JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Genoa-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108827/line-ups-genoa-juventus

 

 

Aug 26, 2017

 

Juventus again focus on the old guard as they pay a visit to plucky Genoa, eager for revenge after last season’s defeat.

 

It kicks off at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

 

Max Allegri ignored the summer signings in his opening 3-0 win over Cagliari and the only change made to that starting XI was forced upon him, as Claudio Marchisio is out for a month with a knee injury.

 

He is replaced by Sami Khedira as partner to Miralem Pjanic, while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Juan Cuadrado are again preferred to Mattia De Sciglio and Douglas Costa.

 

Genoa signings Gianluca Lapadula and Ricardo Centurion are only fit for the bench, while Andrea Bertolacci tries to rediscover his form after a dismal spell at Milan.

 

Veterans Goran Pandev and Adel Taarabt complete the trident attack with Andrej Galabinov.

 

 

Genoa: Perin; Biraschi, Rossettini, Gentiletti; Lazovic, Bertolacci, Veloso, Laxalt; Pandev, Galabinov, Taarabt

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic; Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

HT 2-2: Juve comeback in Genoa thriller

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108830/ht-juve-comeback-genoa-thriller

 

 

Aug 26, 2017

 

Genoa were 2-0 up over Juventus within 12 minutes, but Paulo Dybala got the back on level terms with a brace in a fiery Marassi half.

 

The Bianconeri had a poor record in this fixture, losing two of their last three trips to Marassi, and Max Allegri again left all the summer signings on the bench. Gianluca Lapadula, Ricardo Centurion and Nicolas Spolli weren’t fit enough to start.

 

Incredibly, only 18 seconds had passed when Goran Pandev skipped past Alex Sandro and rolled across, his pass accidentally prodded into the net by Miralem Pjanic’s knee. It was a nightmare start for Juve, who had lost here 3-1 last season.

 

Mattia Perin marked his first Marassi appearance since he ruptured his ACL with a great fingertip save on Gonzalo Higuain’s glancing header.

 

However, for the second time in as many games, Juventus conceded a penalty using VAR technology. This time, Daniele Rugani kicked the back of Andrej Galabinov’s Achilles Tendon and, unlike Cagliari, Genoa did successfully convert it with Galabinov. There were some grumbles here too, because the officials were focused on the foul and didn’t notice Galabinov was 30cm offside when he got the ball.

 

It was a wild start to the game and Juve got themselves back into it within 14 minutes, as Pjanic pulled back from the by-line for Paulo Dybala to stroke home at the near post.

 

The visitors took control after that, with Dybala’s scorcher testing Perin and Higuain drilling wide from the edge of the box, but Galabinov also nodded just wide from a Darko Lazovic cross and Stephan Lichtsteiner sprinted back for a desperate block on the centre-forward.

 

It was an action-packed half and Perin needed a double save on Dybala from a long Pjanic pass, scrambling across to deny the Mario Mandzukic follow-up too.

 

On the stroke of half-time, the referee had assigned a corner when Juan Cuadrado burst down the right and pulled back for Mandzukic, but VAR showed he had kicked it on to Lazovic’s hand. It was from point-blank range, but Lazovic’s arm was also outstretched, so the referee opted for a penalty which Dybala converted to equalise.

 

 

Genoa 2-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Pjanic og 1 (G), Galabinov pen 7 (G), Dybala 14, pen 45 (J)

 

Genoa: Perin; Biraschi, Rossettini, Gentiletti; Lazovic, Bertolacci, Veloso, Laxalt; Pandev, Galabinov, Taarabt

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic; Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

 

Ref: Banti

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

Genoa 2 - 4 Juventus

Pjanic og 1 (G), Galabinov pen 7 (G), Dybala 14, pen 45, 92 (J), Cuadrado 62 (J)

 

 

 

Dybala hat-trick beats Genoa

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/106382

 

 

Aug 26, 2017

 

 

Genoa were 2-0 up after 12 minutes, but Juventus fought back to conquer their Marassi curse with Juan Cuadrado and a Paulo Dybala hat-trick.

 

The Bianconeri had a poor record in this fixture, losing two of their last three trips to Marassi, and Max Allegri again left all the summer signings on the bench, while Claudio Marchisio and Marko Pjaca were injured. Gianluca Lapadula, Ricardo Centurion and Nicolas Spolli weren’t fit enough to start.

 

Incredibly, only 18 seconds had passed when Goran Pandev skipped past Alex Sandro and rolled across, his pass accidentally prodded into the net by Miralem Pjanic’s knee. It was a nightmare start for Juve, who had lost here 3-1 last season.

 

Mattia Perin marked his first Marassi appearance since he ruptured his ACL with a great fingertip save on Gonzalo Higuain’s glancing header.

 

However, for the second time in as many games, Juventus conceded a penalty using VAR technology. This time, Daniele Rugani kicked the back of Andrej Galabinov’s Achilles Tendon and, unlike Cagliari, Genoa did successfully convert it with Galabinov. There were some grumbles here too, because the officials were focused on the foul and didn’t notice Galabinov was 30cm offside when he got the ball.

 

It was a wild start to the game and Juve got themselves back into it within 14 minutes, as Pjanic pulled back from the by-line for Paulo Dybala to stroke home at the near post.

 

The visitors took control after that, with Dybala’s scorcher testing Perin and Higuain drilling wide from the edge of the box, but Galabinov also nodded just wide from a Darko Lazovic cross and Stephan Lichtsteiner sprinted back for a desperate block on the centre-forward.

 

It was an action-packed half and Perin needed a double save on Dybala from a long Pjanic pass, scrambling across to deny the Mario Mandzukic follow-up too.

