JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Olympiakos make change on the bench

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110423/olympiakos-make-change-bench

 

 

Sep 26, 2017

 

Juventus' Champions League opponents Olympiakos have sacked Besnik Hasi, replacing him with Takis Lemonis.

 

The Albanian tactician was given his marching orders just three months into his reign, following the weekend defeat to AEK Athens.

 

Olympiakos had been 2-0 up, but fell to a 3-2 defeat to fall five points behind in the Greek Super League.

 

“Olympiakos FC announces the start of its co-operation with the coach Takis Lemonis,” the club announced on its official website.

 

Lemonis returns for his fourth spell at the club having served as interim coach last season following the departure of Portuguese Paulo Bento.

 

Juve face the Greek side tomorrow.

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Higuain not a Juve problem'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110460/allegri-higuain-not-juve-problem

 

 

Sep 26, 2017

 

Max Allegri insists Gonzalo Higuain “is not a problem” for Juventus, but revealed some of his picks against Olympiakos in the Champions League.

 

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) and follows on from a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona, while the Greek outfit lost at home to Sporting CP.

 

The first question asked whether Higuain would start, seeing as he was dropped in favour of Mario Mandzukic in the 4-0 Derby della Mole win over Torino on Saturday.

 

“I haven’t yet decided which four players to use upfront. Higuain is not a problem. It’d be a problem if he didn’t play for Juventus,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“We play – fortunately – every three days, so squad rotation is natural and someone will always miss out. Gonzalo just has to do what he always does – no more and no less.

 

“It’s very simple at right-back, either Andrea Barzagli plays in the centre and Stefano Sturaro at right-back or Barzagli at right-back and Medhi Benatia in the middle.

 

“I can guarantee that Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi will start in midfield, as Claudio Marchisio is still out, Sami Khedira just started training with the team and Rodrigo Bentancur is the only one who can cover.

 

“We cannot possibly underestimate this match, as it’s the Champions League and every opponent is tough. Olympiakos are a fast-paced side that can hurt us with their forwards and we have only one result at our disposal. If we don’t win, then our qualification becomes complicated.”

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Barzagli: 'Juve learned from mistakes'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110462/barzagli-juve-learned-mistakes

 

 

Sep 26, 2017

 

Andrea Barzagli believes Juventus have “learned from our mistakes” in the Champions League ahead of a meeting with Olympiakos.

 

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) and follows on from a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona, while the Greek outfit lost at home to Sporting CP.

 

He was asked how reaching the Final twice in three years – and losing both – affects the team going into this season.

 

“The more the years go by, the more we try to improve. It’s fair to say we’re fired up for this competition, but the approach remains the same,” said the defender in his Press conference.

 

“The Champions League is the ultimate goal for a player. I believe tomorrow’s match will be fundamental for who wins the group and it’s too important that we win. After that, we can think about the other games, but three points are fundamental.

 

“There’s no point comparing last year’s meeting with Barcelona and this term. That was a quarter-final, the first leg of a knockout round. This time it was just the first match in a group phase.

 

“Over the years, we realised how to play the Champions League and we learned from our mistakes. We go forward, football is made up of periods and of current form. You have to be strong and make the various elements work.

 

“I was curious about what would happen going into this seventh season. I found the squad had belief and we all feel important for the club. Juve have improved and grown this year.

 

“It’s a difficult campaign, but we hope to achieve our objectives.”

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Khedira back for Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110455/khedira-back-juventus

 

 

Sep 26, 2017

 

Juventus have Sami Khedira back in the squad to face Olympiakos in the Champions League tomorrow.

 

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) on Wednesday at the Allianz Juventus Stadium.

 

The Bianconeri have Khedira available again, even though he only just resumed training with the rest of the squad following injury problems.

 

Claudio Marchisio also started training today, but is not fit enough to be included in the group.

 

Marko Pjaca, Benedikt Howedes and Mattia De Sciglio are long-term absentees, out for at least three to four weeks.

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner was left out of the Champions League squad this season, so there is a definite shortage of right-backs in the side.

 

Juventus squad for Olympiakos: Buffon, Pinzoglio, Szczesny; Chiellini, Benatia, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Rugani; Pjanic, Khedira, Matuidi, Asamoah, Sturaro, Bentancur; Cuadrado, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Juventus consider 3-4-3

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110442/juventus-consider-3-4-3

 

 

Sep 27, 2017

 

Juventus are considering switching to a 3-4-3 for tonight’s Olympiakos game, according to reports.

 

On their run to the Champions League final last season the Bianconeri primarily used a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-5-2, often switching between a back-three and back-four during a match.

 

However, Coach Massimiliano Allegri is badly short of options at right-back, with Benedikt Howedes and Mattia De Sciglio both injured, and Stephan Lichtsteiner left out of the Champions League squad.

 

As a result, SportMediaset believes the Old Lady could move to a 3-4-3 to take on the Greeks tonight.

 

That would see Andrea Barzagli, Medhi Benatia and Giorgio Chiellini protecting Gianluigi Buffon.

 

Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi look set to continue in central midfield, and would be flanked by Douglas Costa and Stefano Sturaro.

 

That would leave no room for Juan Cuadrado, with the front-three consisting of Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic.

 

Possible Juventus line-up: Buffon; Barzagli, Benatia, Chiellini; Douglas Costa, Pjanic, Matuidi, Sturaro; Dybala, Higuain, Mandzukic

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Higuain benched for Olympiakos?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110491/higuain-benched-olympiakos

 

 

Sep 27, 2017

 

Despite reports yesterday that Juventus could switch to a 3-4-3, it now looks likely to be 4-2-3-1 with Gonzalo Higuain benched.

