JUVENTUS SEASON 2019-2020

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     JUVENTUS - UDINESE     ..........

 

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                        3-1....     .

 

Cristiano Ronaldo 9'

Cristiano Ronaldo 37'

Leonardo Bonucci 45'

Ignacio Pussetto 94'

 

              

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16th Matchday   

                  

 Sunday, december 15th 2019 - 3:45 p.m. CET  

2.45 p.m. UK time - 1.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

Dybala on Juve's offensive trident: 'Give this picture a title'

 

https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/dybala-s-on-juve-s-offensive-trident-give-this-picture-a-title-w-62109

 

 

Dec 15, 2019

 

Juve took on Udinese today as the bianconeri ended up winning the game by a 3-1 score line. In the end, Cristiano Ronaldo (two goals) and Leo Bonucci scored for Juve as this was a very important game for them indeed.

 

Juve are now temporarily first in the standings as Fiorentina will soon be taking on Inter Milan. The Juve offensive trio did very well today as they even earned the praise of coach Maurizio Sarri. Paulo Dybala posted a picture of the trio after the game as he wrote: 'Give this picture a title!'.

 

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CL: Italians await last 16 draw

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147722/cl-italians-await-last-16-draw

 

 

Dec 16, 2019

 

Juventus could be drawn Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 later, while holders Liverpool possibly await Atalanta.

 

The Champions League draw for the Round of 16 takes place at 11:00 GMT.

 

Juve qualified as group winners, so they will meet one of the teams who finished second.

 

That gives them the possibility of already facing Madrid in next phase as Zinedine Zidane’s side ran out runners-up to Paris Saint-Germain in their group.

 

The Old Lady have played Los Blancos 21 times, winning nine and losing 10 of their meetings.

 

The Bianconeri could also draw Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Olympique Lyonnais and Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16.

 

 

Atalanta have passed the first hurdle on their first attempt but are faced with a challenge against a team with great experience in the next round.

 

The Dea are new to this phase and haven’t played any of their possible opponents previously but could be paired up with former winners Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

 

Liverpool, who played Napoli in the group stage, might also be visiting Bergamo next year.

 

Napoli went through with a 4-0 win against Racing Genk in their final group game.

 

They have four champions from their respective Leagues in their side of the draw, with Manchester City as well as Bayern and Barca.

 

Juventus’ possible last-16 opponents:

Chelsea (England)

Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

Olympique Lyonnais (France)

Real Madrid (Spain)

Tottenham Hotspur (England)

 

Atalanta’s possible last-16 opponents:

Barcelona (Spain)

RB Leipzig (Germany)

Bayern Munich (Germany)

Liverpool (England)

Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Valencia (Spain)

 

Napoli’s possible last-16 opponents:

Barcelona (Spain)

Bayern Munich (Germany)

RB Leipzig (Germany)

Manchester City (England)

Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Valencia (Spain)

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champions League round-of-16 draw: Juve to face Lyon

 

 

https://www.calciomercato.com/en/news/champions-league-round-of-16-draw-juve-to-face-lyon-napoli-face--57016

 

 

Dec 16, 2019

 

Italian Serie A giants Juventus have been drawn against French Ligue 1 outfit Lyon in the round-of-16 of the UEFA Champions League. The draw took place on Monday where the fate of all 16 teams was decided.

Serie A’s other clubs Napoli will face La Liga giants FC Barcelona whereas Atalanta have been drawn against Spanish club Valencia.

Defending champions Liverpool will go up against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid whereas Chelsea will face German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur have been drawn against a relatively easier opponent in RB Leipzig where Borussia Dortmund will face Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

In probably the most mouthwatering tie of the stage, the 13-time European champions Real Madrid will face current English champions Manchester City.

The first round of the phase will take place in the month of February whereas the return leg will be played in the month of March. The final will take place on May 30th in Istanbul.

Fixtures list:

Dortmund v Paris Saint Germain (PSG)
Real Madrid v Manchester City
Atalanta v Valencia
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool
Chelsea v Bayern Munich
Lyon v Juventus
Tottenham Hotspur v RB Leipzig
Napoli v Barcelona

 

UEFA Champions League

 

✔@ChampionsLeague

 

 

Round of 16 draw

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[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nedved: 'Draw could've been worse'

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147729/nedved-draw-couldve-been-worse

 

 

Dec 16, 2019

 

Pavel Nedved admits the draw “could’ve been worse” for Juventus as they prepare to face Olympique Lyonnais in the last 16 of the Champions League.

 

The Vice-President was present in Nyon for the draw, which saw the Bianconeri pick up Ligue 1 side Lyon in the next stage of the tournament.

 

“It could’ve been worse,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“We can’t complain about Lyon, we can be happy, even if you always have to be careful in the Champions League.

 

“It doesn’t matter who the opponents are, but rather the form we are in at that moment.”

 

Nedved then assured Juve were aiming to go all the way in the Champions League but also that it was not an "obsession" for them.

 

“It doesn’t have to be an obsession. For us, it’s a concrete objective, we feel at the same height of other teams who are aiming to win this cup.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garcia: 'Juve one of the best'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147737/garcia-juve-one-best

 

 

Dec 16, 2019

 

Olympique Lyonnais coach Rudi Garcia is happy to face Juventus in the Champions League Round of 16. “It’s always good to play against the best.”

 

The French side will meet Juve for the first time since the group stage in 2016-17.

 

“It’s always good to play against the best players on the planet. Juventus have one of the best defences in Europe," the former Roma boss told Lyon's official Twitter account.

