JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

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  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

Juventus-Inter: Dybala dropped?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113993/juventus-inter-dybala-dropped

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

Gigi Buffon is out of tonight’s massive Derby d’Italia, but Juventus could drop Paulo Dybala too against Mauro Icardi’s Serie A leaders Inter.

 

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Max Allegri is forced to ring the changes to his side, who are fresh from beating Napoli and securing their passage to the Champions League Round of 16.

 

Captain and goalkeeper Buffon is not even in the squad due to a calf injury, so Wojciech Szczesny will take the gloves.

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner and Marko Pjaca also miss out, but there are reports Allegri will initially leave Dybala on the bench, as he is struggling for form and confidence.

 

This would also enable a change of tactics to 4-3-3 with Douglas Costa and Juan Cuadrado flanking Gonzalo Higuain.

 

Mattia De Sciglio and Kwadwo Asamoah would be the full-backs, with Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi and Claudio Marchisio in the middle of the park.

 

Luciano Spalletti has been reticent to change his usual Inter XI, although he had to in last week’s 5-0 victory over Chievo.

 

Roberto Gagliardini and Joao Miranda return from suspension, while Matias Vecino is available again following injury for their first-choice midfield and defence.

 

It remains to be seen whether Gagliardini will immediately win back his place or face a fight with Marcelo Brozovic, who impressed against Chievo.

 

Davide Santon is the favourite to start ahead of Yuto Nagatomo at left-back.

 

Antonio Candreva, Borja Valero and Ivan Perisic fan out behind Capocannoniere Icardi, who has already put seven goals past Juve in his career.

 

 

Juventus (probable): Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Marchisio, Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Higuain, Douglas Costa

 

Inter (probable): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda, Santon; Vecino, Gagliardini; Candreva, Borja Valero, Perisic; Icardi

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

                     ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

Juventus-Inter - Match preview

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106521

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

With both sides securing crucial victories last week, a rejuvenated Juventus host Inter on Saturday in one of the most exciting and important Derby D’Italia clashes in recent years.

 

After earning a precious 1-0 win against Napoli, Juventus not only sent a clear statement that they won’t surrender their crown so easily, but the champions also blew the Scudetto race wide open. The Bianconeri will now lock horns with the league leaders for a second consecutive week, as this time the opposition will be Luciano Spalletti’s high-flying Inter.

 

Similarly to the Old Lady, the Nerazzurri sent a signal of their own by demolishing Chievo 5-0 at San Siro and took full advantage of the result at the San Paolo. Currently Spalletti’s men sit pretty in top spot, and they will need to come home with a result from Turin if they want to stay there for another week.

 

That will undoubtedly be a tough task, as despite their usual early-season struggles, the Bianconeri finally seem to be finding their feet and are starting to look like the formidable side which was so close to winning the Treble last term. There’s little doubt that December will be a crucial month for Juve’s season and for the Scudetto race, due to the tight schedule and clashes between direct rivals.

 

The Bianconeri have passed these challenges with flying colours so far as they registered four consecutive clean sheets, including one in the 0-0 draw against Barcelona, and three crucial wins against Crotone, Napoli and Olympiacos. Allegri’s men have already started to put pressure on their league rivals and climb their way back to the top for yet another year.  With only two points separating Inter, the Partenopei and Juventus, the outcome of the game on Saturday can give a new dimension to the title race.

 

On the other hand, Inter have the “luxury” of not participating in the Champions League, so Spalletti has done an excellent job in preparing his team and getting the best out of his players for Serie A. The Nerazzurri have dominated the majority of their games with pure pragmatism and efficiency, which means that Juventus haven’t faced an opponent with the same characteristics this term.

 

Inter will be confident of their chances against the Old Lady, as the visitors had a full week to prepare for the clash. Their balanced playing style and solid defence look like an extremely solid base that Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic can build on, as the in-form duo will be the main threat for Juve’s defense. Supported by the likes of Borja Valero and Antonio Candreva, the Nerazzurri’s attack looks more than capable of securing a win for the visitors.

 

In order for that to happen, however the holding midfielders Matias Vecino and Roberto Gagliardini will need to do an excellent job of protecting the Nerazzurri’s back four, as Juve’s attacking guns are no pushovers either. Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Juan Cuadrado are all expected to start, while Federico Bernardeschi will be ready to come off the bench after his impressive goal and mid-week cameo against Olympiakos.

 

The game will probably decided in the middle of the park as Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira still look like the preferred starters for Allegri, despite their occasional struggles against top oppositions. When not on his game, the experienced German can be a liability at times, so Inter will be looking to put pressure on the midfield duo early on. Both sides will probably adopt a safe approach and will avoid running any risk at the start of the game, so the derby is expected to be a classic tactical battle between two of Serie A’s finest coaches.

 

There aren’t any notable absentees for Inter, so Luciano Spalletti will be able to pick his strongest starting XI. On the other hand, Juve will be without Gianluigi Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner,  Benedikt Howedes and Marko Pjaca.