 

The club’s record signing didn’t start in the Derby della Mole with Torino on Saturday night, but it was expected he’d be restored to the starting XI for tonight’s Champions League clash.

 

Given the dearth of right-backs available to Coach Massimiliano Allegri, it was thought the Bianconeri could play a 3-4-3, with Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala flanking Higuain.

 

However, Sky is now reporting that Stefano Sturaro will play at right-back in the familiar 4-2-3-1, with Mandzukic preferred to Pipita up-front.

 

That would see Juan Cuadrado and Douglas Costa on the wings, with Paulo Dybala playing in the trequartista role.

 

Probable Juventus line-up: Buffon; Sturaro, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Mandzukic

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-Olympiakos

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110506/line-ups-juventus-olympiakos

 

 

Sep 27, 2017

 

Juventus drop Gonzalo Higuain again with Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic against Olympiakos, but Miralem Pjanic out in the warm-up.

 

 

The Bianconeri have a perfect record in Serie A after six rounds, but opened the Champions League campaign with a 3-0 defeat at Barcelona.

 

Following on from the 4-1 Final loss to Real Madrid in May, it has dampened their confidence on the European stage.

 

A player suffering from poor form right now is Higuain, who was ‘rested’ for the Turin Derby on Saturday night, moving Mandzukic back to his old centre-forward role.

 

Pipita was expected to be back in the starting XI tonight, but instead he is dropped again for Mandzukic, using Cuadrado and Douglas Costa on the flanks.

 

Dybala is Capocannoniere in Serie A with 10 goals in six rounds, including two hat-tricks, and is looking for his first Champions League goal of the season.

 

Claudio Marchisio, Benedikt Howedes, Mattia De Sciglio and Marko Pjaca out, so the midfield pairing was once again Miralem Pjanic and Blaise Matuidi.

 

However, Pjanic suffered a muscular problem in the warm-up and was replaced by Rodrigo Bentancur, moving Sami Khedira to the bench from the stands.

 

Stefano Sturaro is a makeshift right-back with Andrea Barzagli picked ahead of Medhi Benatia in central defence.

 

Olympiakos are in crisis mode following a disastrous start to the season, which saw them lose at home to Sporting Lisbon and then fumble a 2-0 lead to fall 3-2 with AEK Athens on Sunday.

 

That derby proved the final straw and Coach Besnik Hasi was sacked just three months into the job, making way for veteran Takis Lemonis in his fourth different stint at the club.

 

As Lemonis was only appointed on Monday, this is his debut and he had just two training sessions to prepare.

 

Their players include ex-Roma and Torino midfielder Panagiotis Tachtsidis and Nigeria international Emmanuel Emenike.

 

Belgian-Italian goalkeeper Silvio Proto gets a rare start, as Stefanos Kapino was dropped from the squad completely following a howler at the weekend.

 

Marko Marin was on loan at Fiorentina for six months in 2014, scoring twice in the Europa League, but the German international didn’t really make his mark.

 

Vukovic is out with a hamstring injury.

 

Olympiakos are the Juventus of Greece, currently on a run of seven consecutive Greek Super League titles.

 

These sides have met 10 times before with six Juve wins, two draws and two Olympiakos victories, but the Greeks lost all four visits to Turin.

 

Juventus: Buffon; Sturaro, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Matuidi, Bentancur; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Szczesny, Benatia, Higuain, Asamoah, Rugani, Khedira, Bernardeschi

 

Olympiakos: Proto; Figueiras, Engels, Nikolaou; Koutris, Zdjelar, Romao; Pardo, Odjidja, Sebá; Emenike

Olympiakos bench: Choutesiotis, Botia, Tachtsidis, Fortounis, Marin, Elabdellaoui, Ben Nabouhane

 

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

.......... 

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

HT 0-0: Olympiakos frustrate Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110513/ht-olympiakos-frustrate-juventus

 

 

Sep 27, 2017

 

Juventus have forced several saves and hit the woodwork, but also looked vulnerable on the counter, as it’s 0-0 with Olympiakos at the break.

 

It is surprisingly also goalless at half-time between Sporting CP and Barcelona in this group.

 

The Bianconeri had a perfect record in Serie A, but lost the Champions League opener 3-0 to Barcelona, so needed to get off the mark here. Claudio Marchisio, Mattia De Sciglio, Benedikt Howedes and Marko Pjaca were out with Sami Khedira not fully fit, but Miralem Pjanic pulled out in the warm-up, replaced by Rodrigo Bentancur. Gonzalo Higuain was dropped for the second game in a row, moving Mario Mandzukic to the centre-forward role. Olympiakos fired Coach Besnik Hasi 48 hours before this match, bringing back Takis Lemonis for his fourth stint at the club.

 

In the opening minutes, Paulo Dybala controlled, juggled and turned on the edge of the box for a shot charged down when it was flying into the near bottom corner. At the other end, Alex Sandro’s poor pass was intercepted for a counter, which Seba blasted over.

 

Juve had a couple of promising free kicks, but Dybala fired them both into the wall. Bentancur earned a round of applause for tracking back with a clean tackle in midfield and Silvio Proto flapped a corner off the head of Blaise Matuidi.

