Match Report: Juventus - Crotone (26.11.2017)

It was a game of firsts for Juventus, as Howedes made his competitive debut for the club and another summer signing found the back of the net for the first time in 173 competitive matches. For most of the first half Crotone frustrated the bianconeri with their compact defending, as Juventus failed numerous times to break the deadlock, Douglas Costa creating two early chances within the opening ten minutes, Matuidi hitting his effort wide of goal after running into the Crotone box, whilst Costa's whipped cross failed to assist, as no one was able to get on the end of it. 25 minutes in and Juventus debut-ant Howedes marked his return from injury with a bloody nose, after connecting with Budimir elbow when going for a high ball. Juventus would end the first half with 81% possession but without a goal to their name with game goalless at the break.

It didn’t take long for Juventus to finally get the goal that they had been looking for, as Mario Mandzukic headed in a cross from Barzagli into the net on the 51^st minute to make it 1-0 early on. The flood gates seemed to open for Juventus as Crotone spirited first half defending fell apart, De Sciglio taking advantage soon after coming on from the bench to score his first professional goal, and what a goal it was, De Sciglio connected perfectly with the ball to deliver a rocket of a shot from outside the penalty area making it 2-0 before the hour mark. 10 minutes later Pjanic would cross low in front of the Crotone goal, goal keeper Cordaz would get a touch on the ball only to palm the ball onto the feet of Benatia who tapped the ball into an empty net for 3-0. The night would be so quiet for Buffon that he wouldn’t have to be called into action until the 74^th minute, making his first save of the night to prevent Budimir’s effort towards the bottom corner.

Thoughts: De Sciglio goal was as stunning as it was unexpected, powerful & accurate, well worth going out your way to see again. Crotone defended well in the first half and at times made Juventus really work hard in their attempts at finding a goal, the second half was a completely different story as Juventus took an early lead and never looked in doubt of ending the night without 3 points. Howedes made his debut after a torrid time with injury since arriving, the German put in a good performance and can be expected to continue to do so if he can avoid injury. Over all, good result for Juventus ahead of the all-important Napoli fixture.

Full Time Result: Juventus 3-0 Crotone

Goal Scorers: Mandzukic (52), De Sciglio (60), Benatia (71)

Match Report: Sampdoria - Juventus (19.11.17)

Juventus would field a heavily rotated side to face an in form Sampdoria who had yet to record defeat at home this season, Buffon, Barzagli, Dybala and Alex Sandro being the most notable absentees. 

Juventus would start the match brightly with chances early on in the opening 12 minutes, first Higuaín’s effort deflected wide of the post for a corner, 5 minute later Mandzukic having his effort comfortably saved by Viviano. Juventus would control possession and look the more dangerous side for most of the first half, whilst Sampdoria rarely threatening to score, yet working hard in midfield to close down space. Higuaín would look dangerous throughout the opening 45 minutes with efforts on goal and providing a great overhead ball onto the path of Cuadrado to have a close range effort on goal, initially the effort looked to have been blasted wide by the Colombian only for replays to show that the shot was actually saved by Sampdoria goal keeper Viviano, who bizarrely turned away from the oncoming shot as the ball deflected off his back to go wide. As the half time whistle was blown Juventus players would leave the pitch appealing for a penalty after the ball struck Strinic’s arm from close range, replays suggested that if a penalty had been given, the decision would have been harsh. 

The second half kicked off in style for the home fans as Sampdoria took a shock early lead 5 minutes into the half, Juventus failing to clear the ball several times prior to Zapata heading the ball past Szczesny, moments later Sampdoria almost doubled their lead, hitting Juventus on a quick counter attack as Zapata again threatened the Juventus defence, only for Szczesny to make the decisive save. With 60 minutes played Allegri called on Dybala to turn things around, as Juventus looked desperately for an equaliser, replacing Bernerdeschi who had put in disappointing performance. Juventus had a great chance to level the score line as Higuaín charged towards the Sampdoria goal with Cuadrado for support, only to see Cuadrado unable to run on to his pass for the assist inside Sampdoria's penalty box.

