Cheers javi, dpforlife and da_ledgeaun...I will find the time this evening for the latest installment!
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SERIE B
Alberto Masi seems to be gaining momentum at Ternana, following up his début last weekend with a full 90 minutes under his belt in the 0-0 draw with Spezia. After spending the first month of his loan move to the rossoverdi on the bench, the central defender who showed so much promise in his pre-season at Juve last year must now push on, cement his name in the starting XI and perform well enough to encourage a team in the top flight to take a chance on him next term. Still…at only 20 years of age, he has time on his side. I am just keen to see another Italian defender step up to the senior ranks in the coming years and we will likely have to wait longer to see how Rugani and Magnusson fare when playing with the seniors. With his side sitting in 15th, its still possible for Alberto to dream of the play-offs which are only 7 points away. Recent form, however, suggests the 3 points standing between Ternana and the trap-door are more of a pressing concern.
Gabriel Appelt continued to enjoy his return to first team action managing 53 minutes in Pro Vercelli’s disastrous but expected home defeat to Nicola Leali’s high flying in 11th Virtus Lanciano. The Brazilian midfielder put in a good shift until been hooked off in the 53rd minute with his Juve buddy Elio de Silvestro arriving late on in the game to make his 14th appearance of the season. Pro Vercelli find themselves further adrift of safety, with 10 points needed to catch Bari in 19th. An step too far for the newcomers to Serie B ,and we can only hope that they go down fighting for we need Gabriel to get as much work as possible as he bids to continue his development. On the other side of no-mans land, Nicola Leali continued his slow, steady march towards stardom. The goalkeeper said by many to be Buffon’s heir has made 26 appearances during the maiden serie B season of Virtus Lanciano. And surely there can be no doubt that come May, plenty of sides in the top flight will be eager to bring him into their ranks next season. Team-mate and former primavera golden boy Leonardo Spinazzola failed to add to his 7 starts for the season for the visitors.
22 year old wide midfielder Fausto Rossi started and finished Brescia’s annoying 1-1 draw with Novara. With Buoy once again in the treatment room, its encouraging to see Rossi flying the flag with pride in his absence. His contract is up in 2014 so it will be interesting to see what we do with him in the Summer. Brescia remain well placed for an assault on the top six, with our Dutch flair-merchant Buoy hopefully back in contention soon enough. Their opponents Novara are home to Albert Libertazzi, former prima punta star of the youth team who has managed a grand total of 17 minutes of the 2-0 coppa defeat to Fiorentina in August of last year coupled with two appearances on the bench since leaving the nest last year. Questions need to be asked…such as…if Libertazzi has no chance of playing at Novara, why did we not move him elsewhere in January? And…what the hell has happened to a player who was performing consistently well last season (9 goals in 14 games) and was earmarked for glory???
Sassuolo extended their dominance as Kings of the Castle, coming out on top in a 3-4 manic affair with Varese. It seems that Richmond 'Biggie’ Boakye is having some trouble regaining his spot in the free scoring league leaders attack since returning from his observer status at the African Cup of Nations with Ghana. Plenty of time left for the powerful striker to add to his 9 goals and 4 assists for the season.
SERIE A
Ciro Immobile v Apollo Creed
In the upper tier, Ciro Immobile continues to struggle at Genoa, forced to wait until the 59th minute before been called from the bench to play his part in the 0-2 home mauling by Milan. The striker’s team are now a mere 2 points away from the relegation scramble and yet still Ballardini seems unwilling to adopt a more adventurous line-up which is surely something to consider when goals are presently. so hard to come by. Over at Bologna, Freddy 'kruger’ Sorensen continues his fine form in the heart of defence starting and finishing the impressive 0-1 away victory over our arch rivals Inter Milan. Manolo Gabbiadini also played the whole match, making his 23rd appearance of the season.
PRIMAVERA
Last Thursday, our primavera returned to Nextgen action with their second round do or die knockout match against Rosenberg. The big man up top, Padovan, was a steady thorn in the side of our foes, forcing three efforts on goal before the game was won by his strike partner Stefano Beltrame, who pounced on an error by the opposing defence, rounded the keeper and scored his 7th goal of the season. The Norwegians did have a chance or three, hitting the post in the second half, but Baroni's troops held firm and now face a glamour tie in London in the quarter finals where they face Chelsea who reached this stage by beating Barcelona 0-2 in Spain.
Branescu
Untersee Rugano Magnusson
Laursen Kabashi Cavion Gerbaudo Ruggiero/Tavanti
Beltrame Padovan/ Bonatini
GOALS- Beltrame
(for reports of our previous matches head here> http://tearsforthesheep.com/forum/vi...c.php?f=5&t=96)
After the shock defeat in the primavera league to Genoa last weekend which ended an astonishing run of 12 consecutive victories, it was important to produce a solid showing against local rivals Torino in the derby. Coach Baroni opted, probably wisely, to rotate the squad, with yet another big game coming this week against perhaps an even more hated rival, Napoli, in none other than the primavera coppa italia final.
For the Torino grudge match, all three of the January additions to the squad played from the start (Pepic, Cevallos, Sakor)
JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Branescu; Bertinetti, Magnusson, Pol Garcia; Tavanti, Cevallos, Sakor, Pepic, Mattiello; Lanini, Bonatini.
GOALS- Padovan (pen)
Stefano Padovan - 10 goals in 13 matches.
The match started at a frenetic pace with both teams playing with aggression and intensity. Clearly the spirit of the turn derby is not lost on the youngsters. Albanian Elvis Kabashi was the first to make it into the ref's book for a scything challenge on Gatto. After 20 minutes the sides seemed to be cancelling each other out with only one shot by Juve striker Lanini to shout about. Soon after, 16 year old Vajebah Sakor won the ball in midfield, released our new Ecuadorian wizard, Cevallos, whose charge towards goal was thwarted by the defence. Positive signs from the Norwegian midfield dynamo, still so young yet mixing it well enough with player several years his senior. Unfortunately, Sakor was soon after involved in the move which brought Torino's goal, losing the ball which was then delivered into the centre for Coccolo to finish past a stranded Branescu. 22 minutes gone and a goal down. What would the reaction be of Baroni and his beastly boys???