 

Alex Sandro got back to intercept a Seba cross for Pardo’s header, but Juve had two chances in quick succession on 34 minutes. Juan Cuadrado’s cross found the head of Mandzukic, fingertipped over the bar by Proto. From the resulting corner, Stefano Sturaro’s header was acrobatically punched away.

 

Olympiakos were very dangerous on the counter, but Emmanuel Emenike tried to roll it across rather than go for goal himself and it was intercepted.

 

Mandzukic came closest, a powerful header beaten off the line by Proto, but Gigi Buffon had his first save on 41 minutes on a Pardo counter-attack and angled drive.

 

On the stroke of half-time there was a double Juve opportunity. First Proto flew to parry a Dybala first time strike from the edge of the box, then as the move continued Alex Sandro’s low cross from the left was accidentally deflected on to the upright by Bjorn Engels.

 

 

Juventus 0-0 Olympiakos (Half-Time)

 

Juventus: Buffon; Sturaro, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Matuidi, Bentancur; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Mandzukic

 

Olympiakos: Proto; Figueiras, Engels, Nikolaou; Koutris, Zdjelar, Romao; Pardo, Odjidja, Sebá; Emenike

 

Ref: Stieler (GER)

 

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

  2-0....... 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 69'

Mario Mandzukic 80'

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

CL 2-0: Higuain breaks Olympiakos

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110516/cl-higuain-breaks-olympiakos

 

 

Sep 27, 2017

 

Juventus took a long time to break down Olympiakos, but Gonzalo Higuain came off the bench to score one and help create another for Mario Mandzukic.

 

The Bianconeri had a perfect record in Serie A, but lost the Champions League opener 3-0 to Barcelona, so needed to get off the mark here. Claudio Marchisio, Mattia De Sciglio, Benedikt Howedes and Marko Pjaca were out with Sami Khedira not fully fit, but Miralem Pjanic pulled out in the warm-up, replaced by Rodrigo Bentancur. Gonzalo Higuain was dropped for the second game in a row, moving Mario Mandzukic to the centre-forward role. Olympiakos fired Coach Besnik Hasi 48 hours before this match, bringing back Takis Lemonis for his fourth stint at the club.

 

In the opening minutes, Paulo Dybala controlled, juggled and turned on the edge of the box for a shot charged down when it was flying into the near bottom corner. At the other end, Alex Sandro’s poor pass was intercepted for a counter, which Seba blasted over.

 

Juve had a couple of promising free kicks, but Dybala fired them both into the wall. Bentancur earned a round of applause for tracking back with a clean tackle in midfield and Silvio Proto flapped a corner off the head of Blaise Matuidi.

 

Alex Sandro got back to intercept a Seba cross for Pardo’s header, but Juve had two chances in quick succession on 34 minutes. Juan Cuadrado’s cross found the head of Mandzukic, fingertipped over the bar by Proto. From the resulting corner, Stefano Sturaro’s header was acrobatically punched away.

 

Olympiakos were very dangerous on the counter, but Emmanuel Emenike tried to roll it across rather than go for goal himself and it was intercepted.

 

Mandzukic came closest, a powerful header beaten off the line by Proto, but Gigi Buffon had his first save on 41 minutes on a Pardo counter-attack and angled drive.

 

On the stroke of half-time there was a double Juve opportunity. First Proto flew to parry a Dybala first time strike from the edge of the box, then as the move continued Alex Sandro’s low cross from the left was accidentally deflected on to the upright by Bjorn Engels.

 

After the restart, a free kick touched on for Douglas Costa was drilled on to the wrong side of the net, but Olympiakos wasted another promising counter-attack with Seba firing over.

 

Higuain was introduced for Cuadrado and it was Mandzukic who should’ve scored moments later, but nodded Sturaro’s cross downwards and it bounced into Proto’s arms.

Instead, Buffon had to be at full stretch to fingertip away a Vadis Odjidja snapshot.

 

There was a sense of inevitability about the first goalscorer. Alex Sandro ran on to a Mandzukic flick and pulled back for Higuain, who had his first shot charged down from eight yards, but blasted in the rebound to give Juventus the lead and shake a huge weight off his shoulders.

 

Higuain was instrumental for the second goal too, as he threaded through to release Dybala, the dinked finish had beaten Proto, but Engels got back to clear off the line – and straight on to Mandzukic’s chest to bundle over from a yard. The Croatian has found the net in each of his last three Champions League appearances, as he was injured for the trip to Barcelona.

 

There was a nasty clash of heads in the final minute that left Giorgio Chiellini and Engels bleeding, but able to continue.

 

 

Juventus 2-0 Olympiakos

Higuain 69 (J), Mandzukic 80 (J)

 

Juventus: Buffon; Sturaro (Benatia 81), Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Matuidi, Bentancur; Cuadrado (Higuain 60), Dybala, Douglas Costa (Bernardeschi 84); Mandzukic

 

Olympiakos: Proto; Figueiras, Engels, Nikolaou; Koutris, Zdjelar (Fortounis 77), Romao; Pardo (Ben Nabouhane 72), Odjidja, Sebá; Emenike

 

Ref: Stieler (GER)

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - OLYMPIAKOS

 

  2-0....... 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 69'

Mario Mandzukic 80'

 

 

 

 

2nd Matchday

 

Wednesday, september 27th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Tobias Stieler (Germany)

 

 

 

 

Chiellini has eight stitches

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110523/chiellini-has-eight-stitches

 

 

Sep 27, 2017

 

Giorgio Chiellini needed eight stitches for a cut to his head after a nasty clash of heads in Juventus 2-0 Olympiakos.