 

“We are happy to play against Cristiano Ronaldo. Miralem Pjanic is a player of great quality. He’s very strong technically and a big threat for Juventus. Maurizio Sarri is a good coach with a lot of experience.”

 

The first leg will be in Lyon on February 26, then at the Allianz Juventus Stadium on March 17.

 

Juve defeated Lyon in France thanks to a Juan Cuadrado goal in October 2016, and the return match ended in a 1-1 draw. 

 

"As for the injuries, we have to move on. We don’t have the time to lament them.”

 

Garcia was referring to winger Memphis Depay, midfielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide and right-back Leo Dubois all suffering serious knee injuries within the last several weeks.

 

Depay and Adelaide both ruptured their cruciate ligaments during the same match, and are out for the remainder of the season.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

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17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

Sarri coy on Juve trident

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147786/sarri-coy-juve-trident

 

 

Dec 17, 2019

 

Maurizio Sarri has refused to reveal if he would play Juventus’ much-vaunted attacking trident against Sampdoria tomorrow.

 

After catching the eye in back-to-back games against Udinese and Bayer Leverkusen, fans are now clamouring for Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo to stick together.

 

However, Sarri said at a press conference: “I still don’t know if I will play the trident again tomorrow, I want to see how the players are first.

 

“Yesterday, we did some light training, I must do another training session before the match to figure out how to deal with Sampdoria.

 

“They’re a team that comes from an enthusiastic success in the derby and the teams of Mr. Ranieri are always difficult to play against.”

 

Lazio beat Cagliari 2-1 on Monday and their next game is against Juve in the Supercoppa, giving them two extra days to rest before the showdown in Saudi Arabia.

 

“That’s the calendar and it’s OK,” assured the coach.

 

“The mistake was to make the Biancocelesti play on Monday. Now they’ve chosen to do it like this, and it’s useless to linger on this issue.”

 

Ronaldo has played in four successive matches for the Old Lady, so is he about to make it five?

 

“Let’s see, I still have to decide. In general, those up front seem fine. Douglas Costa and [Aaron] Ramsey are also returning.

 

“[For Adrien Rabiot] it seems like he still needs more time to play. If he has completely recovered, he can safely enter the pitch.

 

“We are asking for a lot of sacrifices from [Blaise] Matuidi, maybe he will just do a little bit this time.”

 

The Bianconeri were drawn Olympique Lyonnais in the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday, but the former Napoli made it clear he was not thinking about that right now.

 

“I don’t care right now, there are other games in between them and there’s also the transfer market. It wouldn’t be fair to give a judgement right now.

 

“The biggest fear was to face Real Madrid and we avoided it, so it could have been worse, yes. But, anyway, it’s always difficult in the Champions League.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

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17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

Juve: Szczesny out, Ramsey in

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147791/juve-szczesny-out-ramsey

 

 

Dec 17, 2019

 

Wojciech Szczesny is out of Juventus’ Serie A match with Sampdoria tomorrow, but Aaron Ramsey returns to the squad.

 

Szczesny is still struggling with a shoulder injury, but Ramsey has overcome a muscle problem.

 

The Welshman joins Matthijs de Ligt, Miralem Pjanic and Juan Cuadrado in returning for the trip to Samp.

 

Indeed, barring the Pole and long-term casualty Giorgio Chiellini, Maurizio Sarri has been able to name a full-strength squad for Wednesday’s match.

 

Juve squad to face Samp: Pinsoglio, Perin, Buffon; De Sciglio, De Ligt, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Bonucci, Rugani, Demiral; Pjanic, Ramsey, Matuidi, Emre Can, Rabiot, Portanova; Ronaldo, Dybala, Costa, Cuadrado, Pjaca, Higuain, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

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17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

Probable line-ups: Samp-Juve

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147805/probable-line-ups-samp-juve

 

 

Dec 18, 2019

 

Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri should be convinced enough to play the “Dygualdo” trident against Sampdoria on Wednesday night.

 

The trio impressed against Udinese, so Paulo Dybala should get the nod to support Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo at Marassi, when Sarri will look to his now-default 4-3-1-2 formation.

 

Elsewhere, Gianluigi Buffon will start in goal for a historic appearance as Wojciech Szczesny is still recovering from a shoulder problem and Juan Cuadrado is ready to return at right-back.

 

Matthijs de Ligt should partner Leonardo Bonucci in the heart of defence, whilst Adrien Rabiot will complete a midfield trio with Blaise Matuidi and Miralem Pjanic.

 

Sampdoria, meanwhile, come from an uplifting performance against Genoa in the Derby della Lanterna.

 

Claudio Ranieri will play a 4-4-2 against the reigning champions, with Norwegian Morten Thorsby likely to fill in for Albin Ekdal, who is in doubt.

 

However, Ranieri will not have Ronaldo Vieira at his disposal so Fabio Depaoli could be moved up the pitch, to play on the right of a midfield four.

 

Fabio Quagliarella will be back up top and Manolo Gabbiadini, who scored the winner against Genoa, is hoping to partner the veteran.

 

 

Sampdoria (probable): Audero; Murillo, Ferrari, Colley, Murru; Depaoli, Thorsby, Linetty, Jankto; Quagliarella, Gabbiadini

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Alex Sandro; Rabiot, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala; Ronaldo, Higuain

 

Referee: Rocchi

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

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17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Sampdoria-Juventus

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147824/line-ups-sampdoria-juventus

 

 

Dec 18, 2019

 

Juventus stick with the all-star trident of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala for their trip to tough-to-beat Sampdoria.

 

It kicks off at Marassi at 17.55 GMT.

 

The Bianconeri are joint leaders with Inter after last week’s 3-1 victory over Udinese, which ended a run of one point from two rounds.