Mattiello and Tavanti had efforts blocked before Bonatini almost scores a freak goal! Torino goalkeeper Gomis cleared the ball into the body of our Brazilian front man with the ball rebounding just over the bar. The second half trod a predictable path with Juve chasing the equalizer and Torino attempting to sit back, absorb our attacks and hit us on the break.
Coach Baroni saw red when protesting too vehemently against a foul on Kabashi and soon after he was banished, Tavanti was replaced by ace goal-poacher Padovan. It took the burly striker just over 10 minutes to make his mark on the game, slotting away the equalizing penalty after Sakor was brought down in the box.
Chaos then rules as Lanini applies the pressure, leading to a corner, the clearance from which ends with a debatable foul by Kabashi, but the ref has lost his mind, and instead sends Ceria for an early bath! A manager down, and now a player down, Juve fight onwards, always onwards with their oars beating fiercely against the tide...Sakor smashes one towards goal late on but its turned away. Surviving the late onslaught from Torino, Juve emerge from a strange match with a creditable 1-1 draw.
We remain comfortably top of the league,-
1st Juve 45 points from 20 games.
2nd Fiorentina 44 points from 21games
3rd Torino 41 points from 19 games.
Which brings us up to speed...but before I end this rather clunky update on youth affairs, let's preview the coppa final against Napoli...which kicks off this Wednesday at 845pm in Turin.
Napoli lie presently 4th in Girone C of the primavera leagues. (juve play in Girone A. The 42 primavera teams are divided into three leagues of 14, with 16 qualifying at the end of the season for the knock-out competition which produces the season victors). They have amassed 43 points from 21 games, with a goal difference of +23.
Juve league form WWWWLD
Napoli league form WLLWD
The most obvious threat from Napoli comes in the form of Roberto Insigne, who has plundered a fearsome 17 goals in 21 matches so far this campaign. We will need to be at our best to keep him quiet.
Forza Juve.
Alberto Masi seems to be gaining momentum at Ternana, following up his début last weekend with a full 90 minutes under his belt in the 0-0 draw with Spezia. After spending the first month of his loan move to the rossoverdi on the bench, the central defender who showed so much promise in his pre-season at Juve last year must now push on, cement his name in the starting XI and perform well enough to encourage a team in the top flight to take a chance on him next term. Still…at only 20 years of age, he has time on his side. I am just keen to see another Italian defender step up to the senior ranks in the coming years and we will likely have to wait longer to see how Rugani and Magnusson fare when playing with the seniors. With his side sitting in 15th, its still possible for Alberto to dream of the play-offs which are only 7 points away. Recent form, however, suggests the 3 points standing between Ternana and the trap-door are more of a pressing concern.
Gabriel Appelt continued to enjoy his return to first team action managing 53 minutes in Pro Vercelli’s disastrous but expected home defeat to Nicola Leali’s high flying in 11th Virtus Lanciano. The Brazilian midfielder put in a good shift until been hooked off in the 53rd minute with his Juve buddy Elio de Silvestro arriving late on in the game to make his 14th appearance of the season. Pro Vercelli find themselves further adrift of safety, with 10 points needed to catch Bari in 19th. An step too far for the newcomers to Serie B ,and we can only hope that they go down fighting for we need Gabriel to get as much work as possible as he bids to continue his development. On the other side of no-mans land, Nicola Leali continued his slow, steady march towards stardom. The goalkeeper said by many to be Buffon’s heir has made 26 appearances during the maiden serie B season of Virtus Lanciano. And surely there can be no doubt that come May, plenty of sides in the top flight will be eager to bring him into their ranks next season. Team-mate and former primavera golden boy Leonardo Spinazzola failed to add to his 7 starts for the season for the visitors.
22 year old wide midfielder Fausto Rossi started and finished Brescia’s annoying 1-1 draw with Novara. With Buoy once again in the treatment room, its encouraging to see Rossi flying the flag with pride in his absence. His contract is up in 2014 so it will be interesting to see what we do with him in the Summer. Brescia remain well placed for an assault on the top six, with our Dutch flair-merchant Buoy hopefully back in contention soon enough. Their opponents Novara are home to Albert Libertazzi, former prima punta star of the youth team who has managed a grand total of 17 minutes of the 2-0 coppa defeat to Fiorentina in August of last year coupled with two appearances on the bench since leaving the nest last year. Questions need to be asked…such as…if Libertazzi has no chance of playing at Novara, why did we not move him elsewhere in January? And…what the hell has happened to a player who was performing consistently well last season (9 goals in 14 games) and was earmarked for glory???
Sassuolo extended their dominance as Kings of the Castle, coming out on top in a 3-4 manic affair with Varese. It seems that Richmond 'Biggie’ Boakye is having some trouble regaining his spot in the free scoring league leaders attack since returning from his observer status at the African Cup of Nations with Ghana. Plenty of time left for the powerful striker to add to his 9 goals and 4 assists for the season.
SERIE A
Ciro Immobile v Apollo Creed
In the upper tier, Ciro Immobile continues to struggle at Genoa, forced to wait until the 59th minute before been called from the bench to play his part in the 0-2 home mauling by Milan. The striker’s team are now a mere 2 points away from the relegation scramble and yet still Ballardini seems unwilling to adopt a more adventurous line-up which is surely something to consider when goals are presently. so hard to come by. Over at Bologna, Freddy 'kruger’ Sorensen continues his fine form in the heart of defence starting and finishing the impressive 0-1 away victory over our arch rivals Inter Milan. Manolo Gabbiadini also played the whole match, making his 23rd appearance of the season.
PRIMAVERA
Last Thursday, our primavera returned to Nextgen action with their second round do or die knockout match against Rosenberg. The big man up top, Padovan, was a steady thorn in the side of our foes, forcing three efforts on goal before the game was won by his strike partner Stefano Beltrame, who pounced on an error by the opposing defence, rounded the keeper and scored his 7th goal of the season. The Norwegians did have a chance or three, hitting the post in the second half, but Baroni's troops held firm and now face a glamour tie in London in the quarter finals where they face Chelsea who reached this stage by beating Barcelona 0-2 in Spain.