 

Keep an eye on: Mauro Icardi (Inter) — With the incredible 16 goals in 15 Serie A games so far this season and an equally impressive record of seven career strikes against the Old Lady, the Nerazzurri captain will be the man to watch for the visitors.

 

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

 

Last season: Juventus 1-0 Inter

 

Stat fact: The last time the Nerazzurri defeated the Old Lady in Turin was in 2012 when a Diego Milito brace and a late Rodrigo Palacio goal ended Juve’s 49-games unbeaten run in Serie A and sealed a 3-1 victory for the visitors.

 

Top tip: Under 2.5 goals

 

Juventus (probable): Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Pjanic, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Costa; Higuaín

Suspended: N/A

 

Inter (probable): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda, Santon; Gagliardini, Vecino;  Candreva, Borja Valero, Perisic; Icardi

Suspended: N/A

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

                     ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

Inter look to break Juve hoodoo

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114003/inter-look-break-juve-hoodoo

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

Inter are looking to overcome a real hoodoo against Juventus in Turin, where they’ve won just once in the last 11 Serie A meetings.

 

Luciano Spalletti’s side are top of the table, but the Bianconeri will leapfrog them if they take all three points on home turf.

 

While this match represents the Derby d’Italia, the Nerazzurri actually have a relatively poor record in Turin.

 

Of the 100 previous meetings between the two sides, the Old Lady has emerged victorious on 66 occasions, with 18 draws and 16 wins for Inter.

 

The last time the Beneamata won at Juventus Stadium was the 3-1 win in 2012 which ended Juve’s unbeaten run under Antonio Conte at 49 games.

 

That was their only win in the last 11 meetings in Turin, with seven wins for the Bianconeri and three draws in that time.

 

Juventus tend to score in this fixture too, having found the back of the net in the last 13 games home and away against Inter for a total of 22 goals.

 

The last time the Bianconeri failed to score against Inter at home was the 2005 Supercoppa Italiana, in which a 96th-minute Juan Veron goal saw them lose 1-0 in extra-time at the Stadio delle Alpi.

 

On the reverse side, the Nerazzurri haven’t scored against Juve in Turin in 296 minutes, going back to January 6, 2015.

 

That match finished in a 1-1 draw, with Carlos Tevez opening the scoring after five minutes and Mauro Icardi equalising after 64.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

                     ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

Mandzukic in, Dybala and Costa out?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114009/mandzukic-dybala-and-costa-out

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

Mario Mandzukic is expected to start for Juventus against Inter tonight, but Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa could be benched.

 

The Derby d’Italia kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Gigi Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Marko Pjaca are out injured, so Wojciech Szczesny will certainly start in goal.

 

Max Allegri is also planning other changes for a 4-3-3 formation.

 

According to the latest reports from Turin, in this morning’s training session, Juve used a front three of Juan Cuadrado, Gonzalo Higuain and Mandzukic, pushing Douglas Costa and Dybala to the bench.

 

Birthday boy Asamoah was also preferred to Alex Costa at left-back.

 

As for Inter, Luciano Spalletti seems to have his ideas set in stone with the return of Joao Miranda, Roberto Gagliardini and Matias Vecino.

 

Marcelo Brozovic had been hoping to start, but would appear to be an option off the bench when Juve legs are tiring.

 

Probable line-ups

Juventus (4-3-3): Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Marchisio Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Higuain, Mandzukic

Inter (4-2-3-1): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda, Santon; Vecino, Gagliardini; Candreva, Borja Valero, Perisic; Icardi

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

                     ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-Inter

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114023/line-ups-juventus-inter

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

Juventus surprisingly bench Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro for the Derby d’Italia against full-strength leaders Inter.

 

There are so many layers to this showdown, as Inter are the Serie A leaders and the only team still unbeaten in Italy this season.

 

Juve sit in third place, having beaten previous leaders Napoli last week, and are targeting a record seventh straight Scudetto.

 

This is also the Derby d’Italia, one of the most bitter rivalries in Italian football, and sees Gonzalo Higuain and Mauro Icardi go head-to-head for the starting spot in the Argentina line-up.

 

Max Allegri has made some very surprising decisions for this clash, dropping off-form Dybala, Alex Sandro and Douglas Costa in favour of a 4-3-3 system with Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado flanking Higuain.

 

Kwadwo Asamoah celebrates his birthday with a starting spot, as Mattia De Sciglio takes the other flank.

 

Gigi Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Marko Pjaca are out injured, so Wojciech Szczesny takes the gloves.

 

Inter have been reticent to make many changes this season and some were forced upon them in the 5-0 victory over Chievo, but Roberto Gagliardini and Joao Miranda have completed their bans.

 

Matias Vecino also returns from injury, but Marcelo Brozovic keeps his place and sends Gagliardini to the bench, moving Borja Valero to a deeper role.

 

Antonio Candreva, Brozovic and Ivan Perisic support Capocannoniere Mauro Icardi, who has already put seven goals past Juventus in his career.