 

On the stroke of half-time, the referee had assigned a corner when Juan Cuadrado burst down the right and pulled back for Mandzukic, but VAR showed he had kicked it on to Lazovic’s hand. It was from point-blank range, but Lazovic’s arm was also outstretched, so the referee opted for a penalty which Dybala converted to equalise.

 

Straight after the restart, Andrea Bertolacci had more spot-kick appeals waved away and Higuain’s angled drive flashed across the face of goal.

 

Juventus completed the turnaround with a great goal from Cuadrado, who controlled a Mandzukic pass over the top with his right boot, stopped it dead to commit the defender and then curled into the far top corner with his left.

 

Genoa did not give in and Laxalt’s strike skimmed the base of the far post before Buffon got down to smother a Raffaele Palladino effort at the near stick.

 

However, Dybala completed his hat-trick in the final stages, gathering from Higuain to take a couple of touches and thread it into the near bottom corner with his left foot.

 

---

 

Genoa: Perin; Biraschi, Rossettini, Gentiletti; Lazovic, Bertolacci, Veloso, Laxalt; Pandev (Lapadula 77), Galabinov (Centurion 72), Taarabt (Palladino 50)

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner (Barzagli 74), Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic (Bentancur 81), Khedira (Matuidi 58); Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

 

Ref: Banti

 

 

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

Genoa 2 - 4 Juventus

Pjanic og 1 (G), Galabinov pen 7 (G), Dybala 14, pen 45, 92 (J), Cuadrado 62 (J)

 

 

 

JUVENTUS PRODUCE SENSATIONAL COMEBACK AT GENOA

 

 

https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/08/genoa-juventus-serie-a-dybala-galabinov/

 

 

Aug 26, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala was the hero for Juventus who came from two goals down to beat Genoa 4-2 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday evening, with Juan Cuadrado also getting on the scoresheet in a sensational match.

 

Things looked good for the home team early on as a Miralem Pjanic own goal put the Grifone ahead after just 20 seconds, then Andrey Galabinov doubled the lead from the penalty spot seven minutes in.

 

However, a Paulo Dybala brace, first slotting home from 12 yards out, then firing into the top corner, also from the penalty spot both before half-time brought the Bianconeri level.

 

Cuadrado completed the comeback just after the hour with a brilliant take down and turn, before firing into the back of the net. While Dybala got his third in time added on.

 

 

VAR was the star of the show in Serie A once more, as both spot kicks were given after referee Luca Banti consulted a video reply.

 

It also marked the first win in a Serie A match for Juventus in which they trailed by two goals for the first time since March 6, 2004, when they beat Brescia 3-2.

 

An absolute barnstorming start saw Genoa take the lead just 20 seconds in after Pandev galloped down the right before firing in a low cross, which took a touch off Miralem Pjanic and rolled into the far corner.

 

Immediately after the goal, Juventus went up the other and but Gonzalo Higuain was denied by the outstretched hand of Mattia Perin.

It didn’t stop there for Genoa as they were two in front after seven minutes with another VAR penalty decision going against Juventus.

Daniele Rugani looked to have fouled Galabinov in the penalty area and referee Banti went to the video assistant for clarification before pointing to the spot. Galabinov then stepped up to slot home.

Juventus did pull one back through Dybala, who slotted home Pjanic’s cutback cross from 12 yards out. The goal was his 48th in Serie A, but only his second with his right foot.

 

Dybala was denied by Perin, and Higuain shot wide after Genoa gifted the ball to their opponents.

 

Darko Lazovic provided a great chance to Galabinov, but Bulgarian headed just wide of Buffon’s left post.

 

Genoa were causing real problems on the counter attack, as Galabinov and Pandec both provided good out balls for the home team.

 

Perin had to be alert again and made a fantastic double save. First from Dybala, then getting low to deny Mandzukic’s rebound.

 

Then on the stroke of half-time, Juventus were level with VAR again proving pivotal.

 

Lazovic looked to have handled a goal bound Mandzukic shot, and after a period of confusion, Banti again pointed to the spot and Dybala made no mistake, smashing into the top corner.

 

Juventus were almost ahead immediately after the break through Higuain, but the Argentine dragged his shot wide of the post.

 

However, just after the hour Cuadrado did complete the Bianconeri comeback, getting on the end of a Mandzukic ball over the top, before cutting inside and firing into he top corner.

 

Genoa were almost back level moments later, but Laxalt’s low shot from distance went inches wide of Buffon’s post. Lazovic also had a shot saved by the Juventus goalkeeper.

 

From there Genoa struggled to break through the Bianconeri backline, with Buffon only making one save of note, low to deny Raffaele Palladino.

Dybala then made sure of the result, firing in a low shot past Perin to grab hit hat-trick.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

Genoa 2 - 4 Juventus

Pjanic og 1 (G), Galabinov pen 7 (G), Dybala 14, pen 45, 92 (J), Cuadrado 62 (J)

 

 

 

Dybala: 'No 10 brings me luck'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108836/dybala-no-10-brings-me-luck

 

 

Aug 26, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala feels the Juventus Number 10 jersey is “bringing me luck” after his hat-trick to beat Genoa in a 4-2 thriller.

 

The Bianconeri were 2-0 down at Marassi within 12 minutes, bringing back memories of last year’s 3-1 defeat here.

 

“I am very happy, as we knew this was a difficult game. We started a little sluggish and conceded straight away, but did well to turn it around,” La Joya told Mediaset Premium.

 

“We had talked about last season’s defeat, but this time managed to fight back and recover from the rough start.