 

Juventus turned the tide thanks to a new system that uses all their star strikers simultaneously.

 

Miralem Pjanic and Juan Cuadrado return from suspension, even if the Colombian is benched, but Rodrigo Bentancur sits out a ban.

 

Wojciech Szczesny, Sami Khedira and Giorgio Chiellini are injured, while Matthijs de Ligt is again rested in favour of Merih Demiral.

 

This means Gigi Buffon plays his 647^th Serie A game, matching the all-time record set by Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

 

Sampdoria are fresh from a morale-boosting Derby della Lanterna victory over arch-rivals Genoa, sealed late on by substitute Manolo Gabbiadini.

 

The former Southampton player is their top scorer for this season on four goals, but he is again only on the bench.

 

Fabio Quagliarella had a slight muscular problem against Genoa, so he too can’t make it to the starting XI, as Gaston Ramirez supports Gianluca Caprari.

 

Ronaldo Vieira is suspended, with Bartosz Bereszynski, Albin Ekdal, Andrea Bertolacci, Federico Bonazzoli and Edgar Barreto injured.

 

It’s a special game for goalkeeper Emil Audero, who joined the Juventus academy at the age of 11.

 

He has kept four clean sheets in Ranieri’s nine games in charge of Samp.

 

Samp have won the last two editions of this fixture, 3-2 in November 2017 and 2-0 in May 2019. Only once have Juve lost three Serie A trips in a row to Sampdoria, as there was a run of five straight defeats from 1955 to 1959.

 

 

Sampdoria: Audero; Murillo, Ferrari, Colley, Murru; Depaoli, Thorsby, Jankto, Linetty; Ramirez; Caprari

Sampdoria bench: Seculin, Falcone, Augello, Chabot, Rigoni, Regini, Maroni, Gabbiadini, Leris, Quagliarella, Pompetti

 

Juventus: Buffon; Danilo, Demiral, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Rabiot, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala, Ronaldo, Higuain

Juventus bench: Pinsoglio, Perin, De Sciglio, de Ligt, Rugani, Ramsey, Emre Can, Portanova, Douglas Costa, Cuadrado, Pjaca, Bernardeschi

 

Ref: Rocchi

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

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17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

 

 

HT 1-2: Juve thank Dybala and CR7

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147829/ht-juve-thank-dybala-and-cr7

 

 

Dec 18, 2019

 

Juventus have the 2-1 half-time lead away to Sampdoria thanks to Paulo Dybala’s volley and a towering Cristiano Ronaldo header.

 

The Bianconeri were joint leaders with Inter and tried to build momentum with the superstar trident of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain. Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended, but Miralem Pjanic and Juan Cuadrado returned from bans. Ronaldo Vieira sat out a ban for Samp, who missed Bartosz Bereszynski, Albin Ekdal, Federico Bonazzoli, Edgar Barreto and Andrea Bertolacci. Fabio Quagliarella had a slight muscular problem against Genoa, so Claudio Ranieri transformed the front two.

 

Gigi Buffon matched Paolo Maldini’s all-time record of 647 Serie A appearances, standing in for injured Wojciech Szczesny.

 

Merih Demiral started for the third game running with a huge risk, his error sparking a Nicola Murru counter and seeming to shove him in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on.

 

Juve dominated possession, but the hosts were dangerous on the counter, Gaston Ramirez nodding a Jeison Murillo cross over the bar.

 

However, the Bianconeri broke through with a moment of sheer quality. Alex Sandro whipped in a cross from the left, Dybala was just inside the penalty area, watched it come down and hit a perfect volley into the ground, bouncing into the far bottom corner.

 

However, Sampdoria equalised after a corner when Alex Sandro was caught in possession, then his clearance accidentally set up Gianluca Caprari to drill home from 15 yards.

 

Ronaldo’s dangerous cross-shot whizzed just past both Higuain and Dybala sliding in and skimmed the back post.

 

On the stroke of half-time, Juve restored their advantage and Alex Sandro was involved with another cross from the left to the back post, where Cristiano Ronaldo not just soared above Murru, but hung there for what felt like an eternity to get the header.

 

 

Sampdoria 1-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Dybala 19 (J), Caprari 35 (S), Ronaldo 44 (J)

 

Sampdoria: Audero; Murillo, Ferrari, Colley, Murru; Depaoli, Thorsby, Jankto, Linetty; Ramirez; Caprari

 

Juventus: Buffon; Danilo, Demiral, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Rabiot, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala, Ronaldo, Higuain

 

Ref: Rocchi

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

                                        1-2                                  

 

Paulo Dybala 19'

Gianluca Caprari 35'

Cristiano Ronaldo 44'

 

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17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juventus trident takes flight

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/142532

 

 

Dec 18, 2019

 

Paulo Dybala’s volley and a towering Cristiano Ronaldo header gave Juventus all three points in a 2-1 victory away to Sampdoria.

 

The Bianconeri were joint leaders with Inter and tried to build momentum with the superstar trident of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain. Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended, but Miralem Pjanic and Juan Cuadrado returned from bans. Ronaldo Vieira sat out a ban for Samp, who missed Bartosz Bereszynski, Albin Ekdal, Federico Bonazzoli, Edgar Barreto and Andrea Bertolacci. Fabio Quagliarella had a slight muscular problem against Genoa, so Claudio Ranieri transformed the front two.

 

Gigi Buffon matched Paolo Maldini’s all-time record of 647 Serie A appearances, standing in for injured Wojciech Szczesny.

 

Merih Demiral started for the third game running with a huge risk, his error sparking a Nicola Murru counter and seeming to shove him in the penalty area, but the referee waved play on.