 

The last time the Nerazzurri defeated the Old Lady in Turin was in 2012 when a Diego Milito brace and a late Rodrigo Palacio goal ended Juve’s 49-games unbeaten run in Serie A and sealed a 3-1 victory for the visitors.

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Higuain, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Pinsoglio, Loria, Barzagli, Rugani, Alex Sandro, Marchisio, Sturaro, Bentancur, Douglas Costa, Dybala, Bernardeschi

 

Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda, Santon; Vecino, Borja Valero; Candreva, Brozovic, Perisic; Icardi

Inter bench: Padelli, Berni, Ranocchia, Joao Cancelo, Nagatomo, Dalbert, Joao Mario, Gagliardini, Karamoh, Eder, Pinamonti

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

                     ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

HT 0-0: Mandzukic rattles Inter

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114030/ht-mandzukic-rattles-inter

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

Mario Mandzukic forced a great save, goal-line clearance and hit the crossbar, as it’s goalless between Juventus and Inter.

 

This was a top of the table showdown between third and first, as well as the bitter rivalry of the Derby d’Italia. Gigi Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Marko Pjaca were injured, but Max Allegri surprisingly dropped Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro for a 4-3-3 formation. Leaders Inter had Roberto Gagliardini, Joao Miranda and Matias Vecino back, but benched the ex-Atalanta midfielder in favour of Marcelo Brozovic, moving Borja Valero to a deeper role.

 

There was a huge Juventus chance after eight minutes, as Juan Cuadrado’s deflected cross found Mario Mandzukic at the back post. His volley off the inside of the boot was beaten away by Samir Handanovic and a diving header on the rebound cleared off the line by Miranda.

 

Juve seemed to invite Inter to take the initiative, Giorgio Chiellini with a decisive interception to stop the Brozovic through ball releasing Matias Vecino clear on goal, while Wojciech Szczesny plucked a wayward Brozovic cross-shot out from under the bar.

 

Birthday boy Kwadwo Asamoah lost Antonio Candreva at the by-line, but Chiellini was again there for a crucial block.

 

Sami Khedira’s effort was too weak to trouble Handanovic on a Blaise Matuidi chest down, as Juve were happy to allow Inter futile possession.

 

The frustration got to Gonzalo Higuain, who was booked for dissent, but Mandzukic had another great chance on the stroke of half-time when his towering header from a Cuadrado cross thumped the bar.

 

 

Juventus 0-0 Inter (Half-Time)

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda, Santon; Vecino, Borja Valero; Candreva, Brozovic, Perisic; Icardi

 

Ref: Valeri

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

              0-0     ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

Derby d'Italia stalemate

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/106521

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

Mario Mandzukic had the best chances and hit the crossbar, but Juventus and Serie A leaders Inter played out a goalless draw.

 

This was a top of the table showdown between third and first, as well as the bitter rivalry of the Derby d’Italia. Gigi Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Marko Pjaca were injured, but Max Allegri surprisingly dropped Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro for a 4-3-3 formation. Leaders Inter had Roberto Gagliardini, Joao Miranda and Matias Vecino back, but benched the ex-Atalanta midfielder in favour of Marcelo Brozovic, moving Borja Valero to a deeper role.

 

There was a huge Juventus chance after eight minutes, as Juan Cuadrado’s deflected cross found Mario Mandzukic at the back post. His volley off the inside of the boot was beaten away by Samir Handanovic and a diving header on the rebound cleared off the line by Miranda.

 

Juve seemed to invite Inter to take the initiative, Giorgio Chiellini with a decisive interception to stop the Brozovic through ball releasing Matias Vecino clear on goal, while Wojciech Szczesny plucked a wayward Brozovic cross-shot out from under the bar.

 

Birthday boy Kwadwo Asamoah lost Antonio Candreva at the by-line, but Chiellini was again there for a crucial block.

 

Sami Khedira’s effort was too weak to trouble Handanovic on a Blaise Matuidi chest down, as Juve were happy to allow Inter futile possession.

 

The frustration got to Gonzalo Higuain, who was booked for dissent, but Mandzukic had another great chance on the stroke of half-time when his towering header from a Cuadrado cross thumped the bar.

 

Inter had possession, but this was their first Serie A match since May 2014 without a shot on goal in the first half.

 

Danilo D’Ambrosio made a decisive interception to take Cuadrado’s cross off the head of Mandzukic at the far post. Mauro Icardi had penalty appeals for a shot charged down by Medhi Benatia, but it deflected off his leg on to his hand and therefore could not be considered voluntary handball.

 

Ivan Perisic risked an own goal by intercepting Higuan’s dinked pass for Cuadrado, but Handanovic fingertipped it over the bar. The goalkeeper flapped at a cross and Khedira’s angled drive flashed inches wide with a deflection off Dalbert.

 

Handanovic beat away a Kwadwo Asamoah scorcher and Dybala was introduced for the final 15 minutes. Mandzukic had another great opportunity, but lost his footing in this goalless stalemate.