 

In the final minute of the Champions League game in Turin, Chiellini knocked heads with Bjorn Engels.

 

Both were left bleeding, but able to continue playing to the final whistle.

 

Chiellini carried on with a large blue bandage on his head and posted the image on Instagram: “I’ve got three points on the field and eight stitches in my head. All that counted tonight was the win. Let’s carry on like this.”

 

Miralem Pjanic pulled out in the warm-up with a twinge at the back of the right thigh and remains in serious doubt to face Atalanta on Sunday.

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

Cairo: ‘If Torino had 11 men…’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110600/cairo-‘if-torino-had-11-men…’

 

 

Sep 29, 2017

 

Torino President Urbano Cairo reflects on the derby with Juventus - “if it was 11 vs 11 it would have been a different match”.

 

The Granata were thrashed 4-0 in the Derby della Mole last weekend, but Daniele Baselli was sent off with the score at 1-0 to the hosts.

 

“I haven’t talked about the derby because I don’t think it’s a game that can be judged,” Cairo shrugged, speaking to Sky.

 

“We had a man less from the 24th minute when we were a goal down and that conditioned us. Playing against Juventus on their own patch with 10 men is very difficult.

 

“It’s true that last season we drew despite Acquah’s dismissal but we were already winning and we ended up conceding Gonzalo Higuain’s goal late on.

 

“We also have the example of Liverpool who, despite being a well-equipped team, conceded five goals to Manchester City.

 

“If we’d played 11 vs 11 it would have been a different match.”

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

      .......... 

 

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Damato to referee Atalanta-Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110536/banti-referee-milan-roma

 

 

Sep 30, 2017

 

Elsewhere Antonio Damato will run the rule over Juventus’ trip to Atalanta, with Daniele Doveri taking charge of Benevento-Inter.

 

Luca Banti has been appointed as the referee for this week’s Milan-Roma game, the AIA has announced.

 

The Tuscan official has presided over 195 Serie A matches, but this is the first time he’s been given this fixture.

 

Banti has, however, overseen the Giallorossi 29 times, with the capital club winning 18 of those, the most recent being the 3-1 win over Juventus toward the end of last season.

 

The Rossoneri, meanwhile, have a record of seven wins, seven draws and seven defeats in matches officiated by Banti.

 

 

Serie A Week 7 referees:

 

Atalanta-Juventus - Antonio Damato
Benevento-Inter - Daniele Doveri
Chievo-Fiorentina - Piero Giacomelli
Genoa-Bologna - Gianluca Rocchi
Lazio-Sassuolo - Fabio Maresca
Milan-Roma- Luca Banti
Napoli-Cagliari - Rosario Abisso
SPAL-Crotone - Paolo Mazzoleni
Torino-Verona - Claudio Gavillucci
Udinese-Sampdoria - Michael Fabbri

 

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

      .......... 

 

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Higuain too complacent'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110627/allegri-higuain-too-complacent

 

 

Sep 30, 2017

 

Max Allegri warned Gonzalo Higuain “mustn’t rest on his laurels” after ending his goal drought and Juventus can’t take Atalanta for granted.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

 

After dropping Higuain against Torino and Olympiakos, Allegri believes he has sent the right message.

 

“Higuain is an important player and always has been, even if he was on the bench the last couple of games. Every season is different to the next. It’s already in the past and you must immediately reboot to start all over again,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“There are players who prove that, those who remained from the first Scudetto. Gonzalo mustn’t rest on his laurels. He must have the grit and ambition to fight it out with all the best in the world and he has what it takes to do that. As he is an important player, it’s up to him to do it and not be complacent.

 

“Higuain is playing tomorrow. The other day he came on against Olympiakos with a different attitude, but that’s the attitude he must have throughout the season and in every match.

 

“In attack, I just need to evaluate Juan Cuadrado tomorrow, as he had a knock to the foot. It’s one between Cuadrado, Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi.

 

“I will make some changes tomorrow, as certain players need to rest. Giorgio Chiellini has a bandage on his head, but that won’t stop him playing. Unless something else happens, he will play.

 

“Fortunately, the break for international duty is coming up, so we can get Sami Khedira back. His knee inflammation has flared up again and he won’t be there tomorrow. Miralem Pjanic and Claudio Marchisio are out, we hope to have Benedikt Howedes after the break for international duty.

 

“Tomorrow we’ve got Rodrigo Bentancur and Blaise Matuidi, while we could also use Stefano Sturaro or Kwadwo Asamoah there. I am not worried, as the players are currently ‘resting’ and will be fresh later on in the season.

 

“Bentancur has character to spare. He needs to improve in various areas that he will do with experience. Bernardeschi has improved both physically and tactically, he’ll soon be able to make the difference from the start and not just off the bench.

 

“Gigi Buffon plays tomorrow, though I am very happy with what Wojciech Szczesny is doing.”

 

Juve have a tricky trip to Bergamo tomorrow evening after Atalanta held Lyon to a 1-1 Europa League draw on Thursday night.

 

“It’s a very difficult match tomorrow, as Atalanta run hard, are going through a great period of form and it wasn’t easy for a side with no international experience to earn a draw away to Olympique Lyonnais.

 

“The games are never over in Bergamo, don’t forget last season we thought it was done and we conceded for 2-2. If we don’t win, then we’ll be in a bad mood throughout the break for international duty.