Branescu
Untersee Rugano Magnusson
Laursen Kabashi Cavion Gerbaudo Ruggiero/Tavanti
Beltrame Padovan/ Bonatini
GOALS- Beltrame
(for reports of our previous matches head here> http://tearsforthesheep.com/forum/vi...c.php?f=5&t=96)
After the shock defeat in the primavera league to Genoa last weekend which ended an astonishing run of 12 consecutive victories, it was important to produce a solid showing against local rivals Torino in the derby. Coach Baroni opted, probably wisely, to rotate the squad, with yet another big game coming this week against perhaps an even more hated rival, Napoli, in none other than the primavera coppa italia final.
For the Torino grudge match, all three of the January additions to the squad played from the start (Pepic, Cevallos, Sakor)
JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Branescu; Bertinetti, Magnusson, Pol Garcia; Tavanti, Cevallos, Sakor, Pepic, Mattiello; Lanini, Bonatini.
GOALS- Padovan (pen)
Stefano Padovan - 10 goals in 13 matches.
The match started at a frenetic pace with both teams playing with aggression and intensity. Clearly the spirit of the turn derby is not lost on the youngsters. Albanian Elvis Kabashi was the first to make it into the ref's book for a scything challenge on Gatto. After 20 minutes the sides seemed to be cancelling each other out with only one shot by Juve striker Lanini to shout about. Soon after, 16 year old Vajebah Sakor won the ball in midfield, released our new Ecuadorian wizard, Cevallos, whose charge towards goal was thwarted by the defence. Positive signs from the Norwegian midfield dynamo, still so young yet mixing it well enough with player several years his senior. Unfortunately, Sakor was soon after involved in the move which brought Torino's goal, losing the ball which was then delivered into the centre for Coccolo to finish past a stranded Branescu. 22 minutes gone and a goal down. What would the reaction be of Baroni and his beastly boys???
Mattiello and Tavanti had efforts blocked before Bonatini almost scores a freak goal! Torino goalkeeper Gomis cleared the ball into the body of our Brazilian front man with the ball rebounding just over the bar. The second half trod a predictable path with Juve chasing the equalizer and Torino attempting to sit back, absorb our attacks and hit us on the break.
Coach Baroni saw red when protesting too vehemently against a foul on Kabashi and soon after he was banished, Tavanti was replaced by ace goal-poacher Padovan. It took the burly striker just over 10 minutes to make his mark on the game, slotting away the equalizing penalty after Sakor was brought down in the box.
Chaos then rules as Lanini applies the pressure, leading to a corner, the clearance from which ends with a debatable foul by Kabashi, but the ref has lost his mind, and instead sends Ceria for an early bath! A manager down, and now a player down, Juve fight onwards, always onwards with their oars beating fiercely against the tide...Sakor smashes one towards goal late on but its turned away. Surviving the late onslaught from Torino, Juve emerge from a strange match with a creditable 1-1 draw.
We remain comfortably top of the league,-
1st Juve 45 points from 20 games.
2nd Fiorentina 44 points from 21games
3rd Torino 41 points from 19 games.
Which brings us up to speed...but before I end this rather clunky update on youth affairs, let's preview the coppa final against Napoli...which kicks off this Wednesday at 845pm in Turin.
Napoli lie presently 4th in Girone C of the primavera leagues. (juve play in Girone A. The 42 primavera teams are divided into three leagues of 14, with 16 qualifying at the end of the season for the knock-out competition which produces the season victors). They have amassed 43 points from 21 games, with a goal difference of +23.
Juve league form WWWWLD
Napoli league form WLLWD
The most obvious threat from Napoli comes in the form of Roberto Insigne, who has plundered a fearsome 17 goals in 21 matches so far this campaign. We will need to be at our best to keep him quiet.
Forza Juve.
Glad you enjoyed it, Furino!
U19 coppa italia final 1st leg
Juventus 1 - 1 Napoli
Gerbaudo went close in the first few minutes, then Beltrame had a few good efforts in the first half when we were totally on top, restricting Napoli to just the one effort near to half time which Branescu comfortably parried. It was Ruggiero who launched the free kick into the box 2 minutes into the second period which Gerbaudo threw himself at, heading powerfully past the stranded Napoli keeper. Napoli came back at us aggressively, producing a string effort by the younger of the Inisgne brothers. Not long after, in the 65th minute, Tuttino left Untersee for dead then finished past Branescu from close range to make it 1-1. Kabashi had a decent effort late on...but the game ended 1-1.
It seems that Sakor gave a good showing, playing as an anchorman in front of the defence, tackling well with solid distrubution, Beltrame and Gerbaudo both played impressively, Mattiello and Kabashi livened things up when they came on in the 2nd half. In defence Magnusson was a rock, and Untersee must take the blame for the goal...Overall we owned the first half, should have been 3-0 up not 1-0 up by the time Napoli scored.
Baroni was content with the result. Suggesting that after dominating the first 45 minutes, then scoring the goal, the lads took a breather and were punished. With Rosenborg last week, the turin derby on Sunday, the coppa final last night and a trip this Sunday to face Chelsea in the Nextgen do or die quarter final, its a hectic schedule. After Sunday's gamethe primavera will have until Saturday to prepare for the second leg of the coppa final.
JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Branescu; Untersee, Magnusson, Rugani; Ruggiero, Cavion, Sakor, Gerbaudo, Laursen; Beltrame, Padovan.
SUBS- Mattielo for Laursen 54'
Kabashi for Sakor 62'
Lanini for Ruggiero 84'
GOAL- Gerbuado 47'
Attendance - 16172
U19 coppa italia final 1st leg
Juventus 1 - 1 Napoli
Gerbaudo went close in the first few minutes, then Beltrame had a few good efforts in the first half when we were totally on top, restricting Napoli to just the one effort near to half time which Branescu comfortably parried. It was Ruggiero who launched the free kick into the box 2 minutes into the second period which Gerbaudo threw himself at, heading powerfully past the stranded Napoli keeper. Napoli came back at us aggressively, producing a string effort by the younger of the Inisgne brothers. Not long after, in the 65th minute, Tuttino left Untersee for dead then finished past Branescu from close range to make it 1-1. Kabashi had a decent effort late on...but the game ended 1-1.
