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Serie A 2015.02.23 Fixtures
Serie A 2015.02.23 Fixtures
Napoli Vs Sassuolo
Cagliari Vs Inter
Napoli Vs Sassuolo
Cagliari Vs Inter
Ow machan meh sare thamai 3rd & 4th place walata hodama fight 1ka yanne
Top4 walata mara gamek yanawa.3rd place & 7 place 4point gap ekak thyenne
Kattiya lassanata lineup wela thiyanawa 1 point gap 1kak thiyala48,47,46,45,44
Ow machan meh sare thamai 3rd & 4th place walata hodama fight 1ka yanne
48,47,46,45,44
big matches play karana widiya anuwa 3rd & 4th decide weyi
It would take three top stars to replace Pogba - Tacchinardi
Juventus are in "dire need" of Paul Pogba and should not sell him unless they are able to buy three world-class players with the money, according to former defensive midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi.
The 21-year-old is reportedly being courted by Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and others after developing into one of the best central midfielders in the world.
His agent Mino Raiola proclaimed that a €100 million bid would be needed to prize Pogba away fro Turin, where he moved in 2012 from Manchester United.
Tacchinardi compared Pogba's potential exit to when Juventus sold Zinedine Zidane for a then-world record fee of €59m before using the funds to buy world-class trio Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved.
"Juve have dire need of Pogba, just like they do of Carlos Tevez," he told Tuttosport. "When you take them out the team, the whole team suffers.
"You don't win games with the Tacchinardis of this world, but with those like Zidane. At just 21 years old, Pogba's already doing stellar things and the fact that he is linked to figures like €100m just increases the pressure.
"If Juventus can get enough money to buy three top players, selling him may be okay. Otherwise they should keep him, because it's impossible to play the 'Sell Zidane, buy Buffon, Thuram and Nedved' card nowadays.
"In 10 years, Pogba will be written into the history of world football. If I were to sell Pogba, I would do so reluctantly."Ahead of Juve hosting Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, Tacchinardi is hoping that Massimiliano Allegri's men are prepared enough to avoid a repeat of the 1997 final defeat - a match in which he played.
"The Bianconeri will have to limit mistakes on set pieces and counterattacks, where Dortmund are devastating," he added. "I hope that, after the mockery of 1997, fate will play its part.
"I know the ferocity with which Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli wants to return to the highest level. In terms of history, tradition, stadium and results, Juventus are behind only Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid."
Juventus are in "dire need" of Paul Pogba and should not sell him unless they are able to buy three world-class players with the money, according to former defensive midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi.
The 21-year-old is reportedly being courted by Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and others after developing into one of the best central midfielders in the world.
His agent Mino Raiola proclaimed that a €100 million bid would be needed to prize Pogba away fro Turin, where he moved in 2012 from Manchester United.
Tacchinardi compared Pogba's potential exit to when Juventus sold Zinedine Zidane for a then-world record fee of €59m before using the funds to buy world-class trio Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved.
"Juve have dire need of Pogba, just like they do of Carlos Tevez," he told Tuttosport. "When you take them out the team, the whole team suffers.
"You don't win games with the Tacchinardis of this world, but with those like Zidane. At just 21 years old, Pogba's already doing stellar things and the fact that he is linked to figures like €100m just increases the pressure.
"If Juventus can get enough money to buy three top players, selling him may be okay. Otherwise they should keep him, because it's impossible to play the 'Sell Zidane, buy Buffon, Thuram and Nedved' card nowadays.
"In 10 years, Pogba will be written into the history of world football. If I were to sell Pogba, I would do so reluctantly."Ahead of Juve hosting Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, Tacchinardi is hoping that Massimiliano Allegri's men are prepared enough to avoid a repeat of the 1997 final defeat - a match in which he played.
"The Bianconeri will have to limit mistakes on set pieces and counterattacks, where Dortmund are devastating," he added. "I hope that, after the mockery of 1997, fate will play its part.
"I know the ferocity with which Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli wants to return to the highest level. In terms of history, tradition, stadium and results, Juventus are behind only Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid."
Aguero can be Manchester City’s Messi against Barcelona, says Kompany
Vincent Kompany has warned Barcelona that Sergio Aguero can be Manchester City's Lionel Messi "for a day" ahead of the two sides’ Champions League clash.
The Premier League champions welcome Luis Enrique's side to the Etihad on Tuesday with their striker hitting form, having scored three goals in his last two games.