 

“Personally, I am very happy with what I’m doing this season. I knew wearing the Number 10 for Juventus would be a tough challenge, but so far it’s bringing me luck.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

Genoa 2 - 4 Juventus

Pjanic og 1 (G), Galabinov pen 7 (G), Dybala 14, pen 45, 92 (J), Cuadrado 62 (J)

 

 

 

Allegri: 'VAR will take time'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108837/allegri-var-will-take-time

 

 

Aug 26, 2017

 

Juventus Coach Max Allegri warned “we all need a period to adapt” to VAR technology after two controversial calls in the Genoa game.

 

The Bianconeri had a penalty awarded against them that was offside and one ruled in their favour that seemed too close to be considered voluntary handball.

 

“Fortunately, the lads did well to bring home the victory, but when it comes to VAR it will take a little patience. We all need a period to adapt,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“Just as we need to work on our routines to improve, so the referees work on their routines to make VAR quicker and more effective.”

 

Juve lost here 3-1 last season and were 2-0 down tonight after 12 minutes, but fought back for a 4-2 victory with Paulo Dybala’s hat-trick.

 

“We started badly against Genoa, but the important thing was to win so we could go into the break for international duty with full points. After that, we’ve got to really focus, because the season starts in earnest.

 

“I am very happy with Dybala and he can still improve further. This is an important year for him.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

Genoa 2 - 4 Juventus

Pjanic og 1 (G), Galabinov pen 7 (G), Dybala 14, pen 45, 92 (J), Cuadrado 62 (J)

 

 

 

Juric: 'Genoa mistakes costly'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/108840/juric-genoa-mistakes-costly

 

 

Aug 26, 2017

 

Ivan Juric believes Genoa deserved more from their 4-2 defeat to Juventus, but “mistakes are proving costly.”

 

The Grifone had been 2-0 up within 12 minutes thanks to a Miralem Pjanic own goal and Andrej Galabinov penalty, but Paulo Dybala got Juve back on level terms by the break, eventually winning 4-2.

 

“I think we played well even after going 2-0 up and especially when it was 2-1 had many scoring opportunities,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“It’s disappointing that the equaliser was somewhat fortuitous, but we made a big mistake in the second half on the third goal. I think my team deserved more, as I saw many positive elements.

 

“Both Adel Taarabt and Goran Pandev did good work and we didn’t run that many risks at the back, but perhaps we need to sit a little bit deeper than usual with our characteristics.

 

“I had seen a good performance against Sassuolo too, but some mistakes are proving costly. We were unlucky in some situations this evening, but these two performances bode well for the future.”

 

However, Juric warned he expected more buys before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

 

“If the squad were to remain as it is, I would not be happy. I think we’re missing some things and need to evaluate situations, along with getting players like Ricardo Centurion and Gianluca Lapadula fit.

 

“I won’t say I am interested in Stefano Sturaro, as he is a Juventus player, but we’d certainly like someone with his characteristics.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Juventus confirm Champions League list

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109248/juventus-confirm-champions-league-list

 

 

Sep 1, 2017

 

Juventus have announced their squad for the Champions League group stages, with Marko Pjaca and Stephan Lichtsteiner left out.

 

The Bianconeri face Barcelona, Sporting and Olympiakos, and have today named the players who will be eligible for the games.

 

Pjaca is continuing his recovery from a cruciate ligament injury, so has been left out of the squad for the first phase of the tournament.

 

As with last season, Stephan Lichtsteiner has been excluded, indicating Mattia De Sciglio or Benedikt Howedes will play at right-back.

 

Other than that there are no real surprises, with summer signings Douglas Costa, Blaise Matuidi and Federico Bernardeschi all included.

 

Juventus Champions League squad:

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Szczesny, Pinsoglio

Defenders: De Sciglio, Chiellini, Benatia, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Howedes, Rugani

Midfielders: Pjanic, Khedira, Marchisio, Matuidi, Asamoah, Sturaro, Bentancur

Forwards: Cuadrado, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Juventus snap back at Moratti

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109425/juventus-snap-back-moratti

 

 

Sep 5, 2017

 

Juventus have bitten back at Massimo Moratti, showing images of Filippo Inzaghi being denied a penalty against Inter.

 

The former Nerazzurri President suggested the use of VAR would have seen Mark Iuliano penalised for his challenge on Ronaldo in 1998, with many Interisti saying that not being awarded a penalty cost them the Scudetto.

 

This afternoon Juventus TV have tweeted a still image from a video which shows controversial incidents from the first game between the sides that season.

 

In the first, Taribo West appears to flatten Filippo Inzaghi in winning a header, and the striker then has a goal disallowed for an apparent handball.

 

JTV captions the image: “By popular demand, ‘If There Had Been VAR’, we explain the images you don’t see. J-News 14.00.”

 

 

 

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A grande richiesta "se ci fosse stato il VAR" vi spieghiamo le immagini che non trovate #jnews ore 14.00 @jtv212

12:32 PM - Sep 5, 2017

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[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

On This Day: Juventus Stadium opens

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109539/day-juventus-stadium-opens

 

 

Sep 8, 2017

 

On this day in 2011, Notts County helped Juventus to open their new stadium, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

 

The Bianconeri opened their new ground on September 8 2011, with a lavish ceremony featuring club legends from the past and stars of the current squad.

 

Rather than a glamour friendly against one of Europe’s leading lights, Juve invited English side Notts County to play the first match at the stadium.

 

The Old Lady got her famous black and white stripes from the Magpies, having previously worn pink shirts.

 

Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon were among the stars in the Juve line-up, along with new signing Arturo Vidal.

 

It took until after the break for the Bianconeri to make the breakthrough though, with Luca Toni scoring the first goal in the new stadium.

 

However, Lee Hughes grabbed a late equaliser for County to ensure the match ended in a draw.

 

Juve would go on to win the Scudetto unbeaten that season, and they have retained the title in every season since.