 

Juve dominated possession, but the hosts were dangerous on the counter, Gaston Ramirez nodding a Jeison Murillo cross over the bar.

 

However, the Bianconeri broke through with a moment of sheer quality. Alex Sandro whipped in a cross from the left, Dybala was just inside the penalty area, watched it come down and hit a perfect volley into the ground, bouncing into the far bottom corner.

 

However, Sampdoria equalised after a corner when Alex Sandro was caught in possession, then his clearance accidentally set up Gianluca Caprari to drill home from 15 yards.

 

Ronaldo’s dangerous cross-shot whizzed just past both Higuain and Dybala sliding in and skimmed the back post.

 

On the stroke of half-time, Juve restored their advantage and Alex Sandro was involved with another cross from the left to the back post, where Cristiano Ronaldo not just soared above Murru, but hung there for what felt like an eternity to get the header. It was calculated he jumped 71cm off the ground and was at 2.56m when he made contact with the ball.

 

Jakub Jankto tested Buffon with a volley from distance and Thorsby drilled on to the side-netting, but Juve should’ve added a third goal when Blaise Matuidi completely mistimed a free header from six yards on Dybala’s cross.

 

Ronaldo’s deflected effort looped up to test Emil Audero, while Manolo Gabbiadini flicked on a cross that flew inches beyond Gaston Ramirez sliding in at the back post.

 

Alex Sandro limped off and will be in doubt for Sunday’s Italian Super Cup against Lazio in Riyadh.

 

Ronaldo had the ball in the net on 89 minutes when he prodded it past on-rushing Audero into an empty net, but was flagged inches offside.

 

Moments later, Ronaldo burst down the left, cut inside and fired a right-footed shot that skimmed the far post.

 

Caprari was sent off for a second bookable offence in stoppages, both of them on Merih Demiral, this one a slightly raised elbow.

 

---

 

Sampdoria: Audero; Murillo, Ferrari, Colley, Murru (Augello 76); Depaoli (Leris 50), Thorsby, Jankto (Gabbiadini 61), Linetty; Ramirez; Caprari

 

Juventus: Buffon; Danilo, Demiral, Bonucci, Alex Sandro (De Sciglio 82); Rabiot, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala (Douglas Costa 77), Ronaldo, Higuain (Ramsey 69)

 

Ref: Rocchi

 

Sent off: Caprari 92 (S)

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

                                        1-2                                  

 

Paulo Dybala 19'

Gianluca Caprari 35'

Cristiano Ronaldo 44'

 

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17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronaldo: 'I am in good shape now'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147831/ronaldo-i-am-good-shape-now

 

 

Dec 18, 2019

 

Cristiano Ronaldo assures his injury concerns are behind him after a great goal to beat Sampdoria. “I want to help Juventus win titles.”

 

CR7 jumped 71cm off the ground to nod in Alex Sandro’s cross and win the game, after a Paulo Dybala volley and Gianluca Caprari strike.

 

It was calculated he reached 2.56 metres when he made contact with the ball and was hanging in the air for a full second.

 

“I didn’t know that. I’m very happy with the result, it was a very difficult game and Sampdoria played well today,” Ronaldo told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“The whole team showed the right attitude. It was a good goal and I am glad to help the team with another three points.

 

“I had problems with my knee for a month, but that has gone now and I feel good physically. What I want is to help Juve win matches and titles.”

 

He’ll get the chance on Sunday, when Juventus face Lazio in Riyadh for the Italian Super Cup.

 

“It’s a final, the chances are 50-50. Lazio have an excellent squad, but we are very confident that we can win.”

 

Juventus have lost only one competitive match all season and that was against Lazio.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

                                        1-2                                  

 

Paulo Dybala 19'

Gianluca Caprari 35'

Cristiano Ronaldo 44'

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

17th Matchday   

                  

 Wednesday, december 18th 2019 - 7:00 p.m. CET   

6.00 p.m. UK time - 5.00 p.m. GMT

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarri: 'Two wonderful goals'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147833/sarri-demiral-bursting-energy

 

 

Dec 18, 2019

Maurizio Sarri explained his choices as Juventus beat Sampdoria 2-1, including the all-attack trident and Merih Demiral. “He’s bursting with energy.”

 

The Bianconeri secured their status as at the very least joint Serie A leaders over Christmas with a 2-1 victory away to Sampdoria.

 

Paulo Dybala’s volley and a soaring Cristiano Ronaldo header proved the difference, while Gianluca Caprari had temporarily equalised.

 

“Dybala’s goal was wonderful, so was Ronaldo’s, as he seemed to hang in the air for an infinite amount of time,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“We did well, it was a particularly good first half, while we were a bit too chaotic in the second. Even then, we didn’t run many risks and it’s a pity we didn’t lock it down earlier, because anything can happen during the late scrambles in the box. The team seemed in good shape.

 

“We were too stretched out after the break, allowing extra spaces to Sampdoria.”

 

This was the second game in a row where Sarri started Ronaldo, Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain together.

 

“There will be games where not all three play. They have been playing a lot lately and can get tired, while we have Aaron Ramsey and Douglas Costa recovering from injuries and they need time on the pitch too.

 

“Higuain did well in the first half, but lost intensity after the break. This is a period where he is playing constantly, so that’s understandable.

 

“The primary aspect when deciding whether to use the trident is their fitness levels during the week. They can only play together if they are all in good shape, because otherwise the rest of the team would suffer.

 

“When they are in the kind of form we’re seeing now, we then look at the characteristics of the opponent and decide if it’s right to use them or not.”