Barcelona knocked City out of the tournament 4-1 on aggregate last season, with Aguero missing the first leg due to injury, but Kompany is backing him to impress.
"Aguero could be our Messi for a day, although Messi is amazing every day, in every game: two, three goals!" he told Marca.
"Messi's consistency is what makes him Messi, the same as [Cristiano] Ronaldo."
City have never reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League but Kompany says it is time his team made an impact in Europe's top competition."We're up against a Barcelona team who, in theory, are better than us and who we have to beat by being... better," he added.
"We can't just survive against them. We have to be better on the night. At some point, this club has to step up in Europe and beat the best."Barcelona head into the game on the back of a shock Liga defeat to Malaga, and Kompany has urged City to attack the Spanish side.
"We have to play our usual game," he added. "That's how we won two titles last season, and we have to bring our 'A game' against Barcelona, outdo ourselves. We won't beat them by sitting back and waiting to see what happens."
Vincent Kompany has warned Barcelona that Sergio Aguero can be Manchester City's Lionel Messi "for a day" ahead of the two sides’ Champions League clash.
The Premier League champions welcome Luis Enrique's side to the Etihad on Tuesday with their striker hitting form, having scored three goals in his last two games.
Barcelona knocked City out of the tournament 4-1 on aggregate last season, with Aguero missing the first leg due to injury, but Kompany is backing him to impress.
"Aguero could be our Messi for a day, although Messi is amazing every day, in every game: two, three goals!" he told Marca.
"Messi's consistency is what makes him Messi, the same as [Cristiano] Ronaldo."
City have never reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League but Kompany says it is time his team made an impact in Europe's top competition."We're up against a Barcelona team who, in theory, are better than us and who we have to beat by being... better," he added.
"We can't just survive against them. We have to be better on the night. At some point, this club has to step up in Europe and beat the best."Barcelona head into the game on the back of a shock Liga defeat to Malaga, and Kompany has urged City to attack the Spanish side.
"We have to play our usual game," he added. "That's how we won two titles last season, and we have to bring our 'A game' against Barcelona, outdo ourselves. We won't beat them by sitting back and waiting to see what happens."
Monaco warn Arsenal: We beat you last summer
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has fired a warning shot at Champions League last 16 opponents Arsenal by reminding them they were beaten at the Emirates Stadium in pre-season.
After being Paris Saint-Germain's main competition in Ligue 1 in the previous campaign, the departures of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao - and a lack of replacement signings - hit Monaco hard.
However, after a torrid start to the season, the principality club have bounced back and sit fourth in Ligue 1, although they are still 11 points adrift of table-toppers Lyon.
After topping their Champions League group, Monaco were drawn against Arsene Wenger's Gunners in the last 16 and, ahead of Wednesday's first leg, Vasilyev has reminded them of the result in the Emirates Cup last summer, where they won 1-0.
"There is a lot of history between these two clubs," the Stade Louis II chief told L'Equipe . "We both had Wenger coach us, [Thierry] Henry played for both of us.
"We enjoyed a good result at the Emirates last summer, too, when we won 1-0. Now, in a competitive game, we have nothing to lose.
"We want to show that we have young players and that our team has no fear. They're capable of rising to a high level – the project here isn't dead as people claimed earlier this season.
"The pressure is on Arsenal, who have been unable to get past the last 16 in recent seasons."Vasilyev also confirmed that Leonardo Jardim - who took over from axed coach Claudio Ranieri last summer - wants to remain at Monaco beyond this campaign.
"On Thursday, over lunch, Jardim told me he wants to stay beyond this season," he added. "He's settled in very well here. He likes it in Monaco and so do his family.
"There is an option for 2016-17, but it's too early to talk about it."Experienced midfielder Jeremy Toulalan's contract runs out this summer and Vasilyev confirmed that Monaco have made the Frenchman an offer and are awaiting his decision.
"I hope he extends his deal," the club chief continued. "He is essential for our team. We've offered him a new deal and now the ball is in his court."Toulalan will miss the clash with Arsenal this week due to suspension.
Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev has fired a warning shot at Champions League last 16 opponents Arsenal by reminding them they were beaten at the Emirates Stadium in pre-season.
After being Paris Saint-Germain's main competition in Ligue 1 in the previous campaign, the departures of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao - and a lack of replacement signings - hit Monaco hard.
However, after a torrid start to the season, the principality club have bounced back and sit fourth in Ligue 1, although they are still 11 points adrift of table-toppers Lyon.
