Andrea Barzagli (11 Viewers)
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Barzagli 6 : Had trouble following Higuain
http://www.juventuz.com/threads/422...ebruary-2016?p=5198465&viewfull=1#post5198465
http://www.juventuz.com/threads/422...ebruary-2016?p=5198465&viewfull=1#post5198465
Juve’s defensive steel vital
Despite injuries before and during the win over Napoli, Juventus held out Serie A’s best attack, explains Luca Cetta.
Even Gianluigi Buffon was left amazed. “I’d be tempted to rip up his identity card. Even if he’s 35 years of age, I’d never hesitate once about playing him in the most important match of the season so far.” High praise from somebody who has seen and done it all.
Andrea Barzagli is the unassuming member of a defensive trio which has frustrated some of Europe’s best. He’s calculated and clinical, but never flustered. And when thrust into a leadership role on Saturday he responded superbly. Not an easy task when the in-form Gonzalo Higuain is lurking metres away. Barzagli was the steady figure Juventus needed in their tense but pivotal 1-0 success against Napoli.
Not only was it second hosting first, but also a meeting of Serie A’s meanest defence and deadliest attack. In a closely-fought encounter where chances were at a premium, Barzagli was a standout.
Having limped off against Frosinone a week ago, Giorgio Chiellini could only look on. He was the second defensive casualty in as many matches, following Martin Caceres’ season-ending Achilles injury.
Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive stocks were down to a bare minimum and it gave the boss something to ponder in the build-up - Juventus opted for a four-man defence. “We had to go back to playing four at the back tonight,” Allegri said afterwards, “and it’s a good sign, as it means we can play with this system and have guarantees.”
Midweek reports suggested the boss was unsure about including Daniele Rugani in a match of such magnitude given his limited appearances. Asked about the 20-year-old in the pre-match Press conference, Allegri reminded his task is to nurture the young-gun. “He developed a lot in the last two months and his increased playing time is evidence of that, but this is not a reason to heighten the pressure on him.”
Any reservations had to be thrown out the window shortly after the interval as Leonardo Bonucci succumbed to first-half collision with teammate Sami Khedira. But before he did, Bonucci provided one of the match’s central moments. Set to celebrate his 25[SUP]th[/SUP] goal of the season, Higuain was left stunned by Bonucci’s toe-poked intervention. One which evoked memories of Stefano Sturaro in the same penalty area against Real Madrid last season.
With Bonucci then sidelined it was up to Barzagli to marshal the defence. Juventus have conceded just 15 goals this season, including only one in seven prior matches in 2016. Despite the reshuffling they did not look like conceding in the second half. Credit must go to Barzagli, who led the way with three interceptions and a match-high seven clearances – stats courtesy of WhoScored.com. He was instrumental in keeping Higuain at bay for what was the Argentine’s quietest outing this season. Barzagli also guided Rugani through his 40 minute spell and the youngster responded by not putting a foot wrong.
Buffon played his part too, a point-blank first half save from Raul Albiol another notch in his incredible belt. The captain extended his clean sheet streak to six matches, having last conceded to Sampdoria’s Antonio Cassano on 10 January.
It proved a miserly and masterful defensive display from the Bianconeri. Allegri praised his defence for giving very little away to a side which had netted 53 times this term and kept scoreless only twice. He then specifically mentioned the central three: “Rugani did very well coming off the bench in a difficult situation. Barzagli had an extraordinary match, as did Bonucci until he got that knock.”
Yet with Bayern Munich around the corner the defensive injuries will be of concern. It is worth noting Pep Guardiola has his own defensive headaches heading into the first leg, where both sides will not be at full strength. Allegri may rest Bonucci against Bologna, although Chiellini should be available to meet the Rossoblu.
Those fears aside, it was a pleasing defensive performance from the Bianconeri. The versatility shown is a big plus for Allegri. The players responded to the challenge posed by Napoli and limited their threats. It was led by Barzagli – a player never flashy, but immeasurably valuable to the Old Lady.
Despite injuries before and during the win over Napoli, Juventus held out Serie A’s best attack, explains Luca Cetta.