The missed opportunity would prove costly for Juventus as Sampdoria made it 2-0 a minute later, Torreira firing his effort beyond Szczesny into the bottom corner. It was at this point that Juventus truly fell apart, as the fragile Juventus defence went on to concede a third Sampdoria goal that would later prove decisive, Ferrari tapping the ball into the net as Juventus players paused to call for an offside flag that never came. With ten minutes remaining the match looked to be done and dusted before Juventus would mount a late come back into the dying minutes of the game. Higuain converted a 91^st minute penalty after Costa was fouled by Strinic, although the goal looked to be nothing more than a consolation for Juventus, moments later Dybala stormed into the Sampdoria box to strike the ball into the bottom corner for 3-2. Both goals would however prove to be too little, too late for Juventus, as the match ended in a disappointing 3-2 defeat for the Bianconeri.

Thoughts: Allegri heavily rotated the side ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Barcelona, and paid for it big time against a Sampdoria side with a perfect home record so far this season. Bernerdeschi was given the chance to play in Dybala’s central attacking role and failed to impress, he could have no arguments at being replaced an hour into the game. Juventus inability to take any of their first half chances came back to haunt them once Sampdoria started scoring, and the defence at times looked a shadow of their former selves (not for the first time this season either). There was several poor performance’s all over the pitch for Juventus, though Higuaín cannot be counted among them, providing good link up play at times and not giving up when the result look beyond Juventus. Although the score line will make this look a closer game than it was, the truth is that the 3-2 score line flattered Juventus. The top sides take their chances in front of goal and Juventus rarely did so today and paid for it, hardly ideal preparation for an important champions league fixture against a side that’s already convincingly beaten Juventus 3-0 this season.

Full Time Result: Sampdoria 3-2 Juventus

Goal Scorers: Zapata (52), Torreira (71), Ferrari (79), Higuain PK (91), Dybala (93)

Top 10 best Juventus signings

Over the years there have been countless players to have worn the black and white striped shirt of Juventus, but few who go on to make and leave a lasting impression. This is a list of the top ten best signings (in my opinion of course) Juventus have made, whether it be for financial gain such as one inclusion that will no doubt stand out from the rest, or quality and success the individual brought to the club. 

Edgar Davids: Joining Juventus from AC Milan in January of 1998 for £7.20m, Edgar Davids was one of the most instantly recognised footballers of his generation with his dread locked style hair and trademark protective googles on the pitch, worn due to suffering from glaucoma, a condition known to affect the eyes. Davids not only looked the part, but played his role in midfield equally as good. A combative, energetic yet technically gifted midfielder labelled as Marcello Lippi’s “one man engine”. Davids would regularly live up to his moniker ‘the pitbull’, aggressively marking and tackling no matter the opponent, playing over 240 matche's for the Bianconeri before leaving the club in 2004.

Roberto Baggio: A transfer that literally caused riots on the streets of Florence as the ‘divine ponytail’ Roberto Baggio left behind Fiorentina fans to Join their hated rivals Juventus for £6.98m in 1990. Although never going to be an idol for Juventus fans after Baggio refused to take a penalty against his former club, even kissing a Fiorentina scarf thrown in his direction as he was substituted, the Italian icon did  however bring success to Juventus. Baggio would score 106 goals over 189 games for Juventus, winning the UEFA Cup, Serie A scudetto and Italian cup before Leaving five years later to join AC Milan for £6.75m.

Paul Pogba: In a modern football world filled with extravagant transfer fees, Pogba was signed on a free transfer, in a move that proved to be a very shrewd investment indeed. Arriving in 2012 as a young 19-year-old after failing to break into the Manchester United first team, Pogba would go on to make his name at Juventus. At times scoring goals as outrageous as his ever-changing hair styles, Pogba would provide Juventus with match winning moments and just as much footage worthy of a YouTube highlight video. Although nowhere near the legendary status of some of the players on this list, the main reason for Pogba’s inclusion is the massive financial reward Juventus as a club would go on to receive. Pogba returned to Manchester United in 2016 for a then world record transfer of £94.50m, 4 seasons after leaving the club for free. Fans may have soured on the French man since his departure, but there can be arguing when it comes to including his name on this list for the profit Juventus made on his return to England. 

Andrea Barzagli: Although not a big name when he arrived from German side Wolfsburg for just £270k in January 2011, Barzagli would go on to cement his place alongside Giorgio Chillini and Leonardo Bonucci as the rock of the famed BBC defence. Barzagli has for the most part been Juventus most consistent and reliable defender over the past 6 seasons, and although he is no longer able to play every game he can still be called upon to put in a performance at the age of 36. 