After topping their Champions League group, Monaco were drawn against Arsene Wenger's Gunners in the last 16 and, ahead of Wednesday's first leg, Vasilyev has reminded them of the result in the Emirates Cup last summer, where they won 1-0.
"There is a lot of history between these two clubs," the Stade Louis II chief told L'Equipe . "We both had Wenger coach us, [Thierry] Henry played for both of us.
"We enjoyed a good result at the Emirates last summer, too, when we won 1-0. Now, in a competitive game, we have nothing to lose.
"We want to show that we have young players and that our team has no fear. They're capable of rising to a high level – the project here isn't dead as people claimed earlier this season.
"The pressure is on Arsenal, who have been unable to get past the last 16 in recent seasons."Vasilyev also confirmed that Leonardo Jardim - who took over from axed coach Claudio Ranieri last summer - wants to remain at Monaco beyond this campaign.
"On Thursday, over lunch, Jardim told me he wants to stay beyond this season," he added. "He's settled in very well here. He likes it in Monaco and so do his family.
"There is an option for 2016-17, but it's too early to talk about it."Experienced midfielder Jeremy Toulalan's contract runs out this summer and Vasilyev confirmed that Monaco have made the Frenchman an offer and are awaiting his decision.
"I hope he extends his deal," the club chief continued. "He is essential for our team. We've offered him a new deal and now the ball is in his court."Toulalan will miss the clash with Arsenal this week due to suspension.
Cagliari 1-2 Inter: Kovacic & Icardi fire Mancini's men to third successive Serie A win
Inter's surge towards the European places continued on Monday as they moved into sixth in Serie A with a 2-1 win at struggling Cagliari.
After a largely frustrating season, Roberto Mancini's men have hit their stride in recent weeks and secured a third straight win with a disciplined performance in Sardinia.Mateo Kovacic opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a composed strike from just inside the area.Cagliari spurned a number of clear-cut opportunities to equalise and were made to pay as Mauro Icardi made it 2-0 with his 19th goal of the season in the 68th minute.
Icardi has been one of Inter's brightest sparks this season and he again lit up this contest, cutting in from the right and curling a fierce shot beyond Zeljko Brkic in the Cagliari goal.
On-loan Inter forward Samuele Longo pulled one back for Cagliari with a deflected strike from long range six minutes later but, despite coming under significant pressure in the closing stages, the visitors hung on to maintain their recent momentum.
Despite the win, Mancini may be concerned over the form of January signing Lukas Podolski, who remains without his first Inter goal after spurning a string of first-half chances.
Podolski broke free on the counter 20 minutes in and cleverly wrong-footed two defenders in the box but dawdled on the ball when one-on-one with the goalkeeper and his eventual cross was turned off target by Marcelo Brozovic.The German then headed wide at the near post before Brozovic's low shot was well saved by Brkic, with Icardi's close-range follow-up blocked.
For all Inter's possession and relative control of the game, they would have fallen behind in the 36th minute if not for a strong piece of defending from Davide Santon.
The on-loan Newcastle United defender cleared off the line after goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo could only deflect Duje Cop's point-blank effort into his path.Inter continued to dictate matters, but their frustration was encapsulated when Podolski nodded a Fredy Guarin delivery over the crossbar.
But the visitors' persistence paid off shortly after the restart as Kovacic slotted home with a cool side-foot finish after Cagliari had failed to deal with a long ball into the box.
Cagliari responded well, however they could not take advantage of some extremely haphazard Inter defending, Andrea Cossu unable to capitalise on Nemanja Vidic's error before Carrizo denied Paul-Jose M'Poku and substitute Longo.
And Cagliari's profligacy was punished by Icardi, who looked to have made the game safe by finding the top-left corner in wonderful fashion.Longo frayed the nerves of his parent club as his low effort was allowed to sneak into the bottom corner by Carrizo.
But Inter were rarely troubled, Hernanes even rattling the crossbar with the last kick of the game, and move within four points of their next league opponents, fifth-place Fiorentina.
Inter's surge towards the European places continued on Monday as they moved into sixth in Serie A with a 2-1 win at struggling Cagliari.
After a largely frustrating season, Roberto Mancini's men have hit their stride in recent weeks and secured a third straight win with a disciplined performance in Sardinia.Mateo Kovacic opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a composed strike from just inside the area.Cagliari spurned a number of clear-cut opportunities to equalise and were made to pay as Mauro Icardi made it 2-0 with his 19th goal of the season in the 68th minute.