 

---

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira (Dybala 75), Pjanic (Bentancur 85), Matuidi; Cuadrado, Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Skriniar, Miranda, Santon (Dalbert 63); Vecino, Borja Valero; Candreva (Gagliardini 69), Brozovic, Perisic; Icardi (Eder 85)

 

Ref: Valeri

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

              0-0     ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

16th Matchday

 

Saturday, december 9th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri 

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Better than expected'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114035/allegri-better-expected

 

 

Dec 9, 2017

 

Max Allegri “hoped Juventus would put in a good performance against Inter, but didn’t expect it to be that good” after a 0-0 draw.

 

Mario Mandzukic had the only real clear-cut scoring opportunities in the Derby d’Italia.

 

“We have to compliment the lads for a tough performance, not allowing Inter a single shot on goal other than Marcelo Brozovic right at the end,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

 

“Inter are top of the table, have a lot of technical quality and worked really hard. We had a great second half and were only lacking a goal.”

 

The Coach was asked why he had decided to leave Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa and Alex Sandro on the bench.

 

“In football, other than technical qualities, you need to be in good shape physically. I always say that running isn’t indispensable in football, but it certainly helps.

 

“Dybala could create some important dangers between the lines in the final stages. Like many others, he needs to improve his fitness levels and we’ll work on that this week.

 

“We had prepared to use Mandzukic wide. The lads did well, as Inter used up a lot of energy in the first half pushing up to come get us and they fell away towards the end. We aren’t in perfect physical shape yet, so it was important to balance out the energy levels.

 

“Inter pressed hard in the opening 20 minutes, so in those circumstances we had to make do, even if we had the best chances in that period with Mario Mandzukic. Antonio Candreva and Ivan Perisic crossed more than anyone else in Serie A this season, but tonight Juan Cuadrado, Mattia De Sciglio, Mandzukic and Blaise Matuidi worked well to double up and not allow any crosses.

 

“It’s a shame we didn’t win, but considering we can improve so much in future, I am happy with the performance. Inter are competitive to fight for the title to the end, so are Juventus. I hoped the team would put in a good performance tonight, but it was better than I expected, as the players are not in great shape right now.

 

“We moved well in their half and it was tough, as we played for the Champions League qualification midweek and used up a lot of energy there.”

 

The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 is on Monday and Allegri thinks he can predict their opponents.

 

“I know we have a 66 per cent chance of drawing an English side. We’ll probably get one of them. Paris Saint-Germain have pace and technique, so I’d rather avoid them, but the fact remains we have to play whoever we get.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CL: Juventus face Tottenham

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114110/
cl-juventus-face-tottenham

 

 

Dec 11, 2017

 

Juventus will face Tottenham Hotspur for the first time in European competition, with Roma paired with Shakhtar Donetsk in today’s Champions League draw.

 

The draw for the Last 16 took place today in Nyon, with two Italian sides present after Napoli were eliminated.

 

Roma will play the side which finished above the Partenopei, as they’ve been drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk.

 

The two sides last met at the same stage in the 2010-11 season, with the Ukrainian side advancing 6-2 on aggregate.

 

Meanwhile, Juve will face English side Tottenham Hotspur for what will be the first ever meeting of the two sides in European competition.

 

The Bianconeri reached the final last year, but were beaten 4-1 by Real Madrid in Cardiff.

 

Champions League Last 16 draw:

Juventus-Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City-Basel
Porto-Liverpool
Sevilla-Manchester United
Real Madrid-Paris Saint-Germain
Roma-Shakhtar Donetsk
Chelsea-Barcelona
Bayern Munich-Besiktas

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nedved: ‘Spurs a tough draw for Juventus’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114115/nedved-‘spurs-tough-draw-juventus’

 

 

Dec 11, 2017

 

Juventus vice-President Pavel Nedved sees Tottenham Hotspur as “a solid team with a great Coach”, and hopes Fernando Llorente doesn’t “hurt us”.

 

The Bianconeri were paired with the English side in today’s Last 16 draw, with the first leg in Turin on February 13 and the return at Wembley on March 7.

 

“It’s a normal draw,” Nedved told Premium Sport after learning Juve’s opponents.

 

“We’ve never faced Tottenham in Europe, but we faced them in a friendly this summer and lost. The game is in two months, so we’ll see how it goes.

 

“They’re a solid team with a great Coach [Mauricio Pochettino] who is taking full advantage of their attacking potential.

 

“Then there’s Llorente who we know well and who we hope doesn’t hurt us like he did for Sevilla.

“In the friendly we weren’t in condition, now we have to believe in ourselves and do our best.”

 

Juventus have lost two finals in the last three years, would it be better to go out earlier, rather than suffer that heartbreak again?

 

“I’d sign up to reach the final every year, then when you’re there you see how it goes. It’s always very difficult [to get there] but Juventus have done it twice in three years. That doesn’t happen for everyone.

 

“The Last 16 is tricky, it’s very difficult to pass. It seems like a matter of course, but Juventus never make these calculations, not in the league nor in Europe.