 

“We need to improve as a team, our overall standard of football, but we are at an early stage.”

 

Allegri was asked about the news Carlo Ancelotti was sacked by Bayern Munich this week.

 

“Carletto was fortunate, as in 30 years he’s been fired only once. He is one of the best Coaches in the world and won the Bundesliga, Cup and Super Cup at Bayern Munich. He was undeservedly eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid last season.”

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

      .......... 

 

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Juventus squad for Atalanta

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110640/juventus-squad-atalanta

 

 

Sep 30, 2017

 

Juventus have a decimated midfield as they visit high-flying Atalanta tomorrow evening.

 

It kicks off at 20.45 - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) on Sunday.

 

The Bianconeri are without Claudio Marchisio, Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira from the middle of the park.

 

Also on the absentee list are Benedikt Howedes, Mattia De Sciglio and Marko Pjaca.

 

Coach Max Allegri confirmed Juan Cuadrado is also a doubt following a knock, so the Colombian could be replaced by Douglas Costa or Federico Bernardeschi.

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner is off the Champions League squad, so missed the 2-0 win over Olympiakos, but is available in Bergamo.

 

Juventus squad for Atalanta: Buffon, Pinsoglio, Szczesny; Chiellini, Benatia, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Rugani, Lichtsteiner; Matuidi, Asamoah, Sturaro, Bentancur, Caligara; Cuadrado, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

      .......... 

 

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Atalanta-Juventus Match Preview

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106428

 

 

Sep 30, 2017

 

Atalanta and Juventus face off after European boosts, as both sides strive to keep their unbeaten League runs intact.

 

After a tough start to Serie A for Atalanta, in which they lost to both Roma and Napoli, they have now bounced back resoundingly with two wins and two draws in their last four league games. In the Europa League, they have started in impressive fashion too. They followed up a 3-0 win over Everton with a battling, backs to the wall draw in Lyon on Thursday night. It’s all the more impressive from Gian Piero Gasperini’s side when you consider they lost Andrea Conti and Franck Kessie to Milan in the summer, both star performers for La Dea last term.

 

Despite six wins out of six in Serie A and a valuable three points against Olympiakos in the Champions League on Wednesday night, Juve are yet to move in to top gear in this campaign. The sale of Leonardo Bonucci to Milan and numerous injury problems has meant a less fluent Juventus. Coach Max Allegri has had to make do and mend, which to be fair he has managed in an accomplished fashion.  Nevertheless, the Old lady received stinging criticism after their opening Champions League tie when a severely weakened line up lost 3-0 to Barcelona in the Camp Nou.  

 

Gasperini has a tough job in picking a fresh and sufficiently strong side for Sunday’s date with the Bianconeri. Atalanta had to play for long spells out of possession against Lyon and time will tell if this takes a toll on their legs, as they are likely to face more of the same from Allegri’s ever-hungry side. On the other hand, if the ex-Inter Coach decides to make too many changes, a weakened Atalanta could be easy pickings for the Champions. 

 

In terms of shape, he is likely to stick with a 3-4-1-2 formation. The fitness of Brazilian centre-back Rafael Toloi will need to be evaluated prior to kick off, but on the plus side, the Bergamo Boys are suspension free.

 

It’ll be an odd game for Leonardo Spinazzola, who spent most of the summer refusing to play when trying to force through a move to Juventus. He is already owned by the Turin giants, but Atalanta would not interrupt the two-year loan deal early.

 

Juventus come in to this away day with no suspensions, but a lengthy injury list. Miralem Pjanic pulled out during the warm-up against Olympiakos with a muscular problem, joining Benedikt Howedes, Marko Pjaca, Claudio Marchisio and Mattia De Sciglio. Allegri will likely look to freshen up his side from Wednesday and Stephan Lichtsteiner, Medhi Benatia and Gonzalo Higuain are the most probable candidates to come back in to the side.

 

Allegri is expected to retain a 4-2-3-1 formation, as new boys Rodrigo Bentancur and Blaise Matuidi look to cement an understanding in the midfield engine room. Sami Khedira could also make his comeback, although probably not from the start.

 

With a day’s extra rest and a far deeper squad, Juventus are hot favourites to take another three points. However, Atalanta’s resolve and the nous of Gasperini will surely keep them on their toes and ensure a great watch for the neutral.

 

 

Keep an eye on: Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus) - Higuain was dropped for two games in a row against Torino and Olympiakos, but broke his drought in style, coming off the bench to open the scoring in the Champions League and help set up the second for Mario Mandzukic. Pipita has his confidence back and could well be unstoppable now.

 

Form guide: Atalanta (D W D W L) Juventus (W W W W W)

 

Last season: Atalanta 2-2 Juventus

 

Stat fact: Last season’s draw ended a remarkable run of 14 consecutive Atalanta defeats against Juve, home and away in all competition. The last Serie A victory over the Bianconeri was 2-1 in Bergamo in February 2001, followed by three stalemates and 22 defeats.

 

Top tip: Both teams to score.

 

Atalanta (probable): Berisha; Masiello, Caldara, Palomino; Hateboer, Cristante, Freuler, Spinazzola; Ilicic; Gomez, Petagna

Suspended: None

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

Suspended: None

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

      .......... 

 

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Sarri: ‘Juve stronger than ever’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110689/sarri-‘juve-stronger-ever’

 

 

Oct 1, 2017

 

Maurizio Sarri plays down Napoli’s hopes of challenging for the Scudetto after a seventh straight Serie A win.