 

Adrien Rabiot is also pushing for more playing time after being practically ignored for most of the season.

 

“His qualities are emerging. He was out injured for quite a while, but has improved as these three games have gone on, which means he has not yet expressed himself fully.

 

“I think his potential is superior to what he’s shown so far in his career.”

 

Merih Demiral was also preferred to Matthijs de Ligt yet again.

 

“He has this great positive energy that he transmits to his teammates and we need to use that at the moment. If you see someone in training who is bursting with energy, you put him on the pitch. Once you realise he is carrying on that attitude during a match situation, you keep him there.

 

“Demiral is brimming with confidence right now, so it seems only right that he plays.”

 

This was Sarri’s 100^th Serie A victory in just 169 games, the fastest coach to hit that milestone since 1994-95.

 

“A coach is indelibly tied to the teams he trains. In recent years, I was fortunate enough to lead squads who had very high win percentages, Napoli and Juventus. If I’d stayed at Empoli, it would’ve taken many more years.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

     

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alex Sandro to miss Supercoppa?

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147858/alex-sandro-miss-supercoppa

 

 

Dec 19, 2019

 

Juventus are sweating over the fitness of Alex Sandro, three days before the Supercoppa against Lazio on Sunday.

 

Alex Sandro came off towards the end of Juve’s 2-1 win at Sampdoria last night, and the club announced this afternoon he was undergoing physiotherapy.

 

It now remains to be seen whether the left-back will recover in time for the trip to Riyadh.

 

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, meanwhile, did gym work instead of training with the squad.

 

The Pole has missed the Bianconeri’s last two games, so Gianluigi Buffon could stay on between the sticks in Saudi Arabia.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juve unveil special Supercoppa shirt

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147877/juve-unveil-special-supercoppa-shirt

 

 

Dec 20, 2019

 

Juventus have unveiled a special Arabic shirt for the Supercoppa against Lazio in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Sunday.

 

The Bianconeri are preparing to play for the first trophy of the season, when they face Coppa Italia winners Lazio at the King Saud University Stadium.

 

To mark the occasion, they will wear a one-off kit with all their players’ names written in Arabic.

 

“Through this choice, we want to pay tribute to a traditional art form,” chief revenue officer Giorgio Ricci told the club’s official website.

 

“With this, Juventus proves to be, once again, close to their fans from all over the world, whilst surprising with a single jersey, which also confirms the vocation to explore new territories.

 

“The collaboration with the great artist, Shaker Kashgari, makes an important appointment like the Italian Super Cup even more special.”

 

Only 500 of the ‘Home Authentic Riyadh Edition’ jersey have gone on sale with authentic boxes and special names and numbers of Paulo Dybala, Cristiano Ronaldo, Matthijs de Ligt, Miralem Pjanic and Giorgio Chiellini.

 

At the time of writing, the only one already sold out is the Dybala edition.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juventus squad for Supercoppa

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147887/juventus-squad-supercoppa

 

 

Dec 20, 2019

 

Juventus named their squad for Sunday’s Supercoppa clash with Lazio in Riyadh, bringing Giorgio Chiellini along too.

 

The match between the Scudetto holders and Coppa Italia winners kicks off on Sunday at 16.45 GMT.

 

Coach Maurizio Sarri named his squad for the trip, but has also included captain Chiellini, even though he cannot play following knee surgery.

 

He has been present at practically all the Bianconeri’s games this season.

 

Wojciech Szczesny and Alex Sandro are also present, despite suffering injury issues this week, but should be available to play.

 

 

Juventus squad for Lazio: Szczesny, Pinsoglio, Buffon; De Sciglio, Chiellini, De Ligt, Alex Sandro, Danilo, Bonucci, Rugani, Demiral; Pjanic, Ramsey, Matuidi, Emre Can, Rabiot, Bentancur; Ronaldo, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Cuadrado, Pjaca, Higuain, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarri: 'Starting to enjoy Juventus'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147939/sarri-starting-enjoy-juventus

 

 

Dec 21, 2019

 

Maurizio Sarri is “starting to enjoy” Juventus training sessions ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio. “The objective must always be utopia.”

 

It kicks off in Riyadh on Sunday at 16.45 GMT, the traditional clash between Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.

 

“I am starting to genuinely enjoy myself in our training sessions,” said the coach in his press conference.

 

“If I do that, it’s because the team is playing or at least trying to play the football that I proposed. If I am enjoying myself, it suggests we have some weaknesses, but I can fix them. The objective must always be utopia, as if we’re never completely happy, we will always have something to improve.

 

“Don’t forget, we’ve only lost one game. Over the last two matches, we’ve changed system and it does take a lot out of you, so inevitably we got stretched out towards the end.”

 

It remains to be seen whether Sarri will stick with the trio of Paulo Dybala, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain together after wins over Udinese and Sampdoria.

 

“We conceded two goals over the last three games, one of them was at the 95th minute. It’s not like we are leaking goals every five minutes,” argued the coach.

 

“We are making mistakes, but strangely tend to concede more when we are defending deep than with a high press. It’s difficult to work out why that is, so we need to work on it.

 

“Wojciech Szczesny is available, Mattia De Sciglio is in good shape, Aaron Ramsey and Douglas Costa are working their way back to full fitness. We’re only missing Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira, who both had knee surgery.”

 

The only defeat Sarri suffered on the Juventus bench was 3-1 to Lazio on December 7, but this is his first shot at some silverware.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonucci: 'Perfect Juve with Lazio'

 

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147938/bonucci-perfect-juve-lazio

 

 

 

Dec 21, 2019

 

Leonardo Bonucci warned they need “the perfect Juventus” performance to beat Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana. “We want another trophy for Christmas.”

