Match Review: Sporting vs Juventus (31.10.2017)

Juventus travelled to Lisbon, a destination where they've had problems in the past, knowing that a win would guarantee their place in the knock out stage of the champions league. Juventus would come into this match on the back of a 2-0 win against Milan and having already beaten Sporting 2-1 in Turin, all be it the hard way as Sporting proved tough opposition to break down. Sporting on the other hand began the night knowing that they would be without both William Carvalho and Fábio Coentrão due to injury

Juventus began the opening 10 minutes brightly, passing the ball around the pitch with an air of confidence about the side, yet it would be Sporting who would have the first real effort on goal as Bruno Cesar struck the ball high over the bar from distance. From then on Sporting improved with each passing minute as Juventus played sluggishly, with slow movements and giving the ball away poorly. De Sciglio for most of the half looked very much like a player returning from injury and on occasion would lose out when faced with one v one situations. The match would have its first goal 20 minutes in, as the home side took the lead. Buffon parrying the initial effort from Gelson Martins, only to see the ball fall into the path of Bruno Cesar who made no mistake in scoring the rebound from 10 yards. Juventus were visibly struggling to cope when in possession, especially in their own half as Sporting would give Juventus players little time on the ball and press through the half, forcing Juventus into making mistakes. There would be another scare for Juventus as Mandzukic miss timed his clearance in the penalty box, finding nothing but air, bringing Chiellini into action to block Bruno Fernandes attempt at finding Bas Dost 10 yards in front of goal

Juventus started the second half with attacking intentions, with both Dybala and Pjanic sending their efforts high over the bar. Sporting would sit deep defending their lead only to break forward with quick counter attacks compared with Juventus gradual build up play, mainly seeing Juventus restricted to long range efforts on goal. 63minute in and Sporting would have a chance to double their lead, as Bas Dost was unable to get onto the end of a dangerous low cross directly in front of goal. Juventus had their best chance to make it 1-1 6 minutes later, when Dybala flicked the ball onto Higuain who saw his headed effort brilliantly saved by the reactions of Rui Patricio. Sporting continued to frustrate Juventus up until the 79th minute when Juventus finally scored the equaliser, as Cuadrado found Higuain with a pass into Sporting’s penalty area, who dinked the ball over the diving Patricio to make it 1-1 and become Juventus saviour of the night once again. Both sides had chances within the remaining 10 minutes to score a winner but both Douglas Costa and Bruno Fernandes efforts missed the target.

Talking Points: De Sciglio was poor tonight, yes it was his first match back from injury but his few performances prior to the injury didn’t impress much either, making Allegri decision to include him over Lichsteiner as the main right back for Champions league nights more than a little questionable right now. Dybala had another off night in Europe for whatever reason and really needs to up his game on these occasions if he is to be regarded as one of the rising stars in football. Higuain had few clear cut chances tonight but thankfully for Juventus he didn’t need many, the first chance brilliantly saved by Patricio the second ending in the net. Juventus again got lucky against Sporting like the previous meeting by taking points from an overall poor performance. The result leaves Juventus sitting in second place in group D, 3 ahead of Sporting and 3 behind group leaders Barcelona who also drew tonight away to Olympiacos

Full Time Result: 1-1

Goal Scorers: Bruno Cesar (20), Higuain (79)

Match Report: AC Milan vs Juventus (28.10.2017)

It was a game many were predicting over the summer that would be played between two title contenders, fast forward two months and it didn’t quite turn out that way. Juventus travelled to Milan to face a side lying in 8^th place with mounting pressure on their manager Vincenzo Montella to turn things around. Former Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci would watch on from the stands, due to a red card suspension for elbowing Genoas Aleandro Rosi the previous week. The game would be played in front of a 78,328 capacity crowd, and it would not disappoint.

The match started lively for Milan, as both Suso and Calhanoglu had efforts blocked in the opening 10 minutes. However, from then onwards Juventus would start to put pressure on Milan and it would eventually pay off 23 minutes in as Gonalzo Higuaín got himself on the end of a Dybala pass to lash the ball into the net and score his 100^th league goal. Milan would enjoy good spells of possession as they looked to get themselves back into the game, the biggest chance for the Milan club coming on the 45^th minute as calhanoglu flicked on a Rodriguez cross into the path of Kalinic who had his effort saved at point blank range from Buffon, who did just enough to see the shot hit the cross bar, the danger would not be over though as Rugani was needed to charge down Calhanoglu and prevent his effort from making it 1-1