 

“We always take it game-by-game, we’ll think of Tottenham and then see what happens.”

 

The Czech was also asked about Paulo Dybala, who was dropped for the Derby d’Italia with Inter.

 

“He’s 24, it’s normal for him to have highs and lows,” Nedved said.

 

“He knows he has a club which is behind him, and we can always talk to and support him if he needs it.

 

“He has to make a lot of sacrifices in his private life and on the pitch to reach his maximum potential.

 

“[Coach Max] Allegri is the same with everyone, when [Gonzalo] Higuain or [Mario] Mandzukic aren’t in form they get benched too.

 

“Those who are good play, and that’s important.”

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champions League dates confirmed

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114116/champions-league-dates-confirmed

 

 

Dec 11, 2017

 

The dates for Juventus and Roma’s Champions League Last 16 ties have been officially confirmed by UEFA.

 

The draw was made today in Nyon, with the Bianconeri facing Tottenham Hotspur and Roma taking on Shakhtar Donetsk.

 

Now the dates for those matches have been announced, with Juve at home for the first leg against Spurs on February 13.

 

The return leg will be played at Wembley Stadium the following month on March 7.

 

Roma, meanwhile, will be in Kharkiv on February 21, before welcoming Shakhtar to the Olimpico on March 13.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Llorente: 'I wanted Juve draw'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114147/llorente-i-wanted-juve-draw

 

 

Dec 11, 2017

 

Fernando Llorente admits he “wanted” Tottenham Hotspur to pick his old club Juventus in the Champions League draw. “I have a lot of friends there.”

 

The teams will meet in the Round of 16, with the first leg in Turin on February 13 and the return at Wembley on March 7.

 

“I’m very excited about this draw. I played there for two years and won five titles. I wanted this team,” Llorente told the Spurs website.

 

“I have great memories and I enjoyed my time at the club a lot. It's one of the biggest clubs in the world. I have a lot of friends there. It will be an amazing game. They are a very good team with very, very good players.”

 

The Spaniard scored 27 goals with 10 assists for Juve in 92 competitive games from 2013 to 2016.

 

“We can be confident in ourselves because we are a very good team, focused, concentrated, aggressive - we can do amazing things.”

 

 

 

Fernando Llorente

 

✔@llorentefer19

 

It will be a very special match! // Sarà una partita molto speciale per me! // Será un partido muy especial! #UCLdraw#COYS #THFC

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pochettino: 'Family from Turin!'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114143/pochettino-family-turin

 

 

Dec 11, 2017

 

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino is overjoyed at drawing Juventus in the Champions League. “My family came from Turin – unbelievable!”

 

The teams will meet in the Round of 16, with the first leg in Turin on February 13 and the return at Wembley on March 7.

 

“It's fantastic because my family came from Italy, from Turin — unbelievable!” said Argentine Pochettino.

 

“My surname is from Italy. It's a city and a club I've always wanted to play and it's now fantastic to be going to the city of Turin to play against Juventus.”

 

Pochettino’s surname in Italian means ‘a little bit.’

 

Spurs topped their Champions League group ahead of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

 

“It's so important to be competitive and we've shown we can do that, we've shown we can deal with the pressure of the Champions League,” continued Pochettino.

 

“This will be a different game to Real Madrid and it's so exciting to play Juventus.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juve: Spurs top of UEFA rankings

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114177/juve-spurs-top-uefa-rankings

 

 

Dec 12, 2017

 

Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus’ opponents in the Champions League last 16, have moved top of the UEFA club rankings.

 

Tottenham finished first in their group, above Borussia Dortmund and defending champions Real Madrid, while Juve were forced to settle for a runners-up spot.

 

Consequently, they are the only team to have at least 20 points in the coefficient table, with the Bianconeri dropping to 11th.

 

Roma, however, fall to 10th, despite winning their pool ahead of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.

 

Napoli’s demotion to the Europa League sees them tumble to 36th, leaving them below Atalanta (18th), Lazio (25th) and Milan (33rd).

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

                             ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Buffon, Chiellini, Pjanic miss Juve training

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114186/buffon-chiellini-pjanic-miss-juve-training

 

 

Dec 12, 2017

 

Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Miralem Pjanic all worked separately at Juventus training today.

 

The Bianconeri face a trip to Bologna at the weekend, as they look to keep pace with Inter and Napoli at the top of Serie A.

 

Saturday brought a 0-0 draw with the Nerazzurri, but Buffon and Lichtsteiner both missed out through injury.

 

Pjanic was substituted for Rodrigo Bentancur with five minutes remaining, and none of that trio trained for the whole session with the group at Vinovo today.

 

In addition, Chiellini is suffering with a muscular injury.

 

“Miralem Pjanic trained for a part of the workout after reporting a muscle strain in his left thigh during the Inter match,” Juve’s official website revealed.

 

“Stephan Lichtsteiner and Gianluigi Buffon underwent personalised training regimes, while Giorgio Chiellini trained separately after picking up an injury to his right thigh.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

                             ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Pjanic back for Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114281/pjanic-back-juventus

 

 

Dec 14, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic trained with Juventus today and should be fit to face Bologna, but Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Juan Cuadrado are all doubts.

