo confessed Sunday night’s Napoli-Juventus is “the kind of match you really want to play in.”

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“This is going to be a fascinating and delicately-poised game for sure,” the New York City FC midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“There will be tension because it’s an important encounter and of course there’s Gonzalo Higuain’s return to Napoli.

 

“This is the kind of match you really want to play in, but right now I am here and enjoying myself in MLS.

 

“Napoli play very well, last season Maurizio Sarri brought his playing style to a big club. Watching them play is really a feast for the eyes.

 

“However, Juve have the stronger squad, proving that last season, in the current campaign and they will be the strongest for a few years yet.”

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Dybala and Mandzukic make Naples

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100499/dybala-and-mandzukic-make-naples

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic are in the Juventus squad travelling to Napoli, but it remains to be seen if either can play.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Dybala did not play while on international duty with Argentina due to a muscular problem and only had a couple of training sessions.

 

Mandzukic returned from his game with Croatia suffering from an inflammation of the knee and he too is a major doubt to start.

 

Marko Pjaca is out for the rest of the season after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Croatia against Estonia.

 

 

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

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Sarri: I Don’t Care How Napoli Fans Welcome Higuain Back

 

 

https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/04/sarri-i-dont-care-how-napoli-fans-welcome-higuain-back/

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Gonzalo Higuain will return to the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday, but Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri made it clear he isn’t interested in seeing what kind of reception the Juventus man will receive from the home crowd.

The Argentine left the Partenopei for their Serie A rivals last summer for €90 million, a move that turned him from local hero to hated opponent overnight.

Sunday’s contest is Higuain’s first trip back to Naples since the transfer, and Sarri made it clear that while he remains on good terms with the Argentine, he hasn’t given much thought as to how the home fans will receive their former star striker.

“I don’t care how the crowd welcomes Higuain,” he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “I like him and owe him a lot, but he will just be another opponent, even though he is a bit better than others.

“If I were to see him on Monday I would enjoy it, but I’m not interested in that tomorrow. Our embrace from the first match? When Pipita came towards me I was focused on the field but I obviously hugged him.

“He knows what I think of him and I don’t need to make a gesture to show him that.”

A win on Sunday would see Napoli close to within seven points of Juventus, but Sarri made it clear he believes the Bianconeri are still the better side.

“It’s clear that when you are second or third you think about certain moments and imagine that you could have been closer,” Sarri added.

“However when you look at things with a clear mind you understand that Juventus are ahead because they have a little extra something in every regard.”

Napoli currently sit third in the Serie A standings with 63 points, two points back of Roma.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Allegri: Napoli-Juventus Won’t Define Higuain

 

 

https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/04/allegri-napoli-juventus-wont-define-higuain/

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

All eyes will be on Gonzalo Higuain when he returns to the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday, but Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri made it clear it isn’t a defining match for the Argentine.

The ex-Napoli star shocked many by joining the Bianconeri last summer, with fans and pundits alike circling the date of his return to his former stomping grounds on the calendar.

While Higuain will no doubt try to continue his goalscoring ways, Allegri doesn’t believe anything should be made about his performance on Sunday or Wednesday, when the two teams meet again in the return leg of their Coppa Italia tie.

“These two matches won’t say anything about Higuain’s abilities,” he told reporters on Saturday. “They are important games and Gonzalo made a choice that must be respected.

“They will applaud him first and then jeer him, which is normal. He was loved here, but he is relaxed.

“He came back early [from international duty] and worked well during the week. I haven’t spoken with him because I don’t have anything to tell him.”

Napoli sit 10 points back of Juventus heading into Sunday’s fixture, and while matches between the two teams are always fiery, Allegri is anticipating a hostile but civil environment at the San Paolo.

“Juve are used to playing in these kind of matches where the opponent treats it like the game of the year,” he continued. “Tomorrow will be an important game for us and them.

“My wish is that it remains a clean game. Two teams that sit first and third will do battle tomorrow and Wednesday, and I am sure that Napoli fans will play a big role in the stadium while showing exemplary civility.”

Juventus sit atop the Serie A standings with 73 points from 29 matches.

 

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Can Gonzalo Higuain ignore the vitriol

and lead Juventus to victory at Napoli?

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3094036/juventus-visit-

napoli-in-a-must-win-game-and-need-a-big-game-from-gonzalo-higuain

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

There is no better way for club football to restart than with a blockbuster of a match. Napoli host Juventus on Sunday evening, and after an international break, the anticipation is driving Italy wild with excitement.

While the break may have offered a few players some much-needed rest, others have suffered and are carrying minor knocks, thereby creating problems for Massimiliano Allegri. Mario Mandzukic is experiencing an inflammation in the knee while Paulo Dybala is not in perfect condition. However, Marko Pjaca's anterior cruciate ligament injury has truly worried the club.

It's a shame that the player Juve hoped would lending a helping hand in this crucial part of the season will be out for the rest of the campaign and the beginning of the next. Unlucky with injuries, the Croatian had just started to find his feet at a demanding club and in a difficult league. Just as he's been developing, he's been cruelly hit with a serious injury; according to the head of the Croatian team's medical staff, it's one from which 45 percent of players never fully recover.

The doctor who operated on the player assured the club and the fans that Pjaca will return to the player he once was, but from a psychological point of view, it remains to be seen how the youngster will cope with this blow and what can only be described as a torrid season. Seen crying as he left the pitch in the match against Estonia, Juve will need to fully support the player, who must rely on his mental fortitude to push through this latest obstacle.

Thankfully, both Mandzukic and Dybala have been included in the squad that has travelled to Naples with as much security as possible for the most anticipated match of the season. Considering Gonzalo Higuain's history with Napoli, there are fears that Juventus and the striker will be targeted. Many precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of the squad in what will be a very hostile environment.