 

Since the stadium, now known as Allianz Stadium for sponsorship purposes, opened the Bianconeri have lost just six times on home soil, drawing 27 games and winning all their other home fixtures.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Allegri confirms Juventus changes

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109540/allegri-confirms-juventus-changes

 

 

Sep 8, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri confirms Juventus will rest Gigi Buffon against Chievo, with Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio out injured.

 

The Bianconeri face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night, and there will be some changes to the first XI when the Flying Donkeys visit Turin tomorrow.

 

“There are players to choose from,” Allegri said in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“Among other things, Khedira is out and Marchisio is still recovering, hopefully he’ll be back soon because he needs to reinforce that leg so we’ll see when he comes back.

 

“[Giorgio] Chiellini is out, we hope to have him against Barcelona. I think Cuadrado is back in because I didn’t see him yesterday, and Dybala worked separately yesterday [after international duty].

 

“The others are all available, they’re all fine. Those who stayed here [over the international break] worked well.

 

“Among others [Gonzalo] Higuain who wasn’t called-up did well from every point of view: from a physical point of view he needed to work and he’s much better, as well as from a mental point of view because he definitely wants to get back into the national team having missed out.

 

“The others worked well, everyone has grown so we’re ready to get started again.

 

“The season begins here because the first two games were like a little taster of the season and now the real season starts, with a month in which we have seven games, five in the league and two in the Champions League.

 

“Tomorrow Buffon will be rested and Szczesny will play. [Andrea] Barzagli is back today, we gave him two days rest and he’s rejoined the team.

 

“So he’ll be available, and the others are all fine.

 

“As far as [Benedikt] Howedes is concerned he’s fine, he’s adapting to new ways of working and I’m happy with what he’s doing, but I’ll have to look at him today.

 

“[Blaise] Matuidi will play tomorrow, Matuidi and [Miralem] Pjanic will play and after that I need to evaluate whether to play those two or an extra midfielder, I’ll need to evaluate that after training today.

 

“Matuidi is an international player, it’s not like I’m just discovering him. He’s played with all sorts of Coaches in the French national team and that’s the most important thing.”

 

Allegri also gave his assessment of Chievo, who have one win and one loss from their first two matches.

 

“Chievo are a well-organised team who have been doing well in Serie A for several years. They’ve stayed in Serie A for a long time and they’re guided by a top Coach [Rolando Maran].

 

“They’re always difficult to play, especially in the first part of the season. They’ve already won in Udine and they lost to Lazio in the last-minute having played a good game.

 

“Tomorrow we have to get back underway with three points, and we need to play a focused match.

 

“We need to work on the defensive phase because even in Genoa, never mind being a bit casual, we conceded two goals having started well against Cagliari.

 

“So we definitely need to improve in that regard, and tomorrow is an important test for us. In any case, we have to take three points.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

‘Juventus focused on Chievo, not Barca'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109541/‘juventus-focused-chievo-not-barca

 

 

Sep 8, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri assures Juventus are focused on tomorrow’s Chievo game, pointing out “Barcelona is not a final”.

 

The Bianconeri face the Blaugrana in the Champions League on Tuesday, and the Coach has already confirmed there will be changes for tomorrow’s game.

 

“It’s not complete rotation,” Allegri clarified in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“That’s because tomorrow is the most important game, we have to take three points tomorrow. We’ll think about Barcelona after tomorrow.

 

“Among other things, Barcelona isn’t a final, it’s not a semi-final, nor a quarter-final, nor a Last 16 tie.

 

“It’s a game which is one of six we have to play in the group, a group where I think the objective is to get through first of all.

 

“We’ve seen that the first year we finished second [behind Atletico Madrid] and we reached the final, the third year we finished first and reached the final, so getting first or second…

 

“It can give you some advantage in the draw, because maybe you can get a second-place side which is somewhat weaker, but it’s also true that, as happened this year, there are those who are first among the weakest, and there are groups which are a lot easier going.

 

“So we just have to focus on our goal of getting through, for which we need a few points. I think that nine points will be enough to go through.”

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner has been left out of the squad for the Champions League, for the second season in a row…

 

“Stephan was left out but I’m very sorry because he’s an important player, he’ll be an important player for the league and then there’s the second Champions League list in January.

 

“I had to make technical choices, especially since [Claudio] Marchisio isn’t at his best, so I was a midfielder down…

 

“It was a technical choice, and I’m very sorry to make it, because it’s always really hard to leave players off the Champions League list.”

 

Allegri has spoken about moving the transfer window forward, something the English Premier League announced yesterday it will do next year.

 

“I hope they do it here,” the Juve coach said.

 

“It wouldn’t just be good news for me, but for everyone. Then we’ll have to evaluate whether the other window gets moved back to November like in the past, if you move it forward because the summer window ends in July or the start of August.

 

“Or you could leave it in January but have a much shorter window, otherwise you can get a player on February 1 and when, like this year, the season finishes on May 20 there’s no time for him to adjust and get to know his new teammates.

 

“Did Juventus improve in this window? Theorising doesn’t matter, we’ll be able to tell if at the end of the season the team has done well.

 

“When I talk about doing well it means getting to March being able to fight for every competition, like every year, though this year we’ll play for the Coppa Italia before because the quarter-finals are in December.

 

“Are we short in midfield? Absolutely not, because there are always unexpected things throughout the year and you have to manage those.

 

“If a player misses one or two games then it’s not a problem, because you can’t have eight midfielders for three positions, three right-backs, three left-backs just because we expect to lose some as we go.

 

“The Juventus squad is strong, competitive in every position, and if one misses out another will play.

 

“Rodrigo Bentancur? He could be compatible with [Miralem] Pjanic, he’s adapting well but we don’t want to put too much pressure on Bentancur because he’s just a young lad.