It seems that Sakor gave a good showing, playing as an anchorman in front of the defence, tackling well with solid distrubution, Beltrame and Gerbaudo both played impressively, Mattiello and Kabashi livened things up when they came on in the 2nd half. In defence Magnusson was a rock, and Untersee must take the blame for the goal...Overall we owned the first half, should have been 3-0 up not 1-0 up by the time Napoli scored.
Baroni was content with the result. Suggesting that after dominating the first 45 minutes, then scoring the goal, the lads took a breather and were punished. With Rosenborg last week, the turin derby on Sunday, the coppa final last night and a trip this Sunday to face Chelsea in the Nextgen do or die quarter final, its a hectic schedule. After Sunday's gamethe primavera will have until Saturday to prepare for the second leg of the coppa final.
JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Branescu; Untersee, Magnusson, Rugani; Ruggiero, Cavion, Sakor, Gerbaudo, Laursen; Beltrame, Padovan.
SUBS- Mattielo for Laursen 54'
Kabashi for Sakor 62'
Lanini for Ruggiero 84'
GOAL- Gerbuado 47'
Attendance - 16172
With a hotchpotch of internationals curtailing and colliding with the regular fixtures its a tricky time for pulling together streamlined reports of our finest youth talent, but try I must, for if I lose my rhythm now, momentum will be lost and with it, my up until now keen and constant eye cast firmly on the future in black and white jerseys.
Let us begin with a peek at one of my favourite acquisitions by Paratici and Beppe, from a fairly impressive selection they have brought to the club since embarking on the path of major revitalization of the flagging juventus youth sector.
Gabriel Appelt-
(Prior to signing for Juve, Gabriel was playing for Brazilian club Resende...Its an old video, yet still demonstrates his abilities)
Finally back in the swing of things and approaching the fine form of late 2012, the Brazilian regista has played every minute of the last three outings for struggling Pro Vercelli. The hard fought 0-1 away win over Padova was followed up with a devastating 2-3 home reverse to Brescia, but yesterday's huge 1-3 victory on the road against Spezia leaves the Serie B débutantes still within sight but not yet touching distance of salvation. 8 points separates them from the Spezia team they outplayed, out-muscled and outwitted, who despite the defeat sit in 19th position on 36 points. Pro Vercelli stay 21st on 28 points. With 9 games left to stave off the threat of damnation and relegation, Gabriel's unpredictable basement dwellers will need to hope that Spezia are devastated by the result, that their morale has started to sink, with infectious ever increasing weight on their hearts and souls, dragging them down, deeper and deeper into the mire.
What is useful for Gabriel and for us in turn as juventini all eager to see our young seedlings blossom into great oaks and vicious venus fly traps, is that the Brazilian has not only regained his form and starting spot very soon after returning from a nasty injury (fractured fibula), but he is receiving the added education and toughening up of a relegation dog fight. The longer Pro Vercelli can continue to smell an escape from the purgatory of their own making, the better for senor Appelt.
Played 16 (3 SUB appearances, 1 substitution)
Scored 1
Assists 2
NB. His fractured fibula kept him out of first team contention from 17th November - 26th January
Alberto Masi-
Alberto Masi - Future Juventus centre-back???
Its a good sign, as with Gabriel at Vercelli after his injury, that Masi, once finding himself in contention for a starting place at Ternana, has grabbed it and made it his own, putting in several rock solid performances over the last few weeks. The elegant centre back, likened to Nesta last year, has started and finished the last four for Ternana, a run which has seen them successfully achieve a quartet of clean sheets on the bounce. I suspect its more than a mere co-incidence that the run began with Masi's inclusion in the starting XI. His team reside in 12th spot with 40 points, 6 away from the play-off zone.
Its taken some time for Alberto to force his way onto the starting team-sheet, but now he appears set to stay put until the end of the season. Positive signs indeed. Much was written of the lanky stopper when we signed him outright in the summer of 2012 and his season must be seen as one of success and progress. He has made the step up from Lega Pro to Serie B football with confidence and quality, and its fair to wonder if his form this season will be enough to possibly win him a spot at a lower ranked Serie A team for next season. At 20 years old, another season in serie B wouldn't do him any harm...
Played 18 ( 2 SUB appearances, 1 substitution)
goals – 1
3 yellow
1 red
Seldom mentioned is a player who recently made his 18th appearance for the Italy U21 squad and has been enjoying a fine season with promotion chasing Brescia. 22 year old midfielder Fausto Rossi has been a consistent performer for both club and country and this season, it could be make or break for him in terms of a continued association with Juventus. His contract runs until the middle of 2014, but surely its time to make a decision on a player with obvious talent. Ideally, Brescia will gain promotion and be eager, after his 23 showings this season, to retain his services for their return to the top flight. Failing which, it seems likely that Fausto will be loaned, yet again, to another club in the second tier or used as a make-weight in a deal for a Serie A player. From our perspective, it can only be positive to see him continuing to turn out for the Azzurini, as well as playing a regular part in Brescia's charge towards the play-offs. As for Fausto himself, dreams of earning a call from Conte seem far-fetched at present and for the foreseeable future given the powerful state of our midfield.
Fausto has been deployed by Brescia coach Calori generally as one of three centre midfielders, sporadically placed further up the field in a more attacking role in the middle behind the two strikers, more often than not in a 3-5-2 formation. Which potentially suggests him as a viable option for our MVP region. But our MVP is now MVP/P, with Pogba already at the stage of development and potency which places him next in line for any of those 3 positions. Asamoah is also likely higher up the pecking order and more than able to play in the Marchiso or Vidals roles. Then there is Isla, who once back in form could be used in the middle. So where could young Fausto fit in??? As the back-up of the back-up for the back-up???
A huge challenge lies ahead if he is to make it back to piedmont...
Played 23 serie b ( 7 SUB appearances, 7 substitutions)
2 assists
Played 5 Italy u21 (2 SUB appearances, 1 substitution)
1 assist
I'm giving Leali a break...not due to a lack of information, but others deserve their time in the limelight for a change. Suffice to say, he has continued his VERY impressive form, although gave a silly penalty away recently which directly contributed to a defeat for Virtus Lanciano. He has much to learn, but what is clear now, week in, week out, is that he has extraordinary natural talent, is very vocal and commanding in his area, enjoys the cat-like reflexes so important in any top keeper, and all that he lacks is experience.