Zinedine Zidane: Now better known for managing Real Madrid, before his managerial days in Spain Zidane was arriving in Italy to sign for Juventus, leaving French side Bordeaux in 1996 for £3.15m. Zidane would go on to be known as one of the footballing greats, gifted with skill and a sublime first touch, Zidane at times was simply breath taking to watch. As well as having one of the all-time greats in their ranks, Juventus also sold Zidane on for a hefty profit too. Selling Zidane to Real Madrid in 2001 for a then world record fee of £66.15m.

Andrea Pirlo: Signed from AC Milan in 2011 on a free transfer, Pirlo would show just how wrong Milan were to allow the midfield maestro to leave on a free for Juventus. Proving pivotal for Juventus return to title winning ways, immediately becoming a key player as fans watched on in awe of the bearded genius’s range of passing and set piece skills over 4 seasons. There can be no doubting how vital the signing of Pirlo proved to be, and at such little cost.

Pavel Nedved: Signed from Lazio in 2001 for £37.08m, a left sided midfielder with bundles of energy and possessing a powerful left foot that would see Nedved score some stunning long range goals during his playing days. Nedved would play a substantial part of the sides 2002 – 2003 season taking Juventus past Barcelona & Real Madrid in the UEFA champions league with memorable goals and performances, So important was the Czech that his presence on the pitch was missed due to suspension when Juventus faced AC Milan in that seasons final, Nedved would have to settle for being voted 2003 European Footballer of the Year instead. Like the remaining names on this list he would remain with the club for their sole season in Serie B when faced with demotion in 2006, before retiring 3 years later at the end of the 2008 – 2009 season, ending his playing career as the 7th best foreign goal scorer ever for Juventus. Despite retiring, Nedved can still be seen at the Juventus stadium on match days, watching on from the stands amongst the board of directors as vice chairman.

David Trezeguet: Signed from French outfit Monaco in the summer of 2000 for £20.70m, Trezeguet would arrive in Turin having recently broken Italian hearts after scoring the winning goal that won the European cup for France and left Italy runners up at Euro 2000. Trezeguet would continue to score vital goals in a Juventus shirt, so regularly that fans would nickname the Frenchman ‘trezegol’ for his feats inside opponent’s penalty box. Trezeguet would end his Juventus career ten years later in 2010 amassing 171 goals over 320 league appearances, making him the fourth-highest goal scorer in the club's history and Juventus’ most prolific foreign marksman.

Alessandro Del Piero: Joining Juventus in 1993 from Padova for €2.60m, so impressive was the young star, that the club felt comfortable enough to sell Roberto Baggio as Del Piero gradually took the iconic Italians place and number 10. Going on to become a pivotal part of Juventus history as the club went on to win the UEFA champions league in 1996, scoring 6 goals on the road to the final, and many more goals throughout 19 seasons. Despite the obstacles Del Piero encountered during his career, whether it be a serious injury in 1999, mainly featuring as a substitute under Fabio Capello’s two seasons as manager or playing in Serie B, Del Piero remained a Juventus player due to his love for the club and refused to surrender to criticism that came his way. Proving the doubters wrong ending the 2007-2008 season as Serie A top goal scorer with 21 goals. Del Piero would end his playing days as a fan favourite and club legend in 2012, by then writing his name into the record books as the club’s all-time top goal scorer and appearance’s, scoring 289 goals over 705 appearance’s.

Gianluigi Buffon: Signed from Parma in 2001 for a transfer fee of £47.60m, making Buffon the world’s most expensive goalkeeper for 16 long years. Since arriving at Juventus, Buffon has done little wrong whilst establishing himself as one of the world’s best in goal. Remaining with the club even in their darkest hour spending a season in Serie B, despite arguably having the luxury of playing elsewhere for any major club in Europe further cemented ‘super gig’ as a fan favourite. Given his consistent performances and longevity as a first team regular there can be no doubting Buffon’s inclusion.