Icardi has been one of Inter's brightest sparks this season and he again lit up this contest, cutting in from the right and curling a fierce shot beyond Zeljko Brkic in the Cagliari goal.
On-loan Inter forward Samuele Longo pulled one back for Cagliari with a deflected strike from long range six minutes later but, despite coming under significant pressure in the closing stages, the visitors hung on to maintain their recent momentum.
Despite the win, Mancini may be concerned over the form of January signing Lukas Podolski, who remains without his first Inter goal after spurning a string of first-half chances.
Podolski broke free on the counter 20 minutes in and cleverly wrong-footed two defenders in the box but dawdled on the ball when one-on-one with the goalkeeper and his eventual cross was turned off target by Marcelo Brozovic.The German then headed wide at the near post before Brozovic's low shot was well saved by Brkic, with Icardi's close-range follow-up blocked.
For all Inter's possession and relative control of the game, they would have fallen behind in the 36th minute if not for a strong piece of defending from Davide Santon.
The on-loan Newcastle United defender cleared off the line after goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo could only deflect Duje Cop's point-blank effort into his path.Inter continued to dictate matters, but their frustration was encapsulated when Podolski nodded a Fredy Guarin delivery over the crossbar.
But the visitors' persistence paid off shortly after the restart as Kovacic slotted home with a cool side-foot finish after Cagliari had failed to deal with a long ball into the box.
Cagliari responded well, however they could not take advantage of some extremely haphazard Inter defending, Andrea Cossu unable to capitalise on Nemanja Vidic's error before Carrizo denied Paul-Jose M'Poku and substitute Longo.
And Cagliari's profligacy was punished by Icardi, who looked to have made the game safe by finding the top-left corner in wonderful fashion.Longo frayed the nerves of his parent club as his low effort was allowed to sneak into the bottom corner by Carrizo.
But Inter were rarely troubled, Hernanes even rattling the crossbar with the last kick of the game, and move within four points of their next league opponents, fifth-place Fiorentina.
Messi never asked Barcelona to sign Aguero - Bartomeu
Lionel Messi did not ask Barcelona to sign Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero or to sack coach Luis Enrique, according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Ahead of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday with the Premier League champions, talk has surfaced over the Calatans' alleged former interest in Aguero, with his Argentina team-mate Messi reportedly having pushed for a deal last summer.
However, Bartomeu insists that suggestions Messi tried to convince the club to sign Aguero over Luis Suarez are untrue, while refuting lingering reports that the Barca No.10 wanted Luis Enrique kicked out in January after their falling-out.
"Messi has never asked me to sign Aguero," he told Radiogaceta Sports. "The Luis Enrique reports are false, too. Leo never asked me to sack him, and he never asked anyone on the board, either."
Jeremy Mathieu broke the club's silence on the matter of Messi and Luis Enrique a few weeks ago, confirming a row between the duo due to a training-ground incident.
Though he accepted an argument happened, Bartomeu believes that the atmosphere remains harmonious within Camp Nou - a suggestion backed up by their 11 straight wins before Saturday's shock home defeat to Malaga.
"The reported dressing room argument did happen," he added. "I work with the two of them - a team with new members can have problems engaging, but they're constantly improving."
Barca travel to Man City for the first leg of their Champions League tie this week, with the second leg at Camp Nou - four days before a Clasico with Real Madrid - on March 18.
Lionel Messi did not ask Barcelona to sign Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero or to sack coach Luis Enrique, according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Ahead of their Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday with the Premier League champions, talk has surfaced over the Calatans' alleged former interest in Aguero, with his Argentina team-mate Messi reportedly having pushed for a deal last summer.
However, Bartomeu insists that suggestions Messi tried to convince the club to sign Aguero over Luis Suarez are untrue, while refuting lingering reports that the Barca No.10 wanted Luis Enrique kicked out in January after their falling-out.
"Messi has never asked me to sign Aguero," he told Radiogaceta Sports. "The Luis Enrique reports are false, too. Leo never asked me to sack him, and he never asked anyone on the board, either."
Jeremy Mathieu broke the club's silence on the matter of Messi and Luis Enrique a few weeks ago, confirming a row between the duo due to a training-ground incident.
Though he accepted an argument happened, Bartomeu believes that the atmosphere remains harmonious within Camp Nou - a suggestion backed up by their 11 straight wins before Saturday's shock home defeat to Malaga.
"The reported dressing room argument did happen," he added. "I work with the two of them - a team with new members can have problems engaging, but they're constantly improving."