 

The Bianconeri currently sit third in Serie A, and play on Sunday afternoon, after leaders Inter and second-placed Napoli.

 

Max Allegri’s side can’t afford any slip-ups at the Renato Dall’Ara, and there was good news for the Coach today as Pjanic returned to training with the rest of the group.

 

However, Juve’s official website confirms that Juan Cuadrado trained separately due to a pain in his groin.

 

Also following personalised regimes are Buffon, Chiellini and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Llorente 'won't celebrate' against Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114297/llorente-wont-celebrate-against-juve

 

 

Dec 14, 2017

 

Tottenham Hotspur striker Fernando Llorente will not celebrate if he scores against his old club. “Juventus have a 65 per cent chance of qualifying.”

 

The Bianconeri picked the Premier League outfit in the draw for the Champions League Round of 16.

 

“I think it’ll be a splendid tie with two great teams, but Juve are the favourites because they are accustomed to this situation and have experience at this level,” agent and brother Jesus Llorente told TuttoJuve.com.

 

“I’d say Juventus have a 65 per cent chance of qualifying, with 35 per cent for Spurs.”

 

Llorente wore the Bianconeri jersey from 2013 to 2015 and became a fan favourite in Turin.

 

“He wants to score for his team, but I am sure that if he does get a goal against Juve, he won’t celebrate, just as he didn’t with Sevilla.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

                             ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Donadoni: 'Don't just limit Juventus'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114358/donadoni-dont-just-limit-juventus

 

 

Dec 16, 2017

 

Roberto Donadoni is without Rodrigo Palacio, but wants Bologna to cause Juventus problems and “not just stop them from playing.”

 

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

 

“Only Palacio is unavailable, but the others have all recovered,” explained the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“We are facing a great side with great players, but it’s good to measure ourselves up against the top teams. We want to prove ourselves and limit Juve’s effectiveness as much as possible.

 

“At the same time, I want my lads to believe in themselves and play open football, without just thinking about stopping Juve from playing.”

 

Federico Di Francesco is still a long-term absentee, but meanwhile 19-year-old forward Orji Okwonkwo has contributed three Serie A goals off the bench.

 

“He is growing consistently and sooner or later he will be in the starting XI, so must make the most of that opportunity,” added Donadoni.

 

“Ladislav Krejci is working well in training, but if one player starts, that doesn’t mean the other has suddenly become poor. I have to make choices and players can always improve.

 

“Adam Nagy is trying to improve in both his movements and situations that he’s not accustomed to. Great players, or even those who aim to be great, can always find a solution to problems.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

                             ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Juventus decimated in Bologna

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114368/juventus-decimated-bologna

 

 

Dec 16, 2017

 

Juventus are without Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Benedikt Howedes against Bologna.

 

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

 

Max Allegri is dealing with numerous injury problems going in to the Stadio Dall’Ara.

 

Captain and goalkeeper Buffon is again out of action, while Chiellini, Howedes and Lichtsteiner decimate the defence.

 

Cuadrado isn’t even in the squad either for this journey to Bologna.

 

However, Marko Pjaca is included after suffering a serious injury nine months ago.

 

Juventus squad for Bologna: De Sciglio, Benatia, Pjanic, Khedira, Marchisio, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Barzagli, Pinsoglio, Mandzukic, Pjaca, Asamoah, Szczesny, Rugani, Sturaro, Bentancur, Bernardeschi, Loria

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

                             ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Dybala dropped in Bologna'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114369/allegri-dybala-dropped-bologna

 

 

Dec 16, 2017

 

Max Allegri has a decimated squad against Bologna, but still confirmed he’s dropping Paulo Dybala again. “I’m a Coach, not a guard dog.”

 

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

 

The Bianconeri make the trip without injured Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Benedikt Howedes.

 

“Everyone worked well in training and now we need to win tomorrow in Bologna,” said Allegri in his Press conference.

 

“It’s unlikely that Dybala will start. He is available, I have to decide whether to play with two or three midfielders, but then everyone is up for debate. Perhaps he made everyone too accustomed to the good life.”

 

Juventus director Pavel Nedved advised Dybala to separate his personal life from the professional amid reports of a split with his girlfriend and legal action with sponsors.

 

“This is just advice from someone who has great experience, it wasn’t criticism. Everyone has to deal with a private life and a career, that’s what being a professional is all about. I am a Coach, not a guard dog. I told him to work hard and concentrate, as that is the best medicine.

 

“Paulo is an extraordinary lad, he’s almost 24 years old and can still improve a great deal. He is not in the best physical shape and hasn’t scored a goal for a while, but everyone goes through periods like that, including Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain.

 

“He put in a great assist for Higuain against Napoli, let’s not forget that. You all seem frightened by a goal drought, but it has happened to everyone.