The second half started off with more of the same, Milan having chances but ultimately not threatening Buffon enough to score, Kessie striking high into the crowd and Chiellini blocking an effort by Kalinic. Juventus would have chances of their own soon after but Dybala would also send both his efforts high and into the crowd, as it appeared La Joya had left his goal scoring boots back in Turin. The second goal for Juventus would eventually come, as 64 minutes in Higuaín once again struck to make it 2-0, this time on the end of a Dybala dummy from Asamoah’s pass outside the penalty area, with an effort ricocheting off the bottom corner post and into the net leaving Donnarumma no chance. Juventus would have another good chance as Chiellini saw his header go over the Milan goal from a free kick. With 10 minutes remaining Matuidi came on to replace Khedira as Juventus looked to keep possession and see out the remainder of the game as the fouls mounted up. Kessie would have an effort blocked on the 89^th minute that was followed up with Buffon punching the deflection clear and out of danger as the game approached full time

Talking points: Many positives and few if any negatives. Higuaín looked very much like the striker Juventus paid 90m for last summer, contributing for his team mates and scoring two impressive goals. The team overall played well, with Rugani also putting in a top performance in the Juve defence. Next up Sporting Lisbon in the champions league!

FULL TIME: AC Milan 0-2 JUVENTUS

GOAL SCORERS: HIGUAIN (23), (63)

Match Report: Juventus vs Spal (25.10.2017)

A slightly rotated Juventus side welcomed Spal to the Allianz stadium, Szczesny taking the place of Buffon in goal, along with Rugani, Bernardeschi, Bentancur and Douglas Costa all in the starting 11. Juventus started the match brightly and received their early rewards for going forward as Berardeschi hit a stunning volley from a Douglas Costa flick on, smashing the ball beyond Spal keeper Gomis. Eight minutes later it was Paula Dybala’s turn, curling the ball in from 25 yards out to make it 2-0 in the opening 22 minutes. The Bianconeri were in no mood to mess about as they dominated the majority of the first half, at least they did up until Spal scored a goal out of nowhere, Juventus switching off during a Spal corner kick, allowing Mattiello plenty of time and space on the edge of box to find Paloschi in front of goal for the tap in, despite Lichsteiner appearing more interested in wrestling the striker rather than simply defend.

Nine minutes into the second half there would be confusion and deep breathes taken by Juventus fans, again the move beginning from a Spal corner kick, the ball finding its way to Paloschi who hit the bar from close range, only to see Marios Oikonomou head the ball in from the rebound. It appeared to be all level at 2-2, that was until VAR came into play and eventually ruled out the goal for offside. The early warning signs appeared have snapped Juventus out of there half time daze, finally breaking down a resilient Spal for the 4^th goal of the night, blasting the ball into the net from the near post to restore the two goal cushion for Juventus, five minutes later there would be no doubt over the result, as Dougla Costa once again assisting, this time whipping the ball into the area to be met by Cuadrado with the diving header. Fan favourite Claudio Marchisio would make his return to the Allianz stadium, recovering from a knee injury that saw the midfielder miss 10 games of the season. In the dying minutes of match Marchisio assisted Higuain for what would have been the Argentines 100^th goal in SerieA, had it not been ruled out for offside as the game ended 4-1

Talking points: Juventus look good going forward but still shaky when it comes to keeping the ball out of their own net. Both Spal goals came from poorly defended corners and that is an issue that needs to be addressed. A trend that is becoming all too familiar is Juventus inability to hit the ground running after Half time, conceding early on into the second half just like the previous fixture against Udinese. Had it not been for VAR the score-line may well have been 2-2. Douglas Costa once again performed well and shows why he should be in the starting 11 more often. Overall despite a few scares Juventus dominated the match and produced the goods when required, but as usual needs work in defence.

FULL TIME RESULT: Juventus 4-1 Spal

GOAL SCORERS: Bernardeschi (14), Dybala (22), Paloschi (34) Higuain, (65) Cuadrado (70)

MATCH REVIEW: Juventus vs Sporting Lisbon 18.10.2017

In the build up to this match both sides were level on 3 points going into match day three of the champions league, and both sides knew how important the result of this fixture would be in deciding who progressed to the knock out stage. The match began in the worst possible way for Juventus, as Buffon saved an effort by Martins only to see the ball rebound off Alex Sandro and into the net after 12 minutes of play. From then on Juventus would go chasing the equalizer with efforts from Khedira and Mandzukic saved by Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio. As the game approached the half hour mark Juventus were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty box, after was Battaglia was adjudged to have fouled Pjanic when challenging for a high ball. The returning Bosnian stepped up to take the set piece and he delivered, curling the ball over the wall and beyond Patricio to make it 1-1.