Barca travel to Man City for the first leg of their Champions League tie this week, with the second leg at Camp Nou - four days before a Clasico with Real Madrid - on March 18.
Vidal: Dortmund's shocking season could work against Juventus
Arturo Vidal fears that Borussia Dortmund's shocking season so far could work against Juventus in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg.
Dortmund travel to Turin having endured an appalling first half of 2014-15 in the Bundesliga, with three successive wins having only recently lifted Jurgen Klopp's side off the bottom of the table.
Vidal does not think the threat of the 2012-13 Champions League finalists has been dulled, though, and highlighted the speed and technical ability that he thinks Dortmund still possess in abundance.
"Dortmund's league woes make them even more dangerous, because they will be focusing their efforts on the Champions League," the Chilean midfielder told Kicker.
"They'll want to show that their Bundesliga place doesn't represent their enormous quality and is merely a deceptive snapshot. It will be a tough one for us.
"The strength of Klopp's team isn't individual players, but the unity of the team, the pressing game they play out, their superior technique on the ball and the crazy pace they show."Serie A's standing on the continent has been in stark decline in recent years, with former Inter chief Massimo Moratti the latest to suggest Italian football is a long way behind the best in Europe.Vidal, however, does not agree.
"In Italy, defence - and, more specifically, the tactical preparation of the teams - is much more important than in Germany," the former Bayer Leverkusen man added.
"In Serie A even small teams are hard to beat; in this sense it is the hardest league in Europe."Vidal also said Juve boast one of the top three midfields in the world in himself, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, though he admitted it would be great to add Marco Reus to their options in attack.
"Juve's midfield is definitely in the top three out there, but now we have to prove it on the field in the Champions League," he added. "This year we have a duty to do better.
"If I could sign any Dortmund player it would be Reus. He's a really great footballer. But he just signed a renewal with Dortmund..."The Serie A champions host BVB in Turin this week before returning to Signal Iduna Park on March 18 for the second leg.
Arturo Vidal fears that Borussia Dortmund's shocking season so far could work against Juventus in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg.
Dortmund travel to Turin having endured an appalling first half of 2014-15 in the Bundesliga, with three successive wins having only recently lifted Jurgen Klopp's side off the bottom of the table.
Vidal does not think the threat of the 2012-13 Champions League finalists has been dulled, though, and highlighted the speed and technical ability that he thinks Dortmund still possess in abundance.
"Dortmund's league woes make them even more dangerous, because they will be focusing their efforts on the Champions League," the Chilean midfielder told Kicker.
"They'll want to show that their Bundesliga place doesn't represent their enormous quality and is merely a deceptive snapshot. It will be a tough one for us.
"The strength of Klopp's team isn't individual players, but the unity of the team, the pressing game they play out, their superior technique on the ball and the crazy pace they show."Serie A's standing on the continent has been in stark decline in recent years, with former Inter chief Massimo Moratti the latest to suggest Italian football is a long way behind the best in Europe.Vidal, however, does not agree.
"In Italy, defence - and, more specifically, the tactical preparation of the teams - is much more important than in Germany," the former Bayer Leverkusen man added.
"In Serie A even small teams are hard to beat; in this sense it is the hardest league in Europe."Vidal also said Juve boast one of the top three midfields in the world in himself, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, though he admitted it would be great to add Marco Reus to their options in attack.
"Juve's midfield is definitely in the top three out there, but now we have to prove it on the field in the Champions League," he added. "This year we have a duty to do better.
"If I could sign any Dortmund player it would be Reus. He's a really great footballer. But he just signed a renewal with Dortmund..."The Serie A champions host BVB in Turin this week before returning to Signal Iduna Park on March 18 for the second leg.
Lippi: Reus a danger but Juventus still favourites against Dortmund
Marcello Lippi has warned Juventus that they cannot afford to switch off for a split-second around Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus, but the former Bianconeri boss still feels that his old team have what it takes to win their Champions League last-16 tie wth the Bundesliga outfit.
Lippi, who is now director of football at Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande, believes Juve could not be in better shape going into Tuesday's first-leg clash in Turin but is nonetheless advising caution.
"Mentally, Juventus are in the best condition ever," the 66-year-old told Goal. "They have a nine-point advantage over Roma and we can say that they have no competitors in Serie A.
"But I'm sure we’ll see a careful, concentrated, motivated team. Juventus have what it takes to beat Borussia Dortmund – the stadium, the players, the atmosphere.