Following on from Rossi is another player seldom spoken of in Juve circles. A player who scored a beautiful goal at Old Trafford a couple of years back. (
At 21 years of age, Manuel Giandonato has represented Italy at every youth level, managed 8 games for Lecce in serie A, and is currently enjoying a solid spell at Cesena after putting in a good shift at Vicenza before his late January move. Swapping the dogfight at the bottom offered by Vicenza for the relative mid-table comfort of Cesena seems a wise choice and confirmation of his value in the midfield. For why else would Cesena have wanted a regular part of a failing team??? He likes to shoot and get involved in the attack as much as possible although is content and often used in front of the defence in a more defensive role.
The right footed central midfielder is facing a similar problem to that of Rossi, namely : is there ever going to be a chance for him at Juventus given the quality of the players in our squad presently occupying his position?.
Unfortunately, the best Manuel can hope for is progression to a team in Serie A next season, who will showcase his talents well enough to earn the attention of Conte. Even then, what of Pogba and Marchiso and Vidal and the rest??? Its pleasing to see him play well in a regista role, and the same can be said of Appelt, for if any part of the MVP midfield is to be up for grabs in the next year or three, its the Pirlo element. As things stand he will be fighting against Appelt and Buoy for the chance to get in the mix for the that role.
So far so good, a solid season of...
Appearances 22 (9 SUB appearances 8 Substitutions)
3 assists
1 goal
Our primavera team got back to winning ways in the league with a savage 1-5 mauling away to Parma. The big fella up top, Stefano Padovan, grabbed a hatrick with Ruggiero and Beltrame wrapping up what turned out to be a comprehensive slaughter and return to their devastating pre-viareggio form. Padovan now has a stunning record of 13 goals from 14 games, with his strike partner Beltrame in hot pursuit with 7 goals from 13 outings.
Gagliardi
Untersee Garcia Rugani
Cavion Gerbaudo Mattiello(Slivka 61') Ruggiero (Di Benedetto 81') Schiavone
Beltrame Padovan (Penna 72')
(3-5-2)
Goals-
Padovan 41', 63'(pen), 72'
Ruggiero 81'
Beltrame 85' (Pen)
With the second leg of the primavera coppa set for April 16 , contrary to earlier reports, the primavera now have a fairly open fixture list, which should allow us to regain a decent lead at the top of the league, gain some vicious momentum and allow some of our recent additions to the squad a chance to settle in more thoroughly. Cevallos and Pepic have hardly featured, but one of the new arrivals from January who has already caught the eye is …Vejabah Sakor.
I feel the need to offer a brief update on the slowly, but surely rising star of Mr. Sakor, who has recently played a captain's role in Norway U17's solid showing in the elite stage of the U17 European championships. Losing to Italy 1-0, edging past N. Ireland 2-1 and drawing their final group match 1-1 with Holland was only enough to place them 2nd in the table, meaning the end of the road.
At 16 years old he is captaining his country, gave a great showing in the Nextgen series for former club Rosenborg and has already managed 2 appearances for our U19 primavera outfit. We must keep an eye on the lad...There is something special about him. So young, yet so strong, both physically and technically.
(Previous reports can be found via the link in my signature)
Let us begin with a peek at one of my favourite acquisitions by Paratici and Beppe, from a fairly impressive selection they have brought to the club since embarking on the path of major revitalization of the flagging juventus youth sector.
Gabriel Appelt-
(Prior to signing for Juve, Gabriel was playing for Brazilian club Resende...Its an old video, yet still demonstrates his abilities)
Finally back in the swing of things and approaching the fine form of late 2012, the Brazilian regista has played every minute of the last three outings for struggling Pro Vercelli. The hard fought 0-1 away win over Padova was followed up with a devastating 2-3 home reverse to Brescia, but yesterday's huge 1-3 victory on the road against Spezia leaves the Serie B débutantes still within sight but not yet touching distance of salvation. 8 points separates them from the Spezia team they outplayed, out-muscled and outwitted, who despite the defeat sit in 19th position on 36 points. Pro Vercelli stay 21st on 28 points. With 9 games left to stave off the threat of damnation and relegation, Gabriel's unpredictable basement dwellers will need to hope that Spezia are devastated by the result, that their morale has started to sink, with infectious ever increasing weight on their hearts and souls, dragging them down, deeper and deeper into the mire.
What is useful for Gabriel and for us in turn as juventini all eager to see our young seedlings blossom into great oaks and vicious venus fly traps, is that the Brazilian has not only regained his form and starting spot very soon after returning from a nasty injury (fractured fibula), but he is receiving the added education and toughening up of a relegation dog fight. The longer Pro Vercelli can continue to smell an escape from the purgatory of their own making, the better for senor Appelt.
Played 16 (3 SUB appearances, 1 substitution)
Scored 1
Assists 2
NB. His fractured fibula kept him out of first team contention from 17th November - 26th January
Alberto Masi-
Alberto Masi - Future Juventus centre-back???
Its a good sign, as with Gabriel at Vercelli after his injury, that Masi, once finding himself in contention for a starting place at Ternana, has grabbed it and made it his own, putting in several rock solid performances over the last few weeks. The elegant centre back, likened to Nesta last year, has started and finished the last four for Ternana, a run which has seen them successfully achieve a quartet of clean sheets on the bounce. I suspect its more than a mere co-incidence that the run began with Masi's inclusion in the starting XI. His team reside in 12th spot with 40 points, 6 away from the play-off zone.
Its taken some time for Alberto to force his way onto the starting team-sheet, but now he appears set to stay put until the end of the season. Positive signs indeed. Much was written of the lanky stopper when we signed him outright in the summer of 2012 and his season must be seen as one of success and progress. He has made the step up from Lega Pro to Serie B football with confidence and quality, and its fair to wonder if his form this season will be enough to possibly win him a spot at a lower ranked Serie A team for next season. At 20 years old, another season in serie B wouldn't do him any harm...