The match continued in similar fashion after the break, as Juventus continued to go forward and waste chances to take the lead, Most notably Dybala who was having another off night. Mandzukic would tamely head the ball into the path of Patricio from a Dybala corner in the 70^th minute. Douglas Costa would come off the bench 15 minutes later in place of Sturaro, who in truth had a poor evening, and immediately make an impact assisting Mandzukic for Juventus second goal of the night as the Croatian headed in from Costa’s cross. As the match entered injury time Juventus would suffer a scare, as Doumbia failed to get on the end of a cross towards the far post, the expression on Buffon’s face once the ball was out of play showed just how close Sporting came to snatching a point.

Earlier in the month Allegri was quoted saying “it’s easier to be beautiful than winning” and tonight’s viewing was certainly not pretty viewing for Juventus fans

FULL TIME RESULT: Juventus 2-1 Sporting

GOAL SCORERS: A.Sandro (12, OG) Pjanic (29) Mandzukic (84)

MATCH PREVIEW: Juventus vs Sporting 18.10.2017

Juventus go into this fixture a little out of sorts and not looking like her usual self, taking only 1 point from the previous two fixtures, letting a 2-0 lead slip to draw 2-2 with Atalanta and a shocking 2-1 defeat at home against Lazio. Juventus defence has not been looking as strong as it once was in previous seasons and this problem will need addressed if results are to improve. Dybala and Alex Sandro were mainly rested for the defeat against Lazio with Dybala remaining on the bench until the 65^th minute, and Alex Sandro playing no part in the game at all. Both should be fresh to face Sporting and both will be needed to perform, particularly Dybala after missing back to back penalties that already look like costly mistakes, with Napoli sitting 5 points ahead at the top of the league. Another player Juventus will need to perform is lone striker Gonzalo Higuain, who had looked like his goal shy performances were a thing of the past after he scored in consecutive matches against Olympiacos and Atalanta. He missed a big chance against Lazio with the scoreline level and such opportunities can’t be wasted, especially on champions league nights where they can make all the difference.

Sporting Lisbon are looking like the surprise package in group D, comfortably defeating Olypiacos 3-2 and proving a stubborn opponent for group leaders Barcelona as a Coates own goal was all that separated the sides in a 1-0 defeat for the Portuguese outfit. This has left Sporting level on points with Juventus going into Wednesday night’s fixture, with only goal difference separating the sides.  On the domestic side Sporting are currently in second place, with league leaders Porto ahead by two points after the sides 0-0 meeting at the beginning of October. Sporting are undefeated domestically with 6 wins and two draws, their only defeat so far this season being Barcelona. Dutch striker Bas Dost will be one to keep an eye on, being Sporting’s top goal scorer last season with 37 goals over 43 appearances. He currently has 5 goals in 12 appearances for this season.

Team news: Allegri has come out and stated the obvious "The game against Sporting is most decisive for qualification” also adding that Dybala will continue to take penalties despite being unconvincing from the penalty spot lately. First the good news, a player Juventus have badly missed could potentially be back in the starting line up "Pjanic has recovered and could start, he’s rested and I’ll see in the training session today” However. . “Who is playing wing back? Sturaro has played good games there and it is a role that he could excel in." How Juventus fans must wish their club signed a natural right back over the summer with Sturaro potentially once again taking the position, making the omission of Lichsteiner from the champions league look stranger with each passing fixture in the competition. Either of Barzagli or Sturaro should deputise for now at right back given Juventus lack of other options for the position. Despite recent results Allegri was defiant when asked if Juventus weir a side in crisis “Juventus are absolutely not in crisis, “We’re in a period where we’ve taken one point from two games, but it’s a long season” anything other than 3 points tomorrow night, and Juventus fans might state otherwise.