 

“Miralem Pjanic could well start, as he trained well. Cuadrado will be back against Roma, Chiellini can resume training during the week. Buffon has this issue that needs to be evaluated and is preventing him from playing.

 

“Alex Sandro is fine and he will play tomorrow. He had two extraordinary years, between highs and lows, but is finding himself again. Either Andrea Barzagli or Daniele Rugani will play tomorrow in defence.”

 

Bologna stalled Serie A leaders Inter at the Stadio Dall’Ara this season, one of the few teams to take points off the Nerazzurri.

 

“These are usually hard-fought and difficult matches. Bologna are well-organised, they run hard and have good technique. We need a solid performance.”

 

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

                             ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

Line-ups: Bologna-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114423/line-ups-bologna-juventus

 

 

Dec 17, 2017

 

Juventus have the chance to leapfrog Inter into second place, but drop Paulo Dybala again and have a decimated squad against Bologna.

 

It kicks off at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

 

The Bianconeri can take advantage of Inter’s surprise 3-1 home defeat to Udinese, just as Napoli already have to recapture the top of the table.

 

However, Max Allegri has quite a few problems to contend with at the Stadio Dall’Ara.

 

Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Juan Cuadrado and Benedikt Howedes haven’t even made the trip due to injury.

 

Dybala is fully fit, but the Coach announced his plans to drop him for the second game running, an attempt to spark a reaction against his current poor form.

 

It’s a tactic that worked with Gonzalo Higuain, but will it convince La Joya to shake off his malaise?

 

Meanwhile, Douglas Costa and Mario Mandzukic again support Pipita, with Miralem Pjanic available again in midfield.

 

Bologna have already taken points off Inter here this season and were unlucky not to win that match, but Roberto Donadoni is missing experienced forward Rodrigo Palacio and talented winger Federico Di Francesco.

 

Teenage hitman Orji Okwonkwo has scored three goals off the bench this term and gets only his second ever Serie A start. Curiously, the first was also this fixture, which Juve won 2-1.

 

Okwonkwo supports Mattia Destro and free kick specialist Simone Verdi. Andrea Poli has finished his ban and can bolster the midfield.

 

Bologna have won just two of their last 37 meetings with Juventus across all competitions (2-0 in Turin in February 2011).

 

The Rossoblu haven’t beaten the Bianconeri on home turf since November 29, 1998, scraping only five draws from 16 attempts.

 

Bologna: Mirante; Mbaye, Helander, Gonzalez, Masina; Poli, Pulgar, Donsah; Verdi, Destro, Okwonkwo

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Barzagli, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

                             ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

HT 0-2: Juve command in Bologna

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114428/ht-juve-command-bologna

 

 

Dec 17, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic scored one and created another for Mario Mandzukic, as Juventus have a 2-0 half-time lead in Bologna.

 

The Bianconeri were missing injured Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Benedikt Howedes and Juan Cuadrado, with Paulo Dybala dropped for the second game running due to poor form. The hosts had Rodrigo Palacio and Federico Di Francesco out of action, so gave teenage supersub Orji Okwonkwo only his second Serie A start, while Andrea Poli returned from suspension.

 

Bologna had won just two of their previous 37 meetings with Juventus in all competition (2-0 in February 2011), but the last home victory was incredibly back in November 1998, followed by only five draws from 16 attempts.

 

Mario Mandzukic had early penalty appeals, but the VAR silent check cleared Ibrahima Mbaye of handball. Godfred Donsah surged forward, his low drive smothered by Wojciech Szczesny, but Juve broke the deadlock with Miralem Pjanic.

 

The Bosnian had a free kick on the outside corner of the box and waved his teammates forward, but just used them as a diversion to curl into the near top corner, surprising Antonio Mirante.

 

Pjanic was involved again for the second goal, his cross-field pass not read by Mbaye, as Mandzukic chested it down and placed the angled drive across Mirante into the far bottom corner.

 

 

Bologna 0-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Pjanic 26 (J), Mandzukic 36 (J)

 

Bologna: Mirante; Mbaye, Helander, Gonzalez, Masina; Poli, Pulgar, Donsah; Verdi, Destro, Okwonkwo

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Barzagli, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Ref: Banti

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

          0-3            ..

 

 

Miralem Pjanic 26'

Mario Mandzukic 36'

Blaise Matuidi 64'

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

 

Juve thump Bologna 0-3 to go second

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/106530

 

 

Dec 17, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic scored a cheeky free kick, set up one for Mario Mandzukic and Blaise Matuidi got his debut Serie A goal to batter Bologna.

 

This result allows them to leapfrog previous leaders Inter and go into second place.

 

The Bianconeri were missing injured Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Benedikt Howedes and Juan Cuadrado, with Paulo Dybala dropped for the second game running due to poor form. The hosts had Rodrigo Palacio and Federico Di Francesco out of action, so gave teenage supersub Orji Okwonkwo only his second Serie A start, while Andrea Poli returned from suspension.

 

Bologna have won just two of their last 38 meetings with Juventus in all competition (2-0 in February 2011), but the last home victory was incredibly back in November 1998, followed by only five draws from 17 attempts.