"Football can always confound predictions, but in my opinion Juventus are favourites. Of course, they must treat BVB with respect and prudence."Some bookmakers have Dortmund as favourites for the tie, even though last season's Bundesliga runners-up found themselves in a relegation battle for the first half of their current domestic campaign.
They have since turned a corner with three wins in a row, but Lippi does not feel their league form reflected their true ability, and pointed to Reus as a player capable of producing something out of nothing at any moment.
"Despite their recent poor form, BVB have regained shape and enthusiasm.They're definitely back to their usual level. Juventus must be careful of their very fast counter-attacks," Lippi added."They have some good individuals, like Marco Reus who is a very gifted player, able to strike at any time. Juventus should be careful defensively, accurate in possession and play with great pace."
Lippi won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and claimed the World Cup with Italy 10 years later. He has also triumphed in Asia’s premier club competition, winning the AFC Champions League with Guangzhou in 2013.
While something of an expert on titles – 18 at club level and one with the national team – Lippi claimed there was no "recipe" for success, but a series of factors that combine to foster the perfect team.
"First of all you need strong players, as they make the difference on the pitch. Then, you need many other things, but in my opinion it makes no sense to talk about a 'recipe'.
"The Champions League is a special tournament, but your performance may be influenced by your shape, injuries, suspensions and some luck of course.
"Those are the factors that can lead to a UCL triumph. And, of course, you need a mentally and technically strong group first."
Marcello Lippi has warned Juventus that they cannot afford to switch off for a split-second around Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus, but the former Bianconeri boss still feels that his old team have what it takes to win their Champions League last-16 tie wth the Bundesliga outfit.
Lippi, who is now director of football at Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande, believes Juve could not be in better shape going into Tuesday's first-leg clash in Turin but is nonetheless advising caution.
"Mentally, Juventus are in the best condition ever," the 66-year-old told Goal. "They have a nine-point advantage over Roma and we can say that they have no competitors in Serie A.
"But I'm sure we’ll see a careful, concentrated, motivated team. Juventus have what it takes to beat Borussia Dortmund – the stadium, the players, the atmosphere.
"Football can always confound predictions, but in my opinion Juventus are favourites. Of course, they must treat BVB with respect and prudence."Some bookmakers have Dortmund as favourites for the tie, even though last season's Bundesliga runners-up found themselves in a relegation battle for the first half of their current domestic campaign.
They have since turned a corner with three wins in a row, but Lippi does not feel their league form reflected their true ability, and pointed to Reus as a player capable of producing something out of nothing at any moment.
"Despite their recent poor form, BVB have regained shape and enthusiasm.They're definitely back to their usual level. Juventus must be careful of their very fast counter-attacks," Lippi added."They have some good individuals, like Marco Reus who is a very gifted player, able to strike at any time. Juventus should be careful defensively, accurate in possession and play with great pace."
Lippi won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and claimed the World Cup with Italy 10 years later. He has also triumphed in Asia’s premier club competition, winning the AFC Champions League with Guangzhou in 2013.
While something of an expert on titles – 18 at club level and one with the national team – Lippi claimed there was no "recipe" for success, but a series of factors that combine to foster the perfect team.
"First of all you need strong players, as they make the difference on the pitch. Then, you need many other things, but in my opinion it makes no sense to talk about a 'recipe'.
"The Champions League is a special tournament, but your performance may be influenced by your shape, injuries, suspensions and some luck of course.
"Those are the factors that can lead to a UCL triumph. And, of course, you need a mentally and technically strong group first."
Ander Herrera hopes to become a Manchester United legend in the mould of Paul Scholes after a steady start to his career in England.
With two goals in his last two appearances the 25-year-old is beginning to show the form that convinced United to bring him to the club in June, but he says there is plenty more to come.
Herrera has set his sights on emulating Scholes' achievements at United, where he scored 155 goals in 718 appearances after making his debut in 1994.
"Paul Scholes is maybe the biggest midfielder in United history," he told the Manchester Evening News.
"I want to be Ander Herrera, [but] I want to learn things from Paul Scholes, things from Michael Carrick, things from Wayne Rooney.
"I wish one day, I can be so important to the fans, but I have to work very, very hard for that.
"But, I am 25 years old, I have to learn a lot from my team-mates, [and] from great players like Paul Scholes and I want to learn."
The Spanish midfielder moved to Old Trafford from Athletic Bilbao and has scored five goals in 18 appearances in all competitions, though injuries have seen his first-team chances limited.
"When the manager wants me to play I am going to be ready to play," he added. "When the manager wants me to help from the bench, I am going to be ready also.