 

“He has great quality, but above all he has great personality so I’m happy with what he’s doing but he, like [Federico] Bernardeschi needs time to carve out his place.

 

“Bernardeschi has grown a lot since he came here and he’ll definitely be an important player for Juventus, but he needs to make his path just as all young players who have come to Juventus in the past.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Juventus - Chievo Match Preview

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106393

 

 

Sep 8, 2017

 

This Saturday reigning Serie A champions Juventus face Chievo, who finished 14th last season.

 

Juventus come into the game as favourites, playing at home off the back of wins in their first two games of the season. The Bianconeri kicked off their league campaign with a 3-0 win over Crotone and then came from behind to beat Genoa 4-2, courtesy of a Paulo Dybala hat-trick and a goal from Juan Cuadrado. While the Genoa game in particular wasn’t easy, Massimiliano Allegri’s men are once more on top of the Serie A table.

 

Chievo, on the other hand, have a win and a loss in their opening two games. On the opening weekend they travelled to Udinese and grabbed 3 points in a 2-1 win, with Valter Birsa scoring a spectacular goal from distance in the process. Rolando Maran’s men then played Lazio at home, where it seemed as if the Gialloblu were going to hold Lazio to a draw, until Milinkovic-Savic scored in the dying moments of the game and it finished 2-1. This result puts Chievo in 10th in the early stages of the league.

 

Juventus will be disappointed with anything but a win on Saturday, and it is a tough ask for Chievo to cause an upset. Allegri may opt to rest some key players considering that his team play Barcelona in the Champions League the following Thursday, in what is probably the more important game.

 

Chievo will try to keep Juventus’ star studded front line away from Stefano Sorrentino’s goal, though that will undoubtedly be a daunting task. Questions will be asked of Chievo’s experienced defensive men Dario Dainelli and Alessandro Gamberini, 38 and 36 years old respectively, and whether they will be able to handle the speed and guile provided by the likes of Dybala and Cuadrado.

 

Should the Gialloblu hold Juve to a draw or manage to collect a difficult 3 points, they will be looking forward to their following game against Atalanta, where they’ll want to pick up their first points at home of the campaign.

 

 

Keep an eye on: Paulo Dybala — Juve’s brand new 10, Paulo Dybala, is certainly living up to the legacy of the jersey. A goal against Crotone and a hattrick against Genoa mean he is one of the most in-form players in the league, and he’ll be the man Chievo are most worried about.

 

Form Guide: Juventus (W-W) Chievo (L-W)

 

Last Season: Juventus 2-0 Chievo

 

Stat fact: In Juventus’ last 14 games against Chievo, they have scored 25 goals. The Gialloblu only managed 9 in the same spell.

 

Top tip: Dybala to score anytime – with his recent form, it looks like a safe bet

 

Probable line-ups: Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Suspended: None

 

Chievo: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Dainelli, Gamberini, Gobbi; Castro, Radovanovic, Hetemaj; Birsa; Inglese, Pucciarelli

Suspended: None

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Khedira and Chiellini out

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109560/khedira-and-chiellini-out

 

 

Sep 8, 2017

 

Sami Khedira, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio are out of the Juventus squad to face Chievo on Saturday.

 

It kicks off in Turin tomorrow at 18.00 CET, 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

 

The Bianconeri will be without injured Chiellini and Marchisio, as well as long-term absentee Marko Pjaca.

 

It is looking increasingly unlikely the veteran defender will be fit in time for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.

 

Khedira also misses out as a precaution after a muscular problem while on international duty with Germany.

 

There are reports Wojciech Szczesny will be given his Juventus debut.

 

Juventus squad for Chievo: Buffon, De Sciglio, Benatia, Pjanic, Cuadrado, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Barzagli, Pinsoglio, Mandzukic, Howedes, Asamoah, Szczesny, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Bentancur, Bernardeschi, Caligara

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Chiellini and Khedira will not play against Chievo as Juventus name squad list

 

Juventus will be missing their backline bully and German nice-guy against Chievo.

 

 

https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/9/8/16276634/chiellini-khedira-chievo-juventus-squad-list-2017-serie-a

 

 

Sep 8, 2017

 

Juventus will be without two familiar faces as Chievo visits the Allianz Stadium tomorrow for their Serie A match.

 

Giorgio Chiellini was a doubt for the match as he suffered a right calf injury in training with the Italian National Team. There was very little good that came out of the Italian camp during this international break, and this just added injury to insult.

 

Sami Khedira was the more surprising omission as he also suffered a knee injury while called up to the German National Team. He remained with the team and played 30 minutes against Norway, in the game where he famously donated 1200 tickets to children with cancer or disabilities.

 

Aside from that and the injuries we already knew about (Pjaca, Marchisio), the squad list is fairly intact. Here’s the whole thing, courtesy of Juventus’ twitter.

 

 

 

 Follow

JuventusFC 

 

✔@juventusfcen

Here is @OfficialAllegri's 22-man squad list for #JuveChievo! #ForzaJuve 

 

 

6:33 PM - Sep 8, 2017

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Allegri talked about the idea of a 3-man midfield against Chievo in his press conference earlier today, but with the omission of Khedira, it remains to be seen who could fill that role. My hopes are that it would be Rodrigo Bentancur, as I think this would be a pretty good chance to see what the kid has.

 

Chievo also announced their squad list via Twitter:

 

 

 

 Follow

A.C. ChievoVerona 

 

✔@ACChievoVerona

 #JuveChievo: i 24 convocati gialloblù per la sfida alla @juventusfc

3:50 PM - Sep 8, 2017

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Not an overwhelming lineup, but I vaguely recall 38-year old Stefan Sorrentino having some big games against us.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-Chievo

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109615/line-ups-juventus-chievo

 

 

Sep 9, 2017

 

Juventus give first starts to Douglas Costa, Blaise Matuidi and Wojciech Szczesny as they host Roberto Inglese’s Chievo.