 

The Partenopei continued their 100 per cent start to the domestic season with a routine 3-0 victory over Cagliari this afternoon.

 

However, when asked about his side’s chances of winning their first League title since 1990, the former Empoli boss expressed his belief that rivals Juventus are stronger than ever.

 

“In order for us to fight for it, it depends on others,” Sarri told his post-match Press conference.

 

“Every year people say we will fight for it, then Juventus win and they are stronger than ever.

 

“This year, Juve are better than the six previous years they won the Scudetto.”

 

Sarri added that he enjoyed Napoli’s performance this afternoon.

 

“In the second half we played in a way that I enjoyed, with technique and speed.

 

“I still think there are ways in which we can improve.”

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

      .......... 

 

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Atalanta-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110708/line-ups-atalanta-juventus

 

 

Oct 1, 2017

 

Juventus give Federico Bernardeschi his first start with Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala against giant-killers Atalanta.

 

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

 

The Bianconeri have a 100 per cent record in Serie A so far this season, but need a victory in Bergamo to stay on top with Napoli, who already beat Cagliari 3-0 earlier today.

 

Max Allegri has rather limited options in midfield, as Miralem Pjanic, Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Marko Pjaca are unavailable, so 20-year-old Rodrigo Bentancur has to partner Blaise Matuidi.

 

Also on the treatment table are Benedikt Howedes and Mattia De Sciglio.

 

Bernardeschi gets his first start in a Juventus jersey, on the right side of the attack with Dybala and Mario Mandzukic to support Higuain.

 

Pipita ended his goal drought midweek in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Olympiakos, but Allegri again warned him not to be “complacent.”

 

Atalanta scraped a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Fiorentina last week amid controversy, as VAR was used sparingly at the Stadio Franchi.

 

Rafael Toloi is out of action, but there are starts for Juventus-owned Leonardo Spinazzola and Mattia Caldara.

 

Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez has been lighting up the Europa League as well as Serie A, netting against both Everton and Olympique Lyonnais, and he partners Andreas Cornelius.

 

Last season’s draw ended a remarkable run of 14 consecutive Atalanta defeats against Juve, home and away in all competition. The last Serie A victory over the Bianconeri was 2-1 in Bergamo in February 2001, followed by three stalemates and 22 defeats.

 

 

 

Atalanta: Berisha; Masiello, Caldara, Palomino; Hateboer, Cristante, Freuler, Spinazzola; Kurtic; Gomez, Cornelius

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Bentancur, Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

 

 

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

      .......... 

 

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

HT 1-2: Bernardeschi shines in Bergamo

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110719/ht-bernardeschi-shines-bergamo

 

 

Oct 1, 2017

 

Federico Bernardeschi scored one and assisted another, but Atalanta are back in the game as Juventus only lead 2-1 at the break.

 

The Bianconeri needed a victory to keep up with Napoli’s perfect record, but visited Bergamo without Miralem Pjanic, Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira, Marko Pjaca, Benedikt Howedes and Mattia De Sciglio, so Federico Bernardeschi got his first start in a Juve jersey. The Orobici missed Rafael Toloi and opted for Andreas Cornelius in attack.

 

Last season’s draw ended a remarkable run of 14 consecutive Atalanta defeats against Juve, home and away in all competition. The last Serie A victory over the Bianconeri was 2-1 in Bergamo in February 2001, followed by three stalemates and 22 defeats.

 

Bernardeschi’s angled drive was straight at Etrit Berisha after three minutes, then Mario Mandzukic knocked down a cross for Gonzalo Higuain, but the half-volley was too weak to surprise Etrit Berisha.

 

The Albanian goalkeeper was at fault for the opening goal, as he only meekly beat away a Blaise Matuidi effort from outside the D and Bernardeschi pounced on the rebound.

 

Moments later, Bernardeschi’s through ball released Higuain, who held off his marker to blast into the near top corner from six yards. Pipita broke his goal drought midweek in the Champions League with Olympiakos and ran over to the bench to hug Andrea Barzagli.

 

Papu Gomez got Atalanta back into it after 25 minutes of absolute dominance. His free kick stung Gigi Buffon’s gloves and Mattia Caldara – owned by Juventus – turned in the rebound.

 

Suddenly, the hosts had woken up and Coach Gian Piero Gasperini made a tactical change, hauling off Andreas Cornelius for Josip Ilicic, moving Gomez to a False 9.

 

It should’ve been 2-2 on 34 minutes when Stephan Lichtsteiner lost sight of Jasmin Kurtic on an Ilicic cross, but the header downwards bounced over at the far post.

 

Suddenly, it was Juventus being pegged back into their own half for long periods leading up to half-time.

 

 

Atalanta 1-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Bernardeschi 21 (J), Higuain 24 (J), Gomez 31 (A)

 

Atalanta: Berisha; Masiello, Caldara, Palomino; Hateboer, Cristante, Freuler, Spinazzola; Gomez, Cornelius (Ilicic 32), Kurtic

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Asamoah; Bentancur, Matuidi; Bernardeschi, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

     2-2 ......

.... 

Federico Bernardeschi 21'

Gonzalo Higuain 24'

A. Gomez 31'

B. Cristante 67'

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'VAR only objective issues'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110724/allegri-var-only-objective-issues

 

 

Oct 1, 2017

 

Max Allegri admits Juventus were afraid of losing their 2-2 draw with Atalanta, but thinks VAR “should only be used on objective situations.”