Played 18 ( 2 SUB appearances, 1 substitution)
goals – 1
3 yellow
1 red
Seldom mentioned is a player who recently made his 18th appearance for the Italy U21 squad and has been enjoying a fine season with promotion chasing Brescia. 22 year old midfielder Fausto Rossi has been a consistent performer for both club and country and this season, it could be make or break for him in terms of a continued association with Juventus. His contract runs until the middle of 2014, but surely its time to make a decision on a player with obvious talent. Ideally, Brescia will gain promotion and be eager, after his 23 showings this season, to retain his services for their return to the top flight. Failing which, it seems likely that Fausto will be loaned, yet again, to another club in the second tier or used as a make-weight in a deal for a Serie A player. From our perspective, it can only be positive to see him continuing to turn out for the Azzurini, as well as playing a regular part in Brescia's charge towards the play-offs. As for Fausto himself, dreams of earning a call from Conte seem far-fetched at present and for the foreseeable future given the powerful state of our midfield.
Fausto has been deployed by Brescia coach Calori generally as one of three centre midfielders, sporadically placed further up the field in a more attacking role in the middle behind the two strikers, more often than not in a 3-5-2 formation. Which potentially suggests him as a viable option for our MVP region. But our MVP is now MVP/P, with Pogba already at the stage of development and potency which places him next in line for any of those 3 positions. Asamoah is also likely higher up the pecking order and more than able to play in the Marchiso or Vidals roles. Then there is Isla, who once back in form could be used in the middle. So where could young Fausto fit in??? As the back-up of the back-up for the back-up???
A huge challenge lies ahead if he is to make it back to piedmont...
Played 23 serie b ( 7 SUB appearances, 7 substitutions)
2 assists
Played 5 Italy u21 (2 SUB appearances, 1 substitution)
1 assist
I'm giving Leali a break...not due to a lack of information, but others deserve their time in the limelight for a change. Suffice to say, he has continued his VERY impressive form, although gave a silly penalty away recently which directly contributed to a defeat for Virtus Lanciano. He has much to learn, but what is clear now, week in, week out, is that he has extraordinary natural talent, is very vocal and commanding in his area, enjoys the cat-like reflexes so important in any top keeper, and all that he lacks is experience.
Following on from Rossi is another player seldom spoken of in Juve circles. A player who scored a beautiful goal at Old Trafford a couple of years back. (
At 21 years of age, Manuel Giandonato has represented Italy at every youth level, managed 8 games for Lecce in serie A, and is currently enjoying a solid spell at Cesena after putting in a good shift at Vicenza before his late January move. Swapping the dogfight at the bottom offered by Vicenza for the relative mid-table comfort of Cesena seems a wise choice and confirmation of his value in the midfield. For why else would Cesena have wanted a regular part of a failing team??? He likes to shoot and get involved in the attack as much as possible although is content and often used in front of the defence in a more defensive role.
The right footed central midfielder is facing a similar problem to that of Rossi, namely : is there ever going to be a chance for him at Juventus given the quality of the players in our squad presently occupying his position?.
Unfortunately, the best Manuel can hope for is progression to a team in Serie A next season, who will showcase his talents well enough to earn the attention of Conte. Even then, what of Pogba and Marchiso and Vidal and the rest??? Its pleasing to see him play well in a regista role, and the same can be said of Appelt, for if any part of the MVP midfield is to be up for grabs in the next year or three, its the Pirlo element. As things stand he will be fighting against Appelt and Buoy for the chance to get in the mix for the that role.
So far so good, a solid season of...
Appearances 22 (9 SUB appearances 8 Substitutions)
3 assists
1 goal
Our primavera team got back to winning ways in the league with a savage 1-5 mauling away to Parma. The big fella up top, Stefano Padovan, grabbed a hatrick with Ruggiero and Beltrame wrapping up what turned out to be a comprehensive slaughter and return to their devastating pre-viareggio form. Padovan now has a stunning record of 13 goals from 14 games, with his strike partner Beltrame in hot pursuit with 7 goals from 13 outings.
Gagliardi
Untersee Garcia Rugani
Cavion Gerbaudo Mattiello(Slivka 61') Ruggiero (Di Benedetto 81') Schiavone
Beltrame Padovan (Penna 72')
(3-5-2)
Goals-
Padovan 41', 63'(pen), 72'
Ruggiero 81'
Beltrame 85' (Pen)
With the second leg of the primavera coppa set for April 16 , contrary to earlier reports, the primavera now have a fairly open fixture list, which should allow us to regain a decent lead at the top of the league, gain some vicious momentum and allow some of our recent additions to the squad a chance to settle in more thoroughly. Cevallos and Pepic have hardly featured, but one of the new arrivals from January who has already caught the eye is …Vejabah Sakor.
I feel the need to offer a brief update on the slowly, but surely rising star of Mr. Sakor, who has recently played a captain's role in Norway U17's solid showing in the elite stage of the U17 European championships. Losing to Italy 1-0, edging past N. Ireland 2-1 and drawing their final group match 1-1 with Holland was only enough to place them 2nd in the table, meaning the end of the road.
At 16 years old he is captaining his country, gave a great showing in the Nextgen series for former club Rosenborg and has already managed 2 appearances for our U19 primavera outfit. We must keep an eye on the lad...There is something special about him. So young, yet so strong, both physically and technically.
(Previous reports can be found via the link in my signature)
With the end of season curtain finally appearing on the horizon and first team issues now solely focused upon retaining the scudetto with a handful of games to spare, its high time I returned to the subject of our youth prospects…rather than solely reporting on their various achievements I will run the rule over where I expect the most promising players to be found next season.
Gabriel Appelt-
The young Brazilian regista has enjoyed a solid season at the heart of the Pro Vercelli midfield. Two assists and a solitary goal may not appear impressive, yet he is naturally a defensive player and the fact that he has started twenty games in a position of great importance to any team is both worthy of praise and encouraging. Add into consideration the hairline fracture suffered in November, which kept him out of the starting line-up until the beginning of March and our cause for satisfaction gains weight and momentum. With 5 games left to play, Pro Vercelli are 9 points away from any chance of survival.
Season Rating – 7/10. Somewhat stunted by the injury issues, Gabriel has maintained the regista position whenever fit. A good showing for his first truly competitive outing in Italian football.
Where will he be next season?