In a match between arguably the two most exciting sides in Italy, Napoli's fancy football will be pitted against the most disciplined team in Italy. A clash of two ideologies and Italy's best two tacticians, the match will be broadcast live in five different continents and reportedly 150 countries across the world. It is for this very reason that both Juve and the Partenopei play to their football potential and ensure a fair and exciting advert for Italian football.

Boasting the best attack in the league, Napoli may have lost Higuain but have done well to ensure a steady and vibrant stream of goals, initially from Arkadiusz Milik and now Dries Mertens, the darling of the city. While the Bianconeri may have an expensive front line, Napoli's trident are incredibly intelligent; they can draw defenders out of position to create situations that require quick and instinctive defending.

Andrea Barzagli was all too familiar with the power of Lorenzo Insigne, while Kwadwo Asamoah proved to be awful the last time the two sides met. The key is to minimise the forwards' space by remaining compact and somewhat narrow in order to reduce the potential for one on one situations.

Despite the beauty of the Napoli attack, they do have a defence that has conceded goals with relative consistency. A side built on quick offensive movements, they've struggled at times to regain their defensive shape quickly once they lose possession. Speed and quick movement as well as the ability to stretch play have been known to punish Napoli. If Juventus use the full width of the pitch -- perfect training for the upcoming match against Barcelona -- then Napoli's centre-backs will be forced to drift wider than they would like in order to cover their full-backs creating space for the likes of Higuain and Dybala to score.

Good movements off the ball will force Napoli into uncomfortable situations, creating space, and Allegri will be heavily relying on Alex Sandro and hopefully Mandzukic to provide the right circumstances for those tasked with making timely runs into the box.

Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic are likely to start in the middle while Giorgio Chiellini will almost certainly reclaim his place in the heart of defence. However, all eyes will be on Higuain and whether he will get back to goal-scoring ways against the side that introduced him to Italian football. This just might be the perfect opportunity for the oft-described "psychologically weak" striker to prove he can perform in the biggest and toughest matches.

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

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 30

 

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
San Paolo Stadium, Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Allegri: Juve used to playing teams who

feel this is their match of the year

 

 

Manager’s pre-match comments ahead of pivotal clash

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/4/1/15149814/allegri-juventus

-napoli-serie-a-2017-pre-match-press-conference-comments-higuain

 

Apr 1, 2017

 

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Juventus travel to Napoli for the first of two games within four days, with three Serie A points on the line tomorrow and a spot in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri talked about the raucous crowd he is expecting on Sunday, and what effect it would have on the game.

“Juventus are accustomed to playing these games against sides who feel this is the match of their year. We hope it will remain a fair game and that we can show Italian football has gone into a new era of sporting behaviour.

“This will be a clash between first and third. I am fully convinced the Napoli fans will be there to support their team and set an example of great civility and fair play. That’s what it ought to be and we shouldn’t even be discussing this.

“This is a game that will be watched all over the world and we want it to be an example of enthusiasm and fair play both on and off the field.”

Gonzalo Higuain returns to his home for the last three seasons, and is almost guaranteed a chorus of boos throughout the clash.

“There’s no point denying Gonzalo spent three years at Napoli, where he was loved, but he made a professional choice and that has to be respected. It’s only normal he’ll be jeered, because he now plays for Juventus and they support Napoli.

“Unfortunately in Italy we live for controversy, blaming everyone else and finding excuses. I think everyone ought to look at their own houses.

“Tomorrow is an important match between first and third. We need great internal strength and above all the psychological aspect will be fundamental. Nothing that is said or done must remotely touch us. We have to be calm, happy and focused.

“We’ve played Napoli many times, Maurizio Sarri’s movements are largely the same, but there are some changes without Higuain and Arkadiusz Milik.

“Their great strength is playing hide-and-seek with defenders near the box, so we need to be very careful.”

As far as the status of his squad, there are doubts over a couple of key forwards.

“The players are all back from international duty. Mario Mandzukic worked separately, Paulo Dybala in part with the team, so after today’s training session I’ll decide who to field.

“Dybala returned from Argentina without many training sessions, he’s not in terrible condition, but not at his best either. Even if Dybala doesn’t play, we have others who stayed in Turin and improved their fitness levels.

“As for Mandzukic, he had this inflammation to his knee and we’ll see what happens. I want to wish all the best to Marko Pjaca, who has been really unlucky with the microfracture and then this serious ligament tear.”

Would there be a change to the 4-2-3-1 formation if the pair were unable to play?

“I have not even thought about it yet. We have players like Juan Cuadrado who can play there, so it can still work.”

On Juve returning to the San Paolo in just a few days.

“These are two completely different games. There are three points up for grabs tomorrow, next week a place in the Coppa Italia Final. We know it’s complicated, we’ve faced Napoli many times, so we need to be tough, but very calm.

“Napoli are going through an excellent period of form, as are Roma, so in order to win the Scudetto we still need many more victories. Tomorrow’s game won’t be decisive for the title, no matter what happens, but the next few weeks are going to be decisive for Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.

“We have everything we need here to prepare for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final, so it’s normal to return to Turin between the games.”

Allegri was asked if there were any contract renewal talks held over the international break.

“Absolutely not. We have not met up, we’re not discussing next season, as there is plenty of time for that.”

Was Allegri unhappy about losing out to Napoli manager Mauricio Sarri for the Panchina d’Oro (Golden Bench) award given to the Coach of the Year.

“If I remember right, I voted for Eusebio Di Francesco at Sassuolo. Sarri deserved it, as he did great work at Empoli and then at Napoli.”

 

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