 

It kicks off in Turin at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

 

The Bianconeri hope to maintain their 100 per cent record in Serie A so far this season, but after the break for international duty and ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Barcelona, Max Allegri rotates the squad.

 

Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Marko Pjaca are out injured, while Gigi Buffon, Paulo Dybala and Alex Sandro are rested.

 

It means the first start in a Juve jersey for summer signings Douglas Costa, Matuidi and goalkeeper Szczesny.

 

Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner start after transfer speculation died down with the close of the Turkish window.

 

Curiously, this is the first Serie A game since Cagliari in February 2008 without Buffon, Chiellini, Marchisio, Andrea Barzagli or Leonardo Bonucci in the starting XI.

 

Alex Sandro is suffering from flu symptoms and is therefore not even in the stadium.

 

Chievo started the campaign strongly with a 2-1 win away to Udinese, but were beaten at home by Lazio with a late Sergej Milinkovic-Savic strike.

 

Riccardo Meggiorini and Samuel Bastien are out of action, so Coach Rolando Maran relies on Roberto Inglese – who has already been bought by Napoli and will remain here on loan.

 

He is supported by Manuel Pucciarelli and free kick specialist Valter Birsa.

 

It is raining heavily in Turin, but not enough to put the match at risk.

 

Chievo have only ever beaten Juventus once in Serie A, along with seven draws and 20 defeats. That was 1-0 at the Bentegodi in January 2010.

 

The Flying Donkeys scraped one point from their last nine encounters with Juve, home and away.

 

Allegri is also unbeaten against Rolando Maran, thanks to seven victories from nine meetings.

 

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Rugani, Asamoah; Matuidi, Pjanic, Sturaro; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Buffon, Pinsoglio, De Sciglio, Barzagli, Howedes, Bentancur, Caligara, Cuadrado, Bernardeschi, Dybala

 

Chievo: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Dainelli, Gamberini, Gobbi; Castro, Radovanovic, Hetemaj; Birsa; Pucciarelli, Inglese

Chievo bench: Pavoni, Seculin, Jaroszynski, Rigoni, Garritano, Stepinski, Leris, Cesar, Bani, Depaoli, Pellissier, Tomovic

 

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

HT 1-0: Juve thank Chievo own goal

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109621/ht-juve-thank-chievo-own-goal

 

 

Sep 9, 2017

 

Juventus are only leading Chievo at half-time thanks to a Perparim Hetemaj own goal and Wojciech Szczesny save.

 

Max Allegri imposed massive squad rotation ahead of the Champions League trip to Barcelona, giving Wojciech Szczesny, Douglas Costa and Blaise Matuidi their first starts. Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio were injured with Alex Sandro suffering from flu. The Flying Donkeys missed Riccardo Meggiorini and Samuel Bastien.

 

Chievo have only ever beaten Juventus once in Serie A, along with seven draws and 20 defeats. That was 1-0 at the Bentegodi in January 2010, scraping one point from their last nine encounters.

 

Gonzalo Higuain and Valter Birsa had early efforts charged down, but Juve broke through with an own goal, as Perparim Hetemaj accidentally nodded a Miralem Pjanic free kick into his net at the near post.

 

Chievo fought back, Manuel Pucciarelli slipping at the decisive moment after Mario Mandzukic was caught in possession. Captain Stephan Lichtsteiner’s deflected cross had to be palmed round the near stick.

 

There was a great chance on 25 minutes, as Ivan Radovanovic’s scorcher was parried one-handed by Szczesny and Medhi Benatia’s desperate interception stopped the tap-in.

 

Juve then went on the counter and Pjanic saw his strike fingertipped on to the crossbar by Stefano Sorrentino. Castro wasted a golden opportunity on Manuel Pucciarelli’s flicked pass, as he hesitated with two options open and the first touch let him down. Pucciarelli went for it himself, a scuffed finish smothered by Szczesny.

 

 

Juventus 1-0 Chievo (Half-Time)

Hetemaj og 16 (J)

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Rugani, Asamoah; Matuidi, Pjanic, Sturaro; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Chievo: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Dainelli, Gamberini, Gobbi; Castro, Radovanovic, Hetemaj; Birsa; Pucciarelli, Inglese

 

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

3 - 0

    

P. Hetemaj (17 og) G. Higuaín (58) P. Dybala (83)

 

 

 

Dybala inspires new-look Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109624/dybala-inspires-new-look-juve

 

 

Sep 9, 2017

 

A revamped Juventus found it tough going against Chievo until Paulo Dybala came off the bench to inspire their 3-0 victory.

 

Max Allegri imposed massive squad rotation ahead of the Champions League trip to Barcelona, giving Wojciech Szczesny, Douglas Costa and Blaise Matuidi their first starts. Giorgio Chiellini, Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio were injured with Alex Sandro suffering from flu. The Flying Donkeys missed Riccardo Meggiorini and Samuel Bastien.

Chievo have only ever beaten Juventus once in Serie A, along with seven draws and 21 defeats. That was 1-0 at the Bentegodi in January 2010, scraping one point from their last 10 encounters.

 

Gonzalo Higuain and Valter Birsa had early efforts charged down, but Juve broke through with an own goal, as Perparim Hetemaj accidentally nodded a Miralem Pjanic free kick into his net at the near post.

 

Chievo fought back, Manuel Pucciarelli slipping at the decisive moment after Mario Mandzukic was caught in possession. Captain Stephan Lichtsteiner’s deflected cross had to be palmed round the near stick.

 

There was a great chance on 25 minutes, as Ivan Radovanovic’s scorcher was parried one-handed by Szczesny and Medhi Benatia’s desperate interception stopped the tap-in.