The 19 year old will most likely be farmed out to another Serie B club, if not used in a co-ownership arrangement with a Serie A club. Of all the players owned by Juventus, there is a dearth of those who can play in the Pirlo role; sit in front of the defence, dictate the tempo of the game, offer a screen to the defence and act as a pivot for the team as a whole. Gabriel fits that mould.
Nicola Leali-
Signed from Brescia last Summer for $3.8m the explosive goalkeeper was loaned to Serie B newcomers, Virtus Lanciano. Making his 32nd start of the season in his side’s 1-1 draw with Ternana last weekend, Nicola’s star has continued to shine too brightly to ignore. Credit is due to the shot-stopper, who only recently turned 20, for playing a prominent role in consolidating Lanciano’s position in the second tier. Outstanding performances, incredible reflexes, berserker bravery and a tendency to roar from between the sticks, organize his defence with a rage and ferocity loosely reminiscent of the Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel.
There have been some blunders, as must be expected of one so young and inexperienced, but the results of wonderfully high standard of natural talent put to very busy use, make this season one of great achievement for Nicola. Having broken into the Italy U21 set-up and owned the starting jersey at Lanciano, the future looks superb for the 20 year old.
Season Rating - 9/10. Regularly astonishing.
Where will he be next season?
This kid is a phenomenon in the making. Its rare that I see a player at 20 years of age who already appears capable of denying an opposition single-handedly. Buffon does it now and then. Schmeichel used to do it often. Brad Friedel is the most modern example I can call to mind of goliaths between the sticks who on occasion, simply refuse to be beaten…It was a stroke of genius placing him at Lanciano, where he had a good chance of making the first team and would surely be bombarded with shots, game after game. He has stood up to the task like a Spartan.
The double save from the penalty against Reggina is one of many highlights of a campaign which more than confirms his talent at Serie B level and must surely push him into the welcome embrace of a Serie A team. …take a peek here>
It seems a shame to even consider a co-ownership, but it may be the surest way of seeing him play in Serie A next term. A loan would be ideal. He has more than earned an opportunity to fight for a starting jersey at Serie A level.
Alberto Masi
The elegant defender signed from Pro Vercelli last Summer, impressed in our pre-season showboating until finding himself back at Vercelli on loan for the start of their ill-fated Serie B journey. A regular star performer for the team he helped gain promotion in the 11/12 season, he hit the ground running, doing what he could to stem the vicious tide threatening to drown his team from the off! As with Appelt and Buoy (who I will mention in my next What Next? routine) Alberto’s season has been staggered due to injury. Spending most of December in the sick ward, the centre-back only featured once more for Vercelli before been transferred to mid-table Ternana in January. By the start of March he was fit and firing his way into the first XI.
In the 7 consecutive games he has played for Ternana from the first whistle, they have managed 6 clean sheets. His presence has been well and truly felt.
His side lie 6 points from the excitement of the play-offs. If Alberto stays fit, they may well find themselves in the end of season knockout mix.
Season Rating – 7.5
Where will he be next season?
If Ternana were to go up, why not leave him there? Failing which, another season in Serie B isn’t going to do his development any harm. At 20 years old, with an increasingly solid looking first season in the second tier under his belt, a few appearances at Italy U20 level to be pleased with, Alberto could happily maintain his progress as it presently stands and perhaps do enough to earn a move to a Serie A club in the 13/14 season. Not many 20 year old defenders get a chance at a top club. Bonucci was 21 when first truly making his name as a player of serious potential with Bari.
I will cover Boakye and our representatives in Serie A in the next chapter of Most Promising Juve Youngsters. For now, with a shiny piece of silverware still warm from the hands of our primavera hotshots, it seems a perfect juncture to redirect the spotlight onto several players from our own U19 outfit…
Two factors come into play when pondering the potential moves of the members of our primavera squad next season. Firstly, there is talent. If a player is excelling constantly, forcing his name on the team sheet to first choice in his role, then his chances of swiftly finding a loan/ co-own club are increased dramatically. As technically sound as our youth coaching may be. As influential as it could prove to be training at Vinovo, rubbing shoulders with a senior squad who are fast becoming the dominant force in Italy…Primavera experience ranks below first team exposure at Serie B level.
Our primavera squad is huge. 36 players have turned out for them so far this season. The competition is great but there is also the clear need to move players on to more competitive pastures as soon as seems reasonable to roll that dice.
The other factor is age.
Magnusson, Schiavone, Beltrame and Pepic are already 20. With Branescu, Untersee, Ruggiero, Kabashi, Padovan, Leo Bonatini, Padovan and Lanini 19. I expect them all to move on this summer, to make way for the next generation as much as to test themselves in more brutal wars.
Stefano Padovano-
16 goals in 16 primavera league matches. Comparably potent efforts in the Nextgen and primavera coppa winning tournament, Stefano has been in brilliant form. His height and physique make him ideal in the target man role and it will be very interesting to see how he fares once put against bigger, stronger men. That’s the next step. And with the goals flying in with alarming consistency this season, he won’t be short of suitors come May.
Season Rating – 9/10.
Where will he be next season?
I’d love to say Serie A, but looking at how our slightly older, more established youth prospects have been forced towards Genoa and Bologna in order to fight for first team action, its more reasonable to expect a chance for Stefano to blossom at a mid-table Serie B side.
Andrea Schiavone-
The defensive midfielder cum Captain has been a rock of consistency in the team’s charge towards primavera coppa victory and 1st place in the league along with qualification for the knockout stages with 3 games to spare. Part of the Italy U20 set-up and soon to find himself ineligible for the U19s, Andrea must move on. Calm in possession, tenacious in the tackle. Never likely to smash one in from 30 yards but reads the game well and screens the defence with admirable zeal.
Season Rating – 7/10
Where will he be next season?
Hopefully a mid-table Serie B team.
(http://juventusprimaveraandyouth.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/youth-spotlight-where-next-for-the-finest-of-our-youth/
Gabriel Appelt-
The young Brazilian regista has enjoyed a solid season at the heart of the Pro Vercelli midfield. Two assists and a solitary goal may not appear impressive, yet he is naturally a defensive player and the fact that he has started twenty games in a position of great importance to any team is both worthy of praise and encouraging. Add into consideration the hairline fracture suffered in November, which kept him out of the starting line-up until the beginning of March and our cause for satisfaction gains weight and momentum. With 5 games left to play, Pro Vercelli are 9 points away from any chance of survival.