Top 10 worst Juventus signings

 Now a days Juventus are known for being shrewd operators when it comes to the transfer market. Signing the likes of Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo on free transfers, the recent addition of Blaise Matuidi for £18m, a bargain price when compared with Barcelona splashing £36m on Paulinho during the same transfer window. Juventus usually get it right with their transfer moves, but this wasn't always the case, as this top ten list will show

Amauri: Signed to be Juventus new hitman striker in 2008 from Palermo for £20.52 million. Amauri would find the back of the net a respectable 14 times in all competitions for his debut season, including the winning goal against Real Madrid in a 2-1 victory, it would be the first and last goal he scored in the UEFA Champions League. From then onwards it was all downhill as the misfiring striker scored 7 goals in 40 appearances for 09/10, and a horrendous 3 goals in 16 appearances the following 2010/2011 season before Juventus sent the Brazilian on loan to Parma, cutting their loses for good by Selling Amauri to Fiorentina for £450k in 2012. A far cry from the £20.52m paid to make him a Juventus player 

Felipe Melo: “Juve was a mistake, I’d have been better going to Inter, I’d have won the treble.” Another Brazilian enters this list, and another costly error for Juventus. Signed for €25 million from Fiorentina in 2009. Infuriating Juventus fans with poor performances and equally poor behaviour. Melo’s time at Juventus would be filled with questionable decisions by the Brazilian such as the time he kicked out at the face of Paci while both players lay on the ground during Juventus 4-1 defeat to Parma, unsurprisingly the referee showed Melo the red card, and again seeing red during a match against Inter Milan for elbowing Balotelli. Juventus would end Melo’s forgetful time at the club by loaning him out to Galatasaray before making the move permanent in 2011 for a €3.75 fee.

Fabio Cannavaro: Returning on a free transfer to Juventus after 3 seasons at Real Madrid in 2009, Juventus fans still upset over his departure in 2006, were far from pleased with the signing. Juventus were looking to the experienced 35-year-old to bring stability to a shaky defence. Unfortunately, this did not happen, conceding more goals than they could score resulting in a 7^th   place finish in the league (their worst finish in over a decade), elimination from the UEFA champions league in the group stage and worst of all, elimination from the Europa League at the hands of English side Fulham, who defeated Juventus 4-1 after an embarrassing display not helped by Cannavaro seeing red 26 minutes into the first half, Leaving Juventus down to 10 men for most of the match. Juventus unsurprisingly did not extend his 1-year contract at the end of the season.

Speaking of defenders that see red. . .

Jonathan Zebina: Arriving along with Fabio Capello in 2004 from Roma on a free transfer. Zebina’s time at Juventus can be politely summed up in one word, inconsistent. From average performances to needlessly being dismissed from games such as a champions league quarter final against Arsenal in 2005/2006 and a Europa League last 16 fixture away to Fulham, to add insult to injury Zebina would go on to make a crude gesture towards some of the Juventus fans as he left the pitch. Zebina would also find himself Banned for 4 games after an altercation with a cameraman prior to another dismissal against Cagliari in 2007/2008. Whether it be poor performances, receiving red cards or insulting supporters, it’s safe to say Zebina didn’t have the best of times at Juventus, despite remaining with the club for 6 seasons.

Nicolas Bendtner: Thankfully this move wasn’t permanent and instead was just a loan deal. Bendtner arrived at Juventus on the last day of the 2012/2013 summer transfer window from Arsenal, barely making an appearance in a Juventus shirt and when Bendtner did put the Juventus shirt on he was unable to score a single goal in his 11 appearance’s for the club. Instead, spending two months injured and at the centre of controversary when Bendtner was arrested for driving under the influence in March 2012. Needless to say, Bendtner returned to Arsenal once his loan deal was over

Armand Traore: Like Bendtner, Traore would also arrive from Arsenal on a loan deal and barely be seen in a Juventus shirt. Traore would make just 12 appearance’s for the 2010/2011 season, spending more time on the injury list than playing on a football pitch. Note to Juventus, don’t sign players from Arsenal on loan.

Tiago: Arriving from Lyon at a cost of €13 million for Juventus return to Serie A in 2007. Tiago would spend 3 seasons at Juventus and not score a single goal whilst making just 5 assists. His time at Juventus wasn’t helped with constant thigh injuries before eventually leaving for Atletico Madrid in 2011 on a free transfer.

Jorge Martinez: Yet another example of Juventus poor judgment over the 2007 – 2011 period. Signed from Catania in 2011 for £10.80m. Battling injury immediately from the start, leaving the pitch injured on his debut (a 1-0 defeat to Bari) Martinez would make a total of 20 appearance’s. Juventus would go on to regularly loan Martinez out to various clubs before his contract finally expired as recent as 2016.