 

It kicks off in Riyadh on Sunday at 16.45 GMT and is the Italian version of the Charity Shield, between Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.

 

The Bianconeri suffered just one defeat all season, a 3-1 result away to Lazio on December 7.

 

“That game taught us that incidents can be really decisive,” said Bonucci in today’s press conference.

 

“We’re well aware that Lazio are in great shape, but we too are coming off a run of positive performances and results, so we’re confident as well.

 

“Our initial objective is to do better than the last time we played Lazio, where we allowed them too many scoring opportunities. A win here would increase our enthusiasm and confidence, so we hope to go into the Christmas break with another trophy on the mantelpiece.”

 

Ciro Immobile is Capocannoniere in Serie A with 17 goals in 16 games, but also two in four Europa League appearances.

 

“He has scored many goals, he works for the team and we know him well from the Italy squad. Immobile is very good at attacking the space, but Lazio are much more than just Immobile and play with their own identity. We need a perfect Juventus to beat them,” continued Bonucci.

 

“We’ve got to move as a unit to limit the through runs of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Immobile. We changed our way of playing under Maurizio Sarri, so we’re not quite there yet, but are doing well.

 

“It does irritate us that we’re conceding so many goals and many are down to individual errors, others part of a growth process with this new approach. We know that we have to improve.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buffon: 'Lazio defeat helped Juve'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147927/buffon-lazio-defeat-helped-juve

 

 

 

Dec 21, 2019

 

Gigi Buffon insists the 3-1 loss to Lazio has helped Juventus, as they meet again in the Supercoppa. “We’ve rediscovered the enthusiasm that we lost.”

 

The Old Lady face the Biancocelesti just two weeks after the pair clashed in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico, and Buffon says Juve are well aware of how good they are.

 

“It didn’t go as we wanted two weeks ago, but we didn’t deserve to lose. That defeat was the result of negative incidents, on occasions there were games that we didn’t deserve to win and we did so in the 94^th minute,” Buffon told the Corriere dello Sport.

 

Lazio sit third in Serie A and are just six points behind leaders Juve, with a game in hand.

 

“They are an excellent team that has great qualities and important individuals. In the last third of the pitch they are very dangerous. We respect our opponents, but I am sure that they too respect us.

 

“We rediscovered that enthusiasm that was lost after the defeat against Lazio. Returning to the top of the table, and showing great desire.”

 

Buffon equalled Paolo Maldini’s record for the most appearances in Serie A history against Sampdoria on Wednesday, with both tied on 647 games.

 

“It was an honour. If I continue to play it is because of these emotions. But for now I don’t think of records. I just want to concentrate on the Super Cup.

 

“I don’t expect anything in particular with regards to my future. I will behave as always by putting my experience at the service of the team and my teammates.

 

“In the locker room relationships have been created that have united us and helped us to overcome adversity. Myself, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli are like brothers, but now also Miralem Pjanic, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain are fundamental to the group.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supercoppa: Probable line-ups

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147960/supercoppa-probable-line-ups

 

 

 

Dec 22, 2019

 

Juventus must decide whether to start Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain together for the Supercoppa Italiana, while Lazio have their ideal XI.

 

It kicks off in Riyadh at 16.45 GMT and is the traditional clash between the Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.

 

These two teams met at the Stadio Olimpico on December 7 and Lazio emerged 3-1 victors, inflicting what to date remains the only defeat Maurizio Sarri has suffered on the Juve bench.

 

Since that setback, he has used the all-star trio of Dybala, Ronaldo and Higuain together from the start twice, earning wins over Udinese and Sampdoria, but this would be a far riskier fixture to try it in.

 

Nonetheless, there are growing reports Sarri does intend to use the trident nickname Dygualdo from the start in Riyadh.

 

If not, then either Dybala or more likely Higuain would be benched in favour of Federico Bernardeschi, as Aaron Ramsey is not considered fit enough to start.

Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira are the only absentees, as Alex Sandro and Wojciech Szczesny have shaken off knocks, while Rodrigo Bentancur returns from suspension.

 

Matthijs de Ligt was left out of the last three games, initially due to injury, but then because of Merih Demiral’s strong form, although it’s like the former Ajax defender will return for this trophy decider.

 

As for Lazio, Simone Inzaghi has practically a full squad at his disposal and can therefore field his ideal XI.

 

That would have Luis Alberto and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in midfield, supporting Joaquin Correa and Ciro Immobile, with Felipe Caicedo ready to come off the bench in the second half.

 

Luis Alberto is believed to be carrying a knock, but wouldn’t miss this showdown.

 

 

Probable Supercoppa line-ups

 

Juventus (4-3-3): Szczesny; Cuadrado, Bonucci, De Ligt, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala, Ronaldo, Higuain

 

Lazio (3-5-2): Strakosha; Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Radu; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto, Lulic; Immobile, Correa

 

Ref: Calvarese

 

VAR: Mazzoleni

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

SuperCup line-ups: Juventus v Lazio

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147985/sc-line-ups-juventus-v-lazio

 

 

Dec 22, 2019

 

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, as Lazio look to Ciro Immobile, Joaquin Correa and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

 

It kicks off in Riyadh at 16.45 GMT and is the traditional clash between the Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.

 

These two sides met in Serie A only a couple of weeks ago and Lazio emerged 3-1 victors, inflicting what so far remains the only defeat Maurizio Sarri has suffered on the Juve bench.

 

He changed his tactics over the last couple of games, using Dybala, Higuain and Ronaldo from the start in a trio people are calling Dygualdo.