 

The Bianconeri had been 2-0 up in Bergamo after 25 minutes through Federico Bernardeschi and Gonzalo Higuain, but Mattia Caldara and Bryan Cristante completed the comeback.

 

“It was a good performance in terms of technical passing and intensity, it seemed comfortable, then we conceded that goal on a free kick to shake things up,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

 

“In the end, it actually went well for us, because we got irritable and risked losing it on the counter. It’s disappointing because we conceded two goals.

 

“We should’ve been better prepared on the free kick for the rebound, while on the second goal we gave the ball away too much and it was a fine header from Cristante. I was worried at the end, as we could’ve lost it on an incident and every point will be precious come the end of the season.”

 

This was Bernardeschi’s first start for Juve and he crowned it with a goal and an assist.

 

“Federico had a good game, he hadn’t played for a while. In a big team, you need to work in defence too, but I am very happy with his performance.”

 

The game was dominated by VAR – video assistant referees – as Mario Mandzukic saw his goal disallowed because of a Stephan Lichtsteiner elbow on Papu Gomez, then in the final minutes Juve received a contentious penalty, which Etrit Berisha saved from Paulo Dybala.

 

“If we want football to be a sport that is no longer a sport, then use VAR on every incident. However, if we get to March where every point becomes decisive, then games can last three or four hours,” moaned Allegri.

 

“In my view, technology should only be used on objective situations – offside, in or out of the box, over the line or not – but when it comes to subjective situations, people are never going to agree. That’s sport.

 

“The referee can give a penalty or not, that’s his decision. Otherwise when we get to more complicated games, we’ll end up like American Football where there are constant stoppages and we sit there eating nuts until the match ends at midnight. It’s the same in basketball.

 

“I am not saying this is a penalty and that isn’t. That’s not the point. I simply believe it should be used for objective and not subjective decisions.”

 

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS 

 

     2-2 ......

.... 

Federico Bernardeschi 21'

Gonzalo Higuain 24'

A. Gomez 31'

B. Cristante 67'

 

 

7th Matchday

 

Sunday, october 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m.
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Antonio Damato

 

 

 

 

Use of VAR again a talking point in Juventus' draw with Atalanta

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3219303/

use-of-var-again-a-talking-point-in-juventus-draw-with-atalanta

 

 

Oct 2, 2017

 

Atalanta and Juventus served up a cracking 2-2 draw and Max Allegri was angry at the final whistle. It probably had more to do with the fact that his team had missed a penalty and had let a two-goal lead slip away, but the headlines again were about VAR.

 

Stephan Lichsteiner's elbow found Alejandro "Papu" Gomez in the build-up to Mario Mandzukic's goal. Referee Antonio Damato first let it stand, VAR asked him to review and he then overturned his decision, disallowing it. Damato's decision was correct -- Lichtsteiner was protecting the ball by extending his arm, but he caught Gomez and it was dangerous, meeting referees' directives for a foul and a yellow card -- but some were miffed at the fact that 13 seconds elapsed between the foul and the goal.

 

Again, this is a VAR procedural issue, one that we'll need to get used to: How far back can you go in the build-up? As the guidelines stand, since there was no change in possession or stop in play, it was considered all part of the same attacking move. Not everyone may like this but hey, that's why VAR is being trialed.

 

VAR also featured shortly thereafter when Damato awarded a penalty to Juventus after Riccardo Petagna appeared to extend his shoulder to meet a free-kick while standing in the wall. Here VAR questioned his call, Damato watched the replay and stuck with his decision. That one was a lot more dubious, but again, VAR says a decision can only be overturned if there is a "clear error." You can only assume Damato did not see a "clear error" -- at least not in the pictures he watched.

 

It's probably a debate for another time but it's always worth remembering that this is a season-long test of VAR and it's not just officials who are being tested. The fans and media are being educated, too.

 

 

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicchi: 'VAR brings advantages'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110772/nicchi-var-brings-advantages

 

 

Oct 2, 2017

 

President of the Referees’ Association Marcello Nicchi hit back at Juventus Coach Max Allegri’s VAR complaints.

 

Allegri said after the 2-2 draw with Atalanta that games will “eventually last for three to four hours” if the technology is used to analyse every potential infringement.

 

“At least that means it’ll be more fun and more game for the cost of your ticket,” said Nicchi.

 

“VAR is an instrument that, if refined, can bring enormous advantages. There are various positive elements. We’ve practically wiped out bookings for dissent and violent tackles have also been reduced.

 

“This is also good for referees, who step on to the field with a sense of calm, as they have an important parachute.”

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juventus attacking improvement

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110783/juventus-attacking-improvement

 

 

Oct 3, 2017

 

Juventus’ record of 20 goals in the first seven Serie A games is their best return since 1959-60.

 

The Bianconeri invested heavily in the attack this summer, signing Federico Bernardeschi and Douglas Costa to join the likes of Mario Mandzukic, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala.

 

It would appear that strategy has paid off, with 20 goals in seven Serie A games, an average of almost three per match.

 

That’s the best return from the Old Lady since the 1959-60 season, where they won the Scudetto with 94 goals in 34 games.

 

That said, half of their goals have come through Dybala, who currently leads the Serie A scoring charts.

 

In addition, Max Allegri’s side have conceded five so far this season, having previously had one of the meanest defences in Europe.

 

All of those goals have come away from Turin, with the Old Lady boasting a fearsome record on her home turf.