Jean-Alain Boumsong: Arriving from Newcastle for £3.3m in 2006 as Juventus faced a season in Serie B. They say you only get one chance at a first impression and Boumsong would make his against Rimini, having a poor game and being at fault for the opening goal as Rimini took the lead. So poor was Boumsong that his only apperances in a Juventus shirt were made in Serie B, as once promotion was gained Boumsong never made a single appearance for the bianconeri in the top flight of Italian football. Instead Boumsong was sold to Lyon for £2.88m in 2008.

Diego: This one is a tricky inclusion to the list, as his performances were nowhere near the poor displays some of the above names put in during their Juventus spells. Arriving from Werder Bremen as the star signing in 2009 for a fee of £24.30m, big things were expected from the excited Juventus fans. Diego looked like a great acquisition as he assisted Iaquinta on his debut, and put in an excellent performance away to Roma scoring twice in a 3-1 victory. However, 2009/2010 would be a disastrous season for Juventus, as the side soon fell apart. With Diego practically the only offensive minded player in midfield alongside Felipe Melo and Christian Poulsen, Opposition simply focused on giving Diego as little time and space as possible. Diego would last just one season at Juventus, as he was sold the following year to Wolfsburg for £13.95m. Due to the investment in Diego from the transfer fee, change of formation to accommodate the Brazilian and his short spell at Juventus, Diego finds himself on this list.

Match Review: Juventus vs Benevento (05.11.2017)

After a week of promoting the clubs 120^th anniversary, Juventus would end the week at home against Serie A strugglers Benevento, a side yet to register a single point in the league whilst setting an all-time Serie A record, losing all of their opening 12 games. Juventus took to the pitch wearing a special commemorative kit to mark the occasion, although there would be little special about this game as far as Juventus were concerned. Juventus started brightly with Douglas Costa forcing a save from Brignoli, who almost palmed the ball into his own net, shortly afterwards Douglas Costa was at it again, this time hitting the cross bar with an impressive effort from a tight angle. Minutes later however it would be the visitors who took a shock lead against the run of play, Ciciretti converting an impressive free kick leaving Juventus fans in disbelief. Juventus would go on to control most of the possession, yet it would be a case of firing blanks when in front goal, as Cudrado along with Dybala missed several opportunities to bring the score line level. As if that wasn’t frustrating enough for Juventus, this would be the first game of the season that saw Benevento go into the half time break with a lead.

As the second half kicked off there was a feeling of “it’s one of those games” as Benevento defended their lead. There would be an odd moment when Gonzalo Higuaín decided to try his luck from set pieces, both his free kick attempts would go wide and directly to the goalkeeper, needless to say Higuaín won’t be regularly taking free kicks for Juventus anytime soon. Juventus would continue to search for their opening goal of the game and it would finally arrive after almost an hour of play, De Sciglio’s cross into the penalty area was met by the head of Matuidi, sending the ball into the direction of a hooked volley by Higuaín. It wouldn’t take long for the afternoons third goal to arrive, as Cuadrado made amends for his previous miss hits, this time Alex Sandro providing a whipped cross for Cuadrado to head the ball in at the back post. The drama was far from over though, as Cataldi blasted a volley that wasn’t too far over Szczesny’s goal. Higuain would have a penalty appeal turned down, instead the Argentine would be booked for simulation when replays showed that there was indeed contact. Ciciretti would also have a penalty appeal for Benevento waved away, after needing little encouragement to go down when tussling with Chiellini for the ball.

Talking Points: For most of the first half the chances of Juventus scoring a goal looked slim to none, as both Cuadrado and Dybala had poor efforts on goal. Again, Juventus looked at times out of ideas when faced with a side who’s sole intention was to defend, as has been the case already particularly in the champions league against Olympiacos and Sporting. Against a side that’s already conceded 33 goals in 12 games before this afternoons fixture, Juventus should be meeting expectations and not struggling at home against Benevento. On the positive side, Juventus ended match day 12 with 3 important points, after both title contenders Napoli and Inter drew their games 0-0 and 1-1 leaving Juventus a single point behind Napoli in second place

Full Time Result: Juventus 2-1 Benevento

Goal Scorers: Ciciretti (19^th), Higuain (57^th) , Cuadrado (65^th)