Even Gianluigi Buffon was left amazed. “I’d be tempted to rip up his identity card. Even if he’s 35 years of age, I’d never hesitate once about playing him in the most important match of the season so far.” High praise from somebody who has seen and done it all.
Andrea Barzagli is the unassuming member of a defensive trio which has frustrated some of Europe’s best. He’s calculated and clinical, but never flustered. And when thrust into a leadership role on Saturday he responded superbly. Not an easy task when the in-form Gonzalo Higuain is lurking metres away. Barzagli was the steady figure Juventus needed in their tense but pivotal 1-0 success against Napoli.
Not only was it second hosting first, but also a meeting of Serie A’s meanest defence and deadliest attack. In a closely-fought encounter where chances were at a premium, Barzagli was a standout.
Having limped off against Frosinone a week ago, Giorgio Chiellini could only look on. He was the second defensive casualty in as many matches, following Martin Caceres’ season-ending Achilles injury.
Massimiliano Allegri’s defensive stocks were down to a bare minimum and it gave the boss something to ponder in the build-up - Juventus opted for a four-man defence. “We had to go back to playing four at the back tonight,” Allegri said afterwards, “and it’s a good sign, as it means we can play with this system and have guarantees.”
Midweek reports suggested the boss was unsure about including Daniele Rugani in a match of such magnitude given his limited appearances. Asked about the 20-year-old in the pre-match Press conference, Allegri reminded his task is to nurture the young-gun. “He developed a lot in the last two months and his increased playing time is evidence of that, but this is not a reason to heighten the pressure on him.”
Any reservations had to be thrown out the window shortly after the interval as Leonardo Bonucci succumbed to first-half collision with teammate Sami Khedira. But before he did, Bonucci provided one of the match’s central moments. Set to celebrate his 25[SUP]th[/SUP] goal of the season, Higuain was left stunned by Bonucci’s toe-poked intervention. One which evoked memories of Stefano Sturaro in the same penalty area against Real Madrid last season.
With Bonucci then sidelined it was up to Barzagli to marshal the defence. Juventus have conceded just 15 goals this season, including only one in seven prior matches in 2016. Despite the reshuffling they did not look like conceding in the second half. Credit must go to Barzagli, who led the way with three interceptions and a match-high seven clearances – stats courtesy of WhoScored.com. He was instrumental in keeping Higuain at bay for what was the Argentine’s quietest outing this season. Barzagli also guided Rugani through his 40 minute spell and the youngster responded by not putting a foot wrong.
Buffon played his part too, a point-blank first half save from Raul Albiol another notch in his incredible belt. The captain extended his clean sheet streak to six matches, having last conceded to Sampdoria’s Antonio Cassano on 10 January.
It proved a miserly and masterful defensive display from the Bianconeri. Allegri praised his defence for giving very little away to a side which had netted 53 times this term and kept scoreless only twice. He then specifically mentioned the central three: “Rugani did very well coming off the bench in a difficult situation. Barzagli had an extraordinary match, as did Bonucci until he got that knock.”
Yet with Bayern Munich around the corner the defensive injuries will be of concern. It is worth noting Pep Guardiola has his own defensive headaches heading into the first leg, where both sides will not be at full strength. Allegri may rest Bonucci against Bologna, although Chiellini should be available to meet the Rossoblu.
Those fears aside, it was a pleasing defensive performance from the Bianconeri. The versatility shown is a big plus for Allegri. The players responded to the challenge posed by Napoli and limited their threats. It was led by Barzagli – a player never flashy, but immeasurably valuable to the Old Lady.
Barzagli 6 : Had trouble following Higuain
http://www.juventuz.com/threads/422...ebruary-2016?p=5198465&viewfull=1#post5198465
http://www.juventuz.com/threads/422...ebruary-2016?p=5198465&viewfull=1#post5198465
I've rarely seen a striker being outplayed as Higuain was last night, absolutely invisible. Without Chiellini, and later without Bonuccci, he carried the defence on his shoulders. Good thing that he is going to sign the extension till 2018 as i couldn't see any defender in Europe replace him.
