Juventus coach Antonio Conte has called on the club’s fans to play a big part when they host Lyon in Thursday’s Europa League clash in Turin. The Italian champions take a slender one-goal lead into the second leg of their quarter-final tie after Leonardo Bonucci’s late strike earned them victory in France. Conte knows, though, that the tie remains very much alive, with Lyon unbeaten in the competition until last week. He said: “This tie is far from over. Lyon have great players in attack. “I hope to see a packed Juventus Stadium and that our fans make their voices heard to push the team forward. “We need the crowd to rise to the big occasion. We want to be in the semi-final.
“It would be great to reach the last four, for Italian football as well as for Juve.” Lyon can expect a stern test at the Juventus Stadium, the venue for this year’s final. Juve, who lead the Serie A standings with an eight-point advantage over Roma, have been dominant at home this campaign. They have won all 16 of their league matches in Turin, including Monday’s 2-0 triumph over Livorno. Moreover, Conte’s side is unbeaten at home in Europe since falling 2-0 to Bayern Munich in April 2013. Lyon travel to Italy on the back of Sunday’s 2-1 triumph at Valenciennes which lifted Remi Garde’s side to fifth in Ligue 1.
Les Gones are still missing half of their regular starting XI through injury but are confident they can overturn the tie. “We have to believe we can do it,” Lyon midfielder Maxime Gonalons said. “But it will be very tough. “We need to score and then see what happens afterwards. “Anything is possible in football and Lyon have already turned around worse situations in the past.” Carlos Tevez will lead Juve’s attack with the Argentinian striker eager to score his first European goal since April 2009. The hosts also welcome back midfielder Arturo Vidal from suspension.
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The Iberian peninsula’s grip on the Europa League will loosen if Juventus and Basel can make good on first-leg victories and reach the semi-finals of Europe’s second-tier tournament. Juventus’ 1-0 first-leg win at Lyon provides the cushion of an away goal for the Serie A champions at their home stadium, where the final will be held on May 14. Basel trounced Valencia 3-0 to travel to Spain with a big lead, while Benfica and Porto both secured 1-0 victories for the Portuguese clubs to be in control of their series. Portuguese leader Benfica welcomes AZ Alkmaar while Porto travels to Sevilla with the confidence of knowing three of the past four winners of the competition have come from Spain or Portugal.
HOME SWEET HOME: Juventus has been unbeatable at home this season and will expect to continue that record following its 1-0 first-leg win at Lyon. A 2-0 victory over Livorno on Monday marked Juve’s 16th win in 16 Serie A home matches this season, matching the record set by city rival Torino in 1947-48. Juventus is undefeated at home in its other three competitions this season as it hones in on a third consecutive Italian title with an eight-point lead over Roma. It just has to be sure it reaches the Europa League final, next. “We want to get into a European semi-final,” Juventus coach Antonio Conte said. “We need the support of our fans, from now until the end of the season.”
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CHELSEA are reportedly willing to sacrifice David Luiz as they look for a long-term replacement for Frank Lampard. Reports suggest that Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal could be at the top of their wish list, with Football Direct News claiming that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is eyeing a move for the 26-year-old Chilean playmaker, who has racked up 28 goals and 17 assists in 94 appearance for the Old Lady. And with Luiz’s opportunities limited this season, speculation is rife that he could become a possible makeweight in a potential deal with the Serie A side to entice Antonio Conte to part with his star man.
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Team of the week by Soccer Soul reporter Haytham Mohammed
GK – Rafael (Verona): His saves and calmness were instrumental to secure a long awaited derby win against neighbours Chievo.
Defender – Luca Antei (Sassuolo): A strange thing having a Sassuolo defender in the team of the week ! but it’s not Antei’s first appearance, this time helping Sassuolo stop the winning streak of Atalanta with a solid defensive performance in the “Atleti d’Azzurri”.
Defender – Gonzalo (Fiorentina): Gave security and assurance to the Viola’s defence, and his powerful Penalty kick was so good that it had the approval of Penalty specialist G. Rossi !
Defender – Giuseppe Biava (Lazio): Formed a solid partnership with Cana at the backline, and held his own well despite playing with a man less during most of the second half, to earn Lazio a vital three points.
Defender – Mattia Cassani (Parma): The bearded right back had a positive showing against Napoli, always on the attack, which led to him assisting Parolo’s sole goal.
Midfield – Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina): It’s simple, when he’s on form, Fiorentina is as well. Scored with a long ranger, but it’s his skills & pace that made the difference for the Viola against Udinese.
Midfield – Andrea Pirlo (Juventus): A “bossy” game for the maestro, had no trouble marshalling the field against Livorno, as Juve moved away once more from Roma.
Forward – Mauro Icardi (Inter): Silenced his critics with a double, the second goal especially was a beauty to watch, still, it wasn’t enough to snatch the Nerazzurri from their misery.
Forward – Nicola Sansone (Sassuolo): The ex-Parma star was on the mark twice as he showed good instincts & speed to take down Atalanta.
Forward – Fernando Llorente (Juventus): “Lion King” practically took the three points home for Juventus in just three minutes with a well taken brace. it’ll be harsh for him not to go to Brazil !
Forward – Mattia Destro (AS Roma): Another striker who is building a strong case to go to Brazil too, this time scoring a hat trick against Cagliari , showing all his “poacher” skills, though Cesare Prandelli won’t be so forgiving as the referee at the punch he aimed at Astori !