 

Juve haven’t lost at Juventus Stadium since the first day of the 2015-16 season, and have won their four Serie A home matches this season by an aggregate score of 11-0.

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

Cordoba: ‘Inter robbed in 2002’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110876/cordoba-‘inter-robbed-2002’

 

 

Oct 5, 2017

 

Ivan Cordoba admits Inter slipped up on May 5, 2002 but “if it weren’t for other incidents it’d have been a different story”.

 

The Nerazzurri went into the final day of the 2001-02 season holding a one point lead over Juventus, and two points on champions Roma.

 

However, Hector Cuper’s side went down 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico to hand the title to Juventus in Ronaldo’s last game for the club.

 

It was widely viewed as a case of Inter having bottled it, but Cordoba believes the Calciopoli scandal which broke four years later offers other interpretations.

 

“We messed up on May 5, even if in my head there’s a problem,” the former centre-back told Premium Sport.

 

“The memory is refreshed, not with things we didn’t see but successive incidents backed-up by facts.

 

“Meanwhile there was Udinese-Juventus. After that game one of my international teammates came to me and told me that four starters were sent to the stands for no reason.

 

“I don’t want to call out a Coach, but you understand that incident was like so many others.

 

“We didn’t win because we didn’t have the power to win. It was in our hands. But if there had been no other incidents it would have been a different story.”

 

Cordoba then went on to discuss the Calciopoli scandal, which saw Juve relegated to Serie B and Inter controversially awarded the 2005-06 title.

 

Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina and Reggina were also punished in the scandal.

 

“It seems that because it was Inter who triggered such a thing that they must then be guilty for a tragedy of Italian football.

 

“What happened in those years should be a source of shame for all of Italian football, for what those people did to Italian football.

 

“Knowing that you’re going to see a game and others already know how it’s going to end is something that can’t exist.

 

“We can’t forget about it, or people will go back to doing the same things. You have to remember it and talk about it, because if it doesn’t exist then you can pretend it never existed.

 

“It happened here, and how.”

 

In 2011, Inter were accused by prosecutor Stefano Palazzi of having attempted to influence referees during the Calciopoli era, but no trial could be brought as the statute of limitations had expired.

 

President Massimo Moratti denied all of the claims, calling the prosecutor’s allegations “offensive, grave, and stupid.” 

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

Juventus fans fume over ticket costs

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110871/juventus-fans-fume-over-ticket-costs

 

 

Oct 5, 2017

 

Udinese have drawn the ire of Juventus fans, by raising ticket prices to €55 for their game on October 22.

 

Pre-sales have now begun for the next three rounds of Serie A fixtures, but the prices at the Dacia Arena are raising eyebrows.

 

For the away section and behind both goals, prices have been raised to €55 with seats in the two touchline stands reaching prices as high as €130.

 

In the previous home game with Sampdoria, tickets were priced at €20 behind the goals and were available in the touchline stand for €45.

 

This has drawn the ire of the Bianconeri’s travelling support, who have noted that tickets are €40 for the Milan-Juventus game on October 28.

[Socrates 8981]

 

 

 

 

Del Piero: ‘Juventus more vulnerable’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/110899/del-piero-‘juventus-more-vulnerable’

 

 

Oct 6, 2017

 

Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero sees his former side as “more vulnerable” this season, after six Scudetti in a row.

 

The Bianconeri are just two points off the top of Serie A after six wins in seven games, but Napoli are leading the way while playing some spectacular football.

 

“I see Juve as more vulnerable than in previous years,” Del Piero admitted in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“I always see them as number one favourite, but with less of a margin. And this Napoli is absolutely worthy of the Scudetto.

 

“[Napoli Coach Maurizio] Sarri is a very interesting person, but above all he’s got a great football brain. You just have to look at certain goals to see they’ve got years of preparation behind them.

 

“This season his players are also more aware. In addition the structure of the club has grown alongside the growth on the pitch.

 

“[President Aurelio] De Laurentiis has been brilliant in that, don’t forget that Napoli were in Serie B with us.

 

“Can they fight to the end? It’s never easy to battle on three fronts, playing almost the same players. In the long run you risk losing some of your sheen.

 

“They wouldn’t have wanted [Arkadiusz] Milik’s injury, it limits the possibility of rotation. Sarri has created a near perfect machine, but sometimes he’ll also have to improvise and trust his whole squad.

 

“I’d have also liked to have him [Sarri] as a Coach. Maybe with the knowledge of football I have now, which is much deeper than when I was 20.”

 

Del Piero named Leonardo Bonucci’s departure, which broke up the famous ‘BBC’ backline, as being the reason for Juve being more vulnerable this season.

 

“I remember when Leo arrived in Turin, he’s made huge progress over the years. We’re also talking about a leader and a scrupulous professional.

 

“Playing for Juve made him better, and he made Juve better. The club has always made changes in recent years, but a fortress like the BBC hasn’t been touched and there’s no doubt that was a serious loss.

 

“There’s also the fact that changing players at the back isn’t like doing it in attack, you need time to perfect movements and situations.

 

“Napoli will have to take advantage of the time needed to oil certain mechanisms again.

 

“Can Daniele Rugani replace Bonucci? It’s hard to say without working with him every day. Players have to be evaluated in the game and also on a daily basis.

 

“Young players with quality, like him, have to follow a certain path at Juve, they don’t just become starters overnight.

 

“Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala were on the bench when they first arrived at Juve.”