 

Mario Mandzukic had early penalty appeals, but the VAR silent check cleared Ibrahima Mbaye of handball. Godfred Donsah surged forward, his low drive smothered by Wojciech Szczesny, but Juve broke the deadlock with Miralem Pjanic.

 

The Bosnian had a free kick on the outside corner of the box and waved his teammates forward, but just used them as a diversion to curl into the near top corner, surprising Antonio Mirante.

 

Pjanic was involved again for the second goal, his cross-field pass not read by Mbaye, as Mandzukic chested it down and placed the angled drive across Mirante into the far bottom corner.

 

Filip Helander risked an own goal to stop Gonzalo Higuain meeting the Alex Sandro cross, but Blaise Matuidi got his first Serie A goal when a poor clearance found him on the edge of the area for a powerful half-volley at the near post.

 

Higuain tested Mirante and blasted another over the bar, but Mandzukic went off with a cut to the back of his leg, allowing Dybala some playing time. La Joya ran from the centre-circle on a Higuain back-heel flick, but blasted over rather than give it back to Pipita.

 

---

 

Bologna: Mirante; Mbaye, Helander, Gonzalez, Masina; Poli, Pulgar, Donsah (Falletti 65); Verdi, Destro (Petkovic 53), Okwonkwo (Krejci 70)

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Benatia, Barzagli, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic (Marchisio 86), Matuidi; Douglas Costa (Bernardeschi 70), Higuain, Mandzukic (Dybala 75)

 

Ref: Banti

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

          0-3            ..

 

 

Miralem Pjanic 26'

Mario Mandzukic 36'

Blaise Matuidi 64'

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'Roma will fight for title'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114434/pjanic-roma-will-fight-title

 

 

Dec 17, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic gave advice to Juventus teammate Paulo Dybala after the 3-0 win over Bologna and assured Roma “will challenge for the Scudetto.”

 

The Bianconeri emerged victorious at the Stadio Dall’Ara with Pjanic’s free kick, a Mario Mandzukic angled drive and Blaise Matuidi strike.

 

“We certainly had the game in hand before the goal, were perhaps missing a little sharpness on the finishing, but we allowed Bologna nothing over 90 minutes. That’s not easy, as they are very strong on home turf.

 

“We put in a good performance and I think the Coach can be proud of us this evening,” Pjanic told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“Since I arrived, this 4-3-3 was a position the Coach wanted me to play in future. I feel good, I’m improving, the team got the three points we needed and I am happy.

 

“There are more important games before the break and we have to be ready for the next match against Roma. They are a very strong side and will be challenging for the Scudetto.

 

“We simply did what we needed to do, as three points are to be expected of Juventus in every match.”

 

Dybala was dropped for the second game running, despite being fully fit, so how can the Bianconeri get him back on his feet?

 

“I just hope Dybala relaxes, as he is very happy here. All players have moments when you are not at your best, but that’s nothing to be worried about, as he has the talent and just needs to be patient. The club and his teammates are all behind him.

 

“It’s a very strong group of players and whoever takes to the field will do their duty for the club.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOLOGNA - JUVENTUS

 

          0-3            ..

 

 

Miralem Pjanic 26'

Mario Mandzukic 36'

Blaise Matuidi 64'

 

  .........

 

17th Matchday

 

Sunday, december 17th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Renato Dall'ara Stadium - Bologna
Referee: Luca Banti

 

 

 

 

Allegri on Dybala: 'It's a team sport'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/114437/allegri-dybala-its-team-sport

 

 

Dec 17, 2017

 

Max Allegri defended his decision to drop Paulo Dybala after Juventus crushed Bologna 3-0. “Football is a team sport, you take away the I.”

 

The Bianconeri leapfrogged Inter to go into second place with their 3-0 victory away to Bologna, but Dybala was dropped for the second game running.

 

“The lads are putting in good performances, improving physically and in terms of solidity, as they allowed nothing at the back,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“Napoli and Inter have done extraordinary things so far this season and we needed something extraordinary to keep up with them. I am happy, now we’ve got to keep going.

 

“The improved defensive record is thanks to everyone working together. Dybala came on today and did well, but there are moments when a player just isn’t at his best and luck isn’t on his side.

 

“I have important players, it’s motivating to have competition for places. Of course every player is annoyed when he’s on the bench, the important thing is to react. Football is a team sport, you have to take away the I and rely only on the We.

 

“Paulo’s talent is beyond doubt, but he also needs to be in good physical and psychological shape.”

 

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Allegri also made a comment blaming the media for their excessive pressure on the young Argentine, specifically calling him the new Leo Messi.

 

“I don’t think the media helped by making these comparisons that are frankly damaging. You do it often to young players, they have a couple of good games and are called world-beaters, it’s not healthy.

 

“When I said it was unlikely Dybala could keep up that early season scoring record, I meant it. The team is in solid form right now, some players are in better shape than others, we could change going forward and use different characteristics.”