 

Juve then went on the counter and Pjanic saw his strike fingertipped on to the crossbar by Stefano Sorrentino. Castro wasted a golden opportunity on Manuel Pucciarelli’s flicked pass, as he hesitated with two options open and the first touch let him down. Pucciarelli went for it himself, a scuffed finish smothered by Szczesny.

 

The hosts were pinned back after the restart by an aggressive Chievo side, so Allegri threw on Paulo Dybala for the ineffective Douglas Costa.

 

That proved an immediate inspiration, as Dybala and Pjanic combined passes to set up Higuain, who blasted into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

 

Birsa curled over and Dybala went on a mazy run past several defenders until Radovanovic charged down the shot. La Joya then skimmed the far post with a fierce angled drive after riding a tackle on the edge of the box.

 

Federico Bernardeschi was given his Serie A debut in a Juventus jersey, but veteran Sergio Pellissier nodded a Birsa cross just wide from six yards.

 

Matuidi was booked for bringing down Lucas Castro and Birsa curled the resulting free kick inches wide of the near post.

 

Mandzukic limped off with strapping under his left knee and was shaking his head as he left the field, so it remains to be seen if he’ll be available against Barcelona on Tuesday.

 

Dybala had attempted several complex slaloms through the Chievo defence and it eventually paid off, as he dribbled between four to place the snooker shot low at the near post from 12 yards. The assist was from Bernardeschi.

 

---

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Rugani, Asamoah; Matuidi, Pjanic, Sturaro (Bernardeschi 75); Douglas Costa (Dybala 54), Higuain, Mandzukic (Bentancur 81)

 

Chievo: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Dainelli, Gamberini, Gobbi; Castro, Radovanovic, Hetemaj (Rigoni 68); Birsa; Pucciarelli (Pellissier 66), Inglese (Leris 75)

 

Ref: Fabbri

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

3 - 0

    

P. Hetemaj (17 og) G. Higuaín (58) P. Dybala (83)

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juve must improve defence'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109626/allegri-juve-must-improve-defence

 

 

Sep 9, 2017

 

Max Allegri wants Juventus to improve their defence after a 3-0 victory over Chievo and outlined what Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi must do.

 

This is the most prolific start to a Juventus top flight campaign since 1981, scoring 10 goals in three rounds.

 

“We played with three midfielders for the first time today and only really had a day to get ready, as the internationals all arrived on Thursday,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“We allowed a few too many shots on target, that is something we need to work and improve on, but it was good to keep a clean sheet.

 

“Once Chievo started to lose intensity, our quality took over. It’s only natural that when the opposition doesn’t run as hard, it opens up more spaces.

 

“The change of system left Miralem Pjanic alone in front of the defence. He did well in some occasions to read the pass and intercept. In order to defend, you need everyone to work hard and make sure we don’t allow so many chances.

 

“Last season we conceded few goals and allowed very few opportunities too. It depends on how hard they work when the opposition has the ball. If you don’t concede, then it’s frankly rare that Juventus don’t score goals. You need to do well defensively and in attack to win trophies, so we got it wrong defensively in the Champions League Final with Real Madrid and that is why we lost.

 

“At times it makes me smile when people say we do or don’t play good football. What does that even mean? Some games you win playing well, others you win playing less well.”

 

The game changed when Paulo Dybala came off the bench, as he helped set up Gonzalo Higuain’s goal and scored the third himself.

 

“Dybala is improving a great deal and has everything it takes to become, along with Neymar after Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi, one of the best players in the world.

 

“His future is with Juventus and I am very happy with that. Over the last three years we’ve done well and we have an important campaign ahead of us too.

 

“There are several sides who can challenge for the Scudetto, I think Torino and Lazio could also cause problems for the big clubs, and it will certainly be more difficult.”

 

Today Wojciech Szczesny, Blaise Matuidi and Douglas Costa were given their first starts in a Juventus jersey, while Bernardeschi made his Serie A debut as a substitute.

 

“Douglas Costa has to get to know his teammates and settle in. I always say it’s tough to play in Serie A, as the small to medium clubs are very organised and close the spaces with intelligent tactics.

 

“I think Douglas Costa would’ve done great things in the final half-hour when the spaces opened up, so he has to make an impact during the opening hour when there are very few spaces.

 

“Bernardeschi is young and made a big step forward from Fiorentina. He has to learn that when you are at Juventus, every ball you play is important.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

3 - 0

    

P. Hetemaj (17 og) G. Higuaín (58) P. Dybala (83)

 

 

 

 

Dybala: 'I found more spaces'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109625/dybala-i-found-more-spaces

 

 

Sep 9, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala insists he didn’t transform Juventus against Chievo, but “we showed a lot of respect and must do the same for Barcelona.”

 

La Joya came off the bench to inspire a 3-0 Serie A victory, setting up Gonzalo Higuain and scoring the third himself.

 

“The team was already winning, it’s just that when I came on we changed system and there were more spaces to play in. We did well and deserved the victory,” Dybala told Mediaset Premium.

 

He was initially rested at the Juventus Allianz Arena following international duty in Argentina and to best prepare for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Camp Nou.

 

“I feel good, I was a little tired from the journey, but I am happy. We must be aware that this is the first of three fundamental matches to tell us where the season will go. We showed a lot of respect for Chievo and will show a lot of respect for Barcelona too.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

3 - 0

    

P. Hetemaj (17 og) G. Higuaín (58) P. Dybala (83)

 

 

 

 

Mandzukic doubt against Barcelona?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109627/mandzukic-doubt-against-barcelona

 

 

Sep 9, 2017

 

There are concerns for Mario Mandzukic ahead of the Champions League trip to Barcelona after he limped off against Chievo.