Season Rating – 7/10. Somewhat stunted by the injury issues, Gabriel has maintained the regista position whenever fit. A good showing for his first truly competitive outing in Italian football.
Where will he be next season?
The 19 year old will most likely be farmed out to another Serie B club, if not used in a co-ownership arrangement with a Serie A club. Of all the players owned by Juventus, there is a dearth of those who can play in the Pirlo role; sit in front of the defence, dictate the tempo of the game, offer a screen to the defence and act as a pivot for the team as a whole. Gabriel fits that mould.
Nicola Leali-
Signed from Brescia last Summer for $3.8m the explosive goalkeeper was loaned to Serie B newcomers, Virtus Lanciano. Making his 32nd start of the season in his side’s 1-1 draw with Ternana last weekend, Nicola’s star has continued to shine too brightly to ignore. Credit is due to the shot-stopper, who only recently turned 20, for playing a prominent role in consolidating Lanciano’s position in the second tier. Outstanding performances, incredible reflexes, berserker bravery and a tendency to roar from between the sticks, organize his defence with a rage and ferocity loosely reminiscent of the Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel.
There have been some blunders, as must be expected of one so young and inexperienced, but the results of wonderfully high standard of natural talent put to very busy use, make this season one of great achievement for Nicola. Having broken into the Italy U21 set-up and owned the starting jersey at Lanciano, the future looks superb for the 20 year old.
Season Rating - 9/10. Regularly astonishing.
Where will he be next season?
This kid is a phenomenon in the making. Its rare that I see a player at 20 years of age who already appears capable of denying an opposition single-handedly. Buffon does it now and then. Schmeichel used to do it often. Brad Friedel is the most modern example I can call to mind of goliaths between the sticks who on occasion, simply refuse to be beaten…It was a stroke of genius placing him at Lanciano, where he had a good chance of making the first team and would surely be bombarded with shots, game after game. He has stood up to the task like a Spartan.
The double save from the penalty against Reggina is one of many highlights of a campaign which more than confirms his talent at Serie B level and must surely push him into the welcome embrace of a Serie A team. …take a peek here>
It seems a shame to even consider a co-ownership, but it may be the surest way of seeing him play in Serie A next term. A loan would be ideal. He has more than earned an opportunity to fight for a starting jersey at Serie A level.
Alberto Masi
The elegant defender signed from Pro Vercelli last Summer, impressed in our pre-season showboating until finding himself back at Vercelli on loan for the start of their ill-fated Serie B journey. A regular star performer for the team he helped gain promotion in the 11/12 season, he hit the ground running, doing what he could to stem the vicious tide threatening to drown his team from the off! As with Appelt and Buoy (who I will mention in my next What Next? routine) Alberto’s season has been staggered due to injury. Spending most of December in the sick ward, the centre-back only featured once more for Vercelli before been transferred to mid-table Ternana in January. By the start of March he was fit and firing his way into the first XI.
In the 7 consecutive games he has played for Ternana from the first whistle, they have managed 6 clean sheets. His presence has been well and truly felt.
His side lie 6 points from the excitement of the play-offs. If Alberto stays fit, they may well find themselves in the end of season knockout mix.
Season Rating – 7.5
Where will he be next season?
If Ternana were to go up, why not leave him there? Failing which, another season in Serie B isn’t going to do his development any harm. At 20 years old, with an increasingly solid looking first season in the second tier under his belt, a few appearances at Italy U20 level to be pleased with, Alberto could happily maintain his progress as it presently stands and perhaps do enough to earn a move to a Serie A club in the 13/14 season. Not many 20 year old defenders get a chance at a top club. Bonucci was 21 when first truly making his name as a player of serious potential with Bari.
I will cover Boakye and our representatives in Serie A in the next chapter of Most Promising Juve Youngsters. For now, with a shiny piece of silverware still warm from the hands of our primavera hotshots, it seems a perfect juncture to redirect the spotlight onto several players from our own U19 outfit…
Two factors come into play when pondering the potential moves of the members of our primavera squad next season. Firstly, there is talent. If a player is excelling constantly, forcing his name on the team sheet to first choice in his role, then his chances of swiftly finding a loan/ co-own club are increased dramatically. As technically sound as our youth coaching may be. As influential as it could prove to be training at Vinovo, rubbing shoulders with a senior squad who are fast becoming the dominant force in Italy…Primavera experience ranks below first team exposure at Serie B level.
Our primavera squad is huge. 36 players have turned out for them so far this season. The competition is great but there is also the clear need to move players on to more competitive pastures as soon as seems reasonable to roll that dice.
The other factor is age.
Magnusson, Schiavone, Beltrame and Pepic are already 20. With Branescu, Untersee, Ruggiero, Kabashi, Padovan, Leo Bonatini, Padovan and Lanini 19. I expect them all to move on this summer, to make way for the next generation as much as to test themselves in more brutal wars.
Stefano Padovano-
16 goals in 16 primavera league matches. Comparably potent efforts in the Nextgen and primavera coppa winning tournament, Stefano has been in brilliant form. His height and physique make him ideal in the target man role and it will be very interesting to see how he fares once put against bigger, stronger men. That’s the next step. And with the goals flying in with alarming consistency this season, he won’t be short of suitors come May.
Season Rating – 9/10.
Where will he be next season?
I’d love to say Serie A, but looking at how our slightly older, more established youth prospects have been forced towards Genoa and Bologna in order to fight for first team action, its more reasonable to expect a chance for Stefano to blossom at a mid-table Serie B side.
Andrea Schiavone-
The defensive midfielder cum Captain has been a rock of consistency in the team’s charge towards primavera coppa victory and 1st place in the league along with qualification for the knockout stages with 3 games to spare. Part of the Italy U20 set-up and soon to find himself ineligible for the U19s, Andrea must move on. Calm in possession, tenacious in the tackle. Never likely to smash one in from 30 yards but reads the game well and screens the defence with admirable zeal.
Season Rating – 7/10
Where will he be next season?
Hopefully a mid-table Serie B team.
(http://juventusprimaveraandyouth.wordpress.com/2013/04/20/youth-spotlight-where-next-for-the-finest-of-our-youth/
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