 

It was effective in wins over Udinese and Sampdoria, although those are both teams who prefer to sit back and counter.

 

Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira are the only absentees, as Alex Sandro and Wojciech Szczesny have shaken off knocks, while Rodrigo Bentancur returns from suspension.

 

Matthijs de Ligt was left out of the last three games and once again is dropped in favour of Merih Demiral, while Mattia De Sciglio is more defensive than Juan Cuadrado at right-back.

 

Lazio have won their last eight Serie A fixtures on the bounce, including a comeback in stoppages to beat Cagliari 2-1.

 

Simone Inzaghi has practically a full squad at his disposal and can therefore field his ideal XI.

 

Luis Alberto and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are in midfield, supporting Joaquin Correa and Ciro Immobile, with Felipe Caicedo ready to come off the bench.

 

These clubs have met four times before in the Super Cup, Lazio winning 2-1 in August 1998, Juve gaining revenge 4-0 in August 2013, then 2-0 in August 2015 before Lazio’s 3-2 result in August 2017.

 

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Bonucci, Demiral, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala, Higuain, Ronaldo

Juventus bench: Buffon, Pinsoglio, de Ligt, Danilo, Rugani, Ramsey, Emre Can, Rabiot, Douglas Costa, Cuadrado, Pjaca, Bernardeschi

 

Lazio: Strakosha; Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Radu; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto, Lulic; Immobile, Correa

 

Ref: Calvarese

VAR: Mazzoleni

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                                    

 

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..

Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

HT 1-1: Dybala replies to Luis Alberto

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147993/ht-dybala-replies-luis-alberto

 

 

Dec 22, 2019

 

Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot turned into an assist for Paulo Dybala, cancelling out the Luis Alberto opener, as it’s 1-1 at half-time between Juventus and Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana.

 

This was the fifth time these sides had met for the Italian Supercup, with two wins each. They had clashed only two weeks ago in Serie A with Lazio emerging 3-1 winners, so far the only defeat suffered by Maurizio Sarri on the Juve bench.

 

Sarri again used Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain together, but Merih Demiral and Mattia De Sciglio were preferred to Matthijs de Ligt and Juan Cuadrado, with Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira injured. Simone Inzaghi had a full squad to choose from and picked his ideal XI.

 

Luis Alberto had the first chance, firing inches over from the edge of the box, caught on the shin on the way down by Blaise Matuidi for a bookable offence.

 

The Spaniard also got the goal after a well-worked Lazio move. Senad Lulic shrugged off Mattia De Sciglio at the by-line, crossed for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at the back post, who laid it off for Luis Alberto to fire into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

 

Immobile sprinted forward on to a long ball, but Merih Demiral showed why he had been chosen rather than Matthijs de Ligt, keeping up the pace and making the tackle.

 

Ronaldo drilled wide on Higuain’s assist, while Dybala fired over after CR7 picked a smart through ball. La Joya curled a free kick just wide of the far top corner, but at the other end Szczesny had to get down for a tricky one-handed save on Joaquin Correa, Immobile almost latching on to the rebound.

 

Juve equalised on the stroke of half-time, as Ronaldo’s daisy-cutter went through Luiz Felipe’s legs from the edge of the box and Thomas Strakosha got a hand to it, but Dybala sprung the offside trap to turn in the rebound.

 

 

Juventus 1-1 Lazio (Half-Time)

Luis Alberto 17 (L), Dybala 45 (J)

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Bonucci, Demiral, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi; Dybala, Higuain, Ronaldo

 

Lazio: Strakosha; Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Radu; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto, Lulic; Immobile, Correa

 

Ref: Calvarese

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                   1-3              

          

Luis Alberto 17'

Paulo Dybala 45'

Senad Lulic 73'

Danilo Cataldi 94'

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

SuperCup: Lazio defeat Juventus again!

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/147993/sc-lazio-defeat-juventus-again

 

 

Dec 22, 2019

 

Lazio have won their fifth Supercoppa Italiana, beating Juventus 3-1 in Riyadh with Luis Alberto, Senad Lulic and Danilo Cataldi goals.

 

This was the fifth time these sides had met for the Italian Supercup, with two wins each. They had clashed only two weeks ago in Serie A with Lazio emerging 3-1 winners, so far the only defeat suffered by Maurizio Sarri on the Juve bench.

 

Sarri again used Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain together, but Merih Demiral and Mattia De Sciglio were preferred to Matthijs de Ligt and Juan Cuadrado, with Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira injured. Simone Inzaghi had a full squad to choose from and picked his ideal XI.

 

Luis Alberto had the first chance, firing inches over from the edge of the box, caught on the shin on the way down by Blaise Matuidi for a bookable offence.

 

The Spaniard also got the goal after a well-worked Lazio move. Senad Lulic shrugged off Mattia De Sciglio at the by-line, crossed for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic at the back post, who laid it off for Luis Alberto to fire into the roof of the net from 12 yards.

 

Immobile sprinted forward on to a long ball, but Merih Demiral showed why he had been chosen rather than Matthijs de Ligt, keeping up the pace and making the tackle.

 

Ronaldo drilled wide on Higuain’s assist, while Dybala fired over after CR7 picked a smart through ball. La Joya curled a free kick just wide of the far top corner, but at the other end Szczesny had to get down for a tricky one-handed save on Joaquin Correa, Immobile almost latching on to the rebound.

 

Juve equalised on the stroke of half-time, as Ronaldo’s daisy-cutter went through Luiz Felipe’s legs from the edge of the box and Thomas Strakosha got a hand to it, but Dybala sprung the offside trap to turn in the rebound.

