25 November 2017
OLD LADY LOOKING TO GAIN GROUND
Last time out in Serie A, Juve fell to Sampdoria 3-2 in Genoa after, goals from Duvan Zapata, Luca Torreira and Gian Marco Ferrari gave the hosts a commanding lead. However, Juve fought back and late efforts from Gonzalo Higuain from the spot and Paulo Dybala set up a grandstand finish, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be for the Bianconeri.
Now, after a hard-fought draw against Barcelona in the Champions League midweek, they turn their attentions back to domestic matters and attempting to close the gap on Napoli at the top of the table, who currently hold a four-point advantage.
CROTONE IMPROVING
Last season Crotone dramatically ensured their Serie A survival on the final day of the season, after beating Lazio 3-1 at home.
I Pitagorici are faring better than they were this time last year, as they currently occupy 15th place in the table on 12 points, compared to the previous season where they were in last place. This term, despite a slow start with no wins in their first five matches, their form has now improved, as they then beat Benevento 2-0 to pick up their first win of the campaign, and have since followed it up with important wins against Fiorentina and Bologna. Last time out they were downed by Genoa 1-0 at home, after a first half goal from Luca Rigoni.
Crotone’s summer signings included the re-signing of striker Marcello Trotta on loan from Sassuolo, and Juventus’ own, Rolando Mandragora also on a temporary acquisition.
LAST TIME VS CROTONE
Juventus were triumphant in both home and away fixtures last season against the Calabrians, in what was their maiden campaign in Serie A. Second half goals from Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain gave the Bianconeri a 2-0 victory in the first encounter back in February away from home.
Then the two sides locked horns on the penultimate day of the season, in which Juventus were able to seal a 35th Scudetto at the Allianz Stadium, after goals from Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Alex Sandro handed the hosts a 3-0 win.
#JUVECROTONE MATCHSTATS
- Juventus have scored in their last 42 Serie A games and are only one game away from matching their own Serie A record of 43, which they set from February 2013-March 2014.
- Crotone have only ever managed to keep a clean sheet in one away match in Serie A in 25 games played.
- The Bianconeri have lost the least aerial duels in this campaign (99), whilst Crotone have lost the most (235).
- I Pitagorici have the worst pass completion rate in the league with 69%.
- No team has conceded more headed goals this campaign than Crotone (five).* *
- Juventus have been in the lead longer than any other team (594 minutes).
- Crotone have been behind for the longest this season (356 minutes).* *
- Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain have scored 20 goals combined in Serie A so far this season, more than 13 teams’ total.
- Dybala has had the most successful dribbles in the league with 36.* *
- Marcello Trotta has been involved in five goals (two goals, three assists) in his last six appearances.* *
- Ante Budimir has scored three goals in his last three appearances.
- Federico Bernardeschi previously spent time on loan at Crotone in 2013/14, playing 38 matches and scoring 12 goals.