"Because I am a Manchester United player, I am a professional. I feel lucky because I play for Manchester United and I am going to help the club and the team always.
"Of course, everyone wants to play but we have 25 players or more, maybe. It is not easy to play for Manchester United but I work for that. I like to play, I like to help the team but I like, even more, to win games."
Silva makes the biggest difference for Manchester City, says Pique
Gerard Pique believes David Silva will make the biggest impact for Manchester City in Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Silva heads into the first leg of the last-16 tie following an impressive an impressive display in City’s 5-0 win over Newcastle United where he provided a superb assist for Edin Dzeko’s goal before scoring twice in the second half.
“I think he’s the player who makes the biggest difference in the team. Not just in attack but in midfield,” Pique told reporters.
“He generates so many chances, the way he passes the ball, drives the ball and scores goals, we’re talking about a top player, he has a brutal technical quality.”
Yaya Toure will miss Tuesday’s fixture through suspension and Pique feels City will feel the Ivory Coast international’s absence.
“He’s a very, very important player, he played here for Barca so we know all about him. At Manchester City he is showing his attacking potential,” said the Barcelona centre-back.
"He has so much quality. I was looking at some statistics on television and when he is out, you definitely notice the difference."
Gerard Pique believes David Silva will make the biggest impact for Manchester City in Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Barcelona.
Silva heads into the first leg of the last-16 tie following an impressive an impressive display in City’s 5-0 win over Newcastle United where he provided a superb assist for Edin Dzeko’s goal before scoring twice in the second half.
“I think he’s the player who makes the biggest difference in the team. Not just in attack but in midfield,” Pique told reporters.
“He generates so many chances, the way he passes the ball, drives the ball and scores goals, we’re talking about a top player, he has a brutal technical quality.”
Yaya Toure will miss Tuesday’s fixture through suspension and Pique feels City will feel the Ivory Coast international’s absence.
“He’s a very, very important player, he played here for Barca so we know all about him. At Manchester City he is showing his attacking potential,” said the Barcelona centre-back.
"He has so much quality. I was looking at some statistics on television and when he is out, you definitely notice the difference."
Manchester United must qualify for Champions League, admits Mata
Juan Mata insists it is “crucial” for Manchester United to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.
The Red Devils currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League but Tottenham, Liverpool and Southampton are all no more than three points behind Louis van Gaal’s side.
"There are still a lot of games to go. We are in a race to win the FA Cup so we will try to win it because it's been a long time since the club won it and it's something very important for us.
"Obviously it's crucial for us to get into the top four at the end of the Premier League season,” Mata told Sky Sports News.
"Right now, we are facing a crucial moment in the Premier League. Obviously the last 10 games are very important and we also have the FA Cup tie against Arsenal.
"It will be difficult but I think we have to do it because it is an important moment and we have to perform."
United slipped to a 2-1 defeat away to Swansea City last Saturday but Van Gaal’s men remain just a point behind Arsenal, who they meet in the FA Cup sixth round on March 9.
"It's true that it wasn't a good game for us, although I think we played in their half and in the second period we were close to scoring the second goal," said the midfielder.
"But we didn't and when you play for Manchester United, everyone is expecting the best from you, to play well and to win - but obviously this is not very easy to do. We are trying to do it because the fans deserve something good."
UEFA Champions League 2015.02.24 Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures
UEFA Champions League 2015.02.24 Round of 16 1st Leg Fixtures
Manchester City Vs Barcelona
Juventus Vs Dortmund
Juventus 2-1 Borussia Dortmund: Tevez and Morata give hosts the advantage
Juventus will take a narrow advantage into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Borussia Dortmund following a 2-1 victory in Turin.
This was the first meeting between the teams since the 1997 final, which Dortmund won 3-1 to snatch the trophy from then defending champions Juve, but it was the Serie A outfit who dictated play for the most part on Tuesday.
Carlos Tevez pounced on some clumsy goalkeeping from Roman Weidenfeller to give Juve a deserved lead in the 13th minute, and it was another defensive mishap that led to Dortmund's equaliser five minutes later.
Marco Reus stole in to penalise a Giorgio Chiellini stumble with a composed finish, but Alvaro Morata struck two minutes from the break to earn Juve a narrow advantage heading into the return leg in three weeks' time.The result means Juve have now gone 47 games unbeaten at home in all competitions - last tasting defeat to Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich in April 2013.