MATCH REPORT: Juventus vs Lazio 14.10.2017

Coming into Saturday night’s fixture Juventus had not lost a match at home since the 23^rd of August in 2015 against Udinese in a shock 1-0 defeat. The last time Lazio and Juventus faced each other was in a thrilling 3-2 Italian super cup final to open the 2017/2018 season back in August, and this match would also prove a thrilling contest. Juventus would still be without the services of several players going into this match, most notably Pjanic who was still injured. However, Mandzukic and Khedira managed to shake off knocks to take their places in the starting 11. Also missing from the starting line up was Dybala and Alex Sandro, presumably rested ahead of an upcoming Champions League fixture against Sporting Lisbon. The match started brightly enough with both sides having chances, Juventus would control most of the first half and find their reward through a Douglas Costa goal on the 26^th minute, although VAR reared its head to threaten the decision, After a long wait the goal was indeed given. Higuain had an opportunity to double the bianconeri lead shortly afterwards, but took one too many touches and the chance was gone. Higuain would also be involved in a bizarre moment when on the 37th minute Higuain closed down Lazio goalkeeper Strakosha, resulting in the clearance ricocheting off the Argentine and onto the bar of the goal frame. The ball however did not go over the line and Strakosha blushes were spared.

As the second half kicked off it looked like only one of the sides had stepped onto the pitch, and it wasn’t Juventus. Immobile would draw the sides level just two minutes into the second half, catching a Juventus defence completely unaware as he slotted the ball past Buffon into the bottom corner of the net. Higuain had a chance to restore Juventus lead inside the Lazio area, but was denied by the feet of  Strakosha. Two minutes later Immobile was causing the Juventus defence problems again, strolling past Chiellini only to be thwarted by Buffon as he was brought down by the experienced goalkeeper for a penalty. Buffon would luckily only see yellow, as the referee could have deemed it red instead for preventing a goal scoring opportunity. Immobile stepped up and scored again for his 15^th goal of the season, and second of the night in just eight minutes. The game quickly turned into an end to end contest as Juventus desperately looked for an equaliser with chances for both sides.

Dybala would be introduced into the fray on the 65^th minute and was unlucky not to score when his shot hit off the post. Deep into stoppage time and still behind 2-1, VAR would come into play again when Juventus weir awarded a penalty for a challenge on Bernadeschi. Like the previous fixture away to Atalanta, up stepped Dybala to take the penalty, and like before Dybala failed from the spot as his effort was saved by Strakosha. And so the game ended 2-1 and with it Juventus impressive home form of avoiding defeat, dating back to the opening day of the 2015/2016 season on August 23rd 2015

FULL TIME: Juventus 1-2 Lazio
Goal Scorers: D.Costa (23), Immobile (47), (54,PEN)

MATCH REPORT: Atalanta vs Juventus

It was the last match before the international break and a tough away night to Atalanta. Juventus needed a win here to keep up with Napoli who earlier in the day won their match 3-0 against Cagliari. Juventus started the match brightly with efforts from Bernardeschi and Higuain saved by Berisha, the Atalanta goal keeper would however be at fault for the opening goal 21 minutes into the game as he poorly rebounded an effort from Matuidi into the path of Bernardeschi to open his goal scoring account for the bianconeri. 3 minutes later Juventus would double their lead through Gonzalo Higuain, who blasted the ball into the top corner of the net. Higuain returned to his goal scoring ways against Olympiacos in the champions league and it was evident here how much another goal meant to him as he ran over to celebrate with Barzagli on the bench. At 2-0 Juventus looked to be cruising to victory, but Atalanta however had other ideas. Gomez would bring Atalanta back to life after winning a debatable free kick, his shot on goal uncharacteristically spilled by Buffon into the path of Caldara who made it 2-1 against his future club.

Into the second half Juventus would go 3-1 ahead thanks to a Mario Mandzukic header. . Or so they thought, as the referee consulted VAR and decided to disallow the goal due to a Lichsteiner elbow on Gomez during the build up play. It was a decision that was looking costly for Juventus as Atalanta drew level on the 67^th minute, Gomez once again playing a part as his whipped cross met the head of Cristante. From 2-0 down Atalanta found themselves neck to neck with Juventus chasing 3 points and the drama was far from over. Juventus would be awarded a free kick in the last 10 minutes of play, as Dybala fired his shot into the Atalanta wall the referees whistle went to signal hand ball and a penalty for Juventus. However once again VAR was called into play and despite Television replays suggested to viewers at home that the ball hit Petagna on the shoulder more so than his arm, the referee would stand by his original decision and award the penalty. Dybala would take the penalty to potentially give Juventus the lead, and fail, as his tame effort was saved by Berisha. And so with it ended Juventus 100% record in SerieA, as the Bianconeri go into the international break 3 points behind league leaders Napoli

FULL TIME: Atalanta 2-2 Juventus
GOAL SCORERS: Beranrdeschi (21), Higuain (24), Caldara (31), Cristante (67)