 

The Croatia international went down clutching his left leg during the 3-0 Serie A victory.

 

After a couple of minutes of treatment, he limped off with strapping just under the knee and at the top of the calf.

 

He was shaking his head and staring at the ground as he walked away, fuelling speculation it could rule him out of the Camp Nou clash.

 

Initial reports from Mediaset Premium suggest it is more of a bruise than a muscular or knee problem.

 

Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira are already in doubt for that big game.

 

Alex Sandro was sent home this morning when suffering from flu symptoms.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Tuesday, 12 september 2017

Camp Nou, Barcelona

 

 

 

Skomina to referee Barca-Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109647/skomina-referee-barca-juve

 

 

Sep 10, 2017

 

Slovenian referee Damir Skomina has been chosen to take charge of the upcoming Champions League match between Barcelona and Juventus.

 

The two clubs go head-to-head at the Camp Nou on Tuesday evening in what is a repeat of the 2015 final.

 

And UEFA have now released their list of officials for the opening round of matches in this season’s group stages.

 

Skomina has already presided over one fixture involving an Italian team this season.

 

On August 22, he ran the rule over Napoli’s 2-0 victory at Nice as the Partenopei secured their qualification for the Champions League group stages.

 

Juve and Barca will be heavy favourites to progress from Group D, which also features Sporting CP of Portugal and Greek champions Olympiacos.

 

 

CAMP NOU

 

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Tuesday, 12 september 2017

Camp Nou, Barcelona

 

 

 

Chiellini & Mandzukic out of Barca

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109721/chiellini-mandzukic-out-barca

 

 

Sep 11, 2017

 

Juventus have left out Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Mandzukic from their squad to face Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 

It had been reported that Chiellini and Mandzukic trained on Monday morning, but Juve’s official website confirmed the defender “was still undergoing recovery work” from a calf injury.

 

The striker, on the other hand, limped off against Chievo, having aggravated the bruising he sustained during the international break.

 

Elsewhere, Juan Cuadrado is suspended and new boy Benedikt Howedes is on a personalised training program, while midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira remain unavailable due to injury.

 

However, Alex Sandro is back in the squad after recovering from a bout of flu.

 

Juve squad for Barca: Buffon, De Sciglio, Benatia, Pjanic, Higuain, Dybala, Costa, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Barzagli, Pinsoglio, Asamoah, Szczesny, Rugani, Sturaro, Bentancur, Bernardeschi, Merio, Caligara

 

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Tuesday, 12 september 2017

Camp Nou, Barcelona

 

 

 

De Sciglio & Sturaro to face Barca?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109717/de-sciglio-sturaro-face-barca

 

 

Sep 11, 2017

 

Juventus will reportedly start Mattia De Sciglio and Stefano Sturaro against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday.

 

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve will revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation at Camp Nou, despite beating Chievo 3-0 with a 4-3-3 over the weekend.

 

Consequently, De Sciglio should come in for the ineligible Stephan Lichtsteiner at right-back, while Sturaro is expected to be deployed in defensive midfield.

 

The newspaper notes these decisions will be taken to get the best out of Paulo Dybala, who is likely to play a free role behind Gonzalo Higuain.

 

Gianluca Di Marzio’s website adds Alex Sandro, Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Mandzukic all trained on Monday morning, but Benedikt Howedes worked alone.

 

Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira were not present as they remain sidelined with injuries.

[Socrates 7964]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Tuesday, 12 september 2017

Camp Nou, Barcelona

 

 

 

Allegri: CL a dream, not objective

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/109725/allegri-cl-dream-not-objective

 

 

Sep 11, 2017

 

Max Allegri claims the Champions League “can’t be an objective” for Juventus, but rather “a dream.”

 

Juve have reached two of the last three Champions League Finals, but despite winning neither, Allegri still harbours hopes of lifting the jugged trophy and believes the club have “added so much quality” to his ranks from last season.

 

“The last three years have been fantastic, we achieved two Champions League Finals,” the Coach told UEFA.com.

 

“The first was rather unexpected, while for the second, we had greater hopes of really winning it.

 

“We didn’t succeed but we still consider it a success because not everyone can play in a Champions League Final.

 

“Winning the Champions League can’t be an objective, it’s a dream. And to accomplish that dream, you have to work hard for so many years and, above all, develop a certain kind of mental approach.

 

“Juventus are aiming to be consistently among the top eight in Europe. In order to do that, we need to be signing quality players. I think the club are doing really well in this regard.

 

“Better than last season? There are several players who have just arrived, but it’s always been like this for me at Juve.

 

“Between the first and second Finals, within three years, only four players stayed from the first year.

 

“The club have added so much quality and the results have kept following. In order to keep winning, you need a lot of hard work and you need to stay motivated

 

“Ultimately, motivation is what makes the difference. It’s getting harder with each year, so winning seven [Scudetti] in a row would be something really extraordinary.

 

“The squad is strong, even though we still have to improve technically and tactically.

 

“Our group? It’s is balanced, far more than it seems. Apart from Barcelona, Sporting CP and Olympiakos are teams with a lot of experience in Europe.

 

“It won’t be easy to pick up points in this group, and points can be dropped anywhere.

 

“What makes Buffon so special? Because he’s been the best goalkeeper in the world for the last 20 years. He’s an extraordinary guy, an exemplary professional.

 

“He’s turned 39 and he’s just been chosen as the best goalkeeper in the Champions League, so he really has something special.

 

“His secret? In my opinion, the enthusiasm with which he plays. He’s like a kid.

 

“How far can Dybala go? Paulo has really grown since coming to Juventus. He has so much talent but still has big room for improvement.

 

“He’s started the season very well, but we’re just at the beginning. He needs a great season in the Champions League, it’s his objective.”