Ciro Immobile returned from illness to lead the Dortmund line against his former club and fired an early warning signal when a shot from distance strayed just off target.
The visitors also boasted Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as part of a menacing attacking line-up, while Juve brought in fresh defensive legs in the shape of Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner - promoted from the bench following Friday's 2-1 Serie A victory over Atalanta.
It was the hosts who broke the deadlock after 13 minutes.Morata - added to the Juve attack along with Arturo Vidal - had the beating of his man on the left of the penalty area, and goalkeeper Weidenfeller could only push the Spaniard's low cross into the path of a grateful Tevez for a simple finish.The lead lasted just five minutes, though, with Reus capitalising on a Chiellini slip to stroll through one-on-one with Gianliugi Buffon and coolly slot home.
Dortmund were forced into a change as the clock ticked past the half-hour mark when Lukasz Piszczek felt the full force of a Paul Pogba sliding challenge.The momentum of the half was interrupted and Andrea Pirlo was next to limp from the field, with Roberto Pereyra coming on in his place after 37 minutes.
That setback did not knock Juve off their stride, though, with Morata diverting home a Pogba cross three minutes from half-time.
Morata blazed over from six yards out seven minutes into the second half, although the linesman's flag had already been raised for offside, and Weidenfeller thwarted another Juve chance from a Claudio Marchisio corner with Leonardo Bonucci closing in soon after.
Immobile turned in the box to remind Buffon of the danger posed by Dortmund's attackers with a low strike in the 56th minute, but it was Juve who continued to pose the bigger threat, with Tevez sending an effort trickling wide of the left-hand post with 20 minutes to go.
The Argentine stung the palms of Weidenfeller again and Pereyra sent the ball agonisingly wide of the right-hand post before time was up, but Juve had to sette for a one-goal advantage, while Dortmund may be satisfied with Reus' potentially crucial away goal.
Juventus will take a narrow advantage into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Borussia Dortmund following a 2-1 victory in Turin.
This was the first meeting between the teams since the 1997 final, which Dortmund won 3-1 to snatch the trophy from then defending champions Juve, but it was the Serie A outfit who dictated play for the most part on Tuesday.
Carlos Tevez pounced on some clumsy goalkeeping from Roman Weidenfeller to give Juve a deserved lead in the 13th minute, and it was another defensive mishap that led to Dortmund's equaliser five minutes later.
Marco Reus stole in to penalise a Giorgio Chiellini stumble with a composed finish, but Alvaro Morata struck two minutes from the break to earn Juve a narrow advantage heading into the return leg in three weeks' time.The result means Juve have now gone 47 games unbeaten at home in all competitions - last tasting defeat to Dortmund's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich in April 2013.
Ciro Immobile returned from illness to lead the Dortmund line against his former club and fired an early warning signal when a shot from distance strayed just off target.
The visitors also boasted Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as part of a menacing attacking line-up, while Juve brought in fresh defensive legs in the shape of Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner - promoted from the bench following Friday's 2-1 Serie A victory over Atalanta.
It was the hosts who broke the deadlock after 13 minutes.Morata - added to the Juve attack along with Arturo Vidal - had the beating of his man on the left of the penalty area, and goalkeeper Weidenfeller could only push the Spaniard's low cross into the path of a grateful Tevez for a simple finish.The lead lasted just five minutes, though, with Reus capitalising on a Chiellini slip to stroll through one-on-one with Gianliugi Buffon and coolly slot home.
Dortmund were forced into a change as the clock ticked past the half-hour mark when Lukasz Piszczek felt the full force of a Paul Pogba sliding challenge.The momentum of the half was interrupted and Andrea Pirlo was next to limp from the field, with Roberto Pereyra coming on in his place after 37 minutes.
That setback did not knock Juve off their stride, though, with Morata diverting home a Pogba cross three minutes from half-time.
Morata blazed over from six yards out seven minutes into the second half, although the linesman's flag had already been raised for offside, and Weidenfeller thwarted another Juve chance from a Claudio Marchisio corner with Leonardo Bonucci closing in soon after.
Immobile turned in the box to remind Buffon of the danger posed by Dortmund's attackers with a low strike in the 56th minute, but it was Juve who continued to pose the bigger threat, with Tevez sending an effort trickling wide of the left-hand post with 20 minutes to go.
The Argentine stung the palms of Weidenfeller again and Pereyra sent the ball agonisingly wide of the right-hand post before time was up, but Juve had to sette for a one-goal advantage, while Dortmund may be satisfied with Reus' potentially crucial away goal.
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