 

Manuel Lazzari lost his footing when running towards goal, while Dybala and Milinkovic-Savic came sliding in at the back post a fraction too late to meet the Stefan Radu cross.

 

Luis Alberto tried to curl in directly from the corner flag, testing Szczesny at the near top corner, and on another set play Correa’s header whistled just wide.

 

Ronaldo’s rocket skimmed the crossbar from the edge of the box, but Lazio again restored their advantage with a well-worked goal.

 

Marco Parolo’s cross from the right was flicked on by Milikovic-Savic and found Lulic at the back post, where he placed a splendid volley off the inside of the right boot back across into the far top corner.

 

Felipe Caicedo came off the bench and immediately sent Correa clear on goal to score, but Tucu was marginally offside when starting the run from midfield.

 

Strakosha had to be sharp on a smart Dybala diving header at the near post and Juve constantly pumped crosses into the box, with Leonardo Bonucci’s header just wide.

 

Instead, Lazio went on the counter from a Dybala free kick into the wall, Szczesny came out to deny Correa and Bentancur’s foul – a second bookable offence – prevented Marco Parolo turning in the rebound from the edge of the box.

 

On that free kick, Danilo Cataldi smashed it in off the underside of the bar for Lazio 3-1 Juventus, the same result as in Serie A on December 7.

 

 

Juventus 1-3 Lazio

Luis Alberto 17 (L), Dybala 45 (J), Lulic 73 (L), Cataldi 94 (L)

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio (Cuadrado 55), Bonucci, Demiral, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Pjanic, Matuidi (Douglas Costa 76); Dybala, Higuain (Ramsey 66), Ronaldo

 

Lazio: Strakosha; Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Radu; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva (Cataldi 64), Luis Alberto (Parolo 67), Lulic; Immobile (Caicedo 82), Correa

 

Ref: Calvarese

 

Sent off: Bentancur 93 (J)

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                   1-3              

          

Luis Alberto 17'

Paulo Dybala 45'

Senad Lulic 73'

Danilo Cataldi 94'

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarri: 'Lazio great form right now'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/148002/sarri-lazio-great-form-right-now

 

 

Dec 22, 2019

 

Maurizio Sarri admits Lazio “are in a magical moment of form right now” after their Supercoppa success, but denies the Juventus tactics were to blame.

 

The Bianconeri have lost only two competitive games under Sarri and both were 3-1 to Lazio, the other being on December 7 in Serie A.

 

“We stayed in the game and my sensation is that we reached the final stages with a small deficit when it came to physical and psychological energy,” said the coach in his press conference.

 

“It can happen after a run of eight matches, one every three days. We came close to the equaliser, but then conceded the third goal with the last kick of the game. We were always in it.

 

“Yesterday’s training session was perhaps our best of the season and it made me think we were sharper than perhaps in reality we were. We were going to make more changes, but those test results suggested it wasn’t necessary.”

 

Sarri has gone from resisting the all-star trident attack of Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain to starting them together for three games in a row.

 

“I don’t think this causes the team to struggle. You keep asking about the trident, but when we conceded the last two goals, we had already introduced an extra midfielder.

 

“Perhaps the full-backs could’ve worked smarter to save the centre-backs having to rush out. We lost because we lost sharpness as the game wore on.

 

“Mattia De Sciglio played his whole life at right-back, he is naturally right-footed. I moved him to the left because he can do that too, he started today because he was in good shape, he didn’t play on Wednesday and was therefore fresh.”

 

Sarri has still won only one trophy in his entire management career, the Europa League with Chelsea, but nothing in Italy.

 

“There is disappointment, but I’m not going to cry over it. That won’t resolve any problems. I don’t think my players will let themselves be influenced by just two games.

 

“Lazio are in a magical moment of form right now, everything is going their way and things can change in two or three months. If they continue with this form, I doubt anyone could do much against them.

 

“Let’s not forget there are another five months to go this season and many more games to be played.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      JUVENTUS - LAZIO             ..........

 

.

                   1-3              

          

Luis Alberto 17'

Paulo Dybala 45'

Senad Lulic 73'

Danilo Cataldi 94'

....     .....                               

 

              

......

..

..... ..Italian Supercup Final   

                  

 Sunday, december 22nd 2019 - 5:45 p.m. CET  

4.45 p.m. UK time - 3.45 p.m. GMT

King Saud University Stadium - Riyadh
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'Juve need to do better' ..... REALLY?

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/148005/pjanic-juve-need-do-better

 

 

Dec 22, 2019

 

Miralem Pjanic concedes Lazio deserved the Supercoppa Italiana, as Juventus “need to improve and control the pitch better.”

 

The Bianconeri have lost only two games under Maurizio Sarri, tonight’s Supercoppa in Riyadh and another 3-1 to Lazio in Serie A on December 7.

 

“There is disappointment, because we really wanted to win this trophy,” Pjanic told reporters in the mixed zone.

 

“In the first half it was very even, played with a low tempo. Perhaps we got a little stretched out after the break, as there were more spaces and Lazio made the most of them to score the goal.

 

“We had our chances to go 2-1 up too, but in general it was not a great performance from our team. We know there are things to improve, that we need to be more solid at the back if we want to win, to control the pitch better.”

 

Sarri said his Juve players were lacking sharpness and Pjanic is inclined to agree.

 

“We weren’t as quick in our passing compared to recent matches and that made the difference. It was a game between two very good teams and it was largely even, then Lazio pulled something extra out in the second half.

 

“It’s disappointing, but we’ve still got a lot to do and many objectives to achieve. There’s a Scudetto to win, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.”