Sports FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015 Juventus needs a point to start title party MILAN: One point is all Juventus needs. Even if second-place Lazio beats Atalanta on Sunday, a draw against Sampdoria on Saturday would leave Juventus 12 points clear with four matches remaining and the better head-to-head record. Sealing the title would be the first step of a possible treble for Juventus, which also faces Real Madrid in the Champions League semifinals and will play Lazio in the Italian Cup final. “Our goal is in sight, let’s go and get what we deserve Saturday and then we’ll try and follow dreams which are even more beautiful,” Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said on Twitter. Allegri faces a difficult decision on whether to rest some players this weekend, with the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Also, Roma hosts Genoa on Sunday, with the capital side hoping to remain in the Champions League spots, while a resurgent Napoli welcomes AC Milan, which could have a new coach and a new owner. Here are some things to know about this weekend’s games: SAME OLD JUVE Juventus was rocked when Antonio Conte quit in the offsea- son and further stunned when he was replaced by Allegri, who had been fired by AC Milan several months earlier and appeared to be the antithesis of the beloved former coach. However, little has changed in the league as Juventus is once again storming to the title, while Allegri has steered Juventus into the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2003. “Allegri has given us a lot,” said Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who is also the team’s captain. “He inherited a great MEMPHIS: Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez shoots against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33), of Spain, group, with good moral values and skills, a very difficult job was in the second half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball Western Conference playoff series Wednesday, in Memphis, Tenn. The made easier. Whoever would have taken Conte’s place would Grizzlies won 99-93 to win the series 4-1. —AP have found a very arduous path.” TEVEZ ON FIRE Grizzlies beat Blazers to One of the main orchestrators of Juventus’ success this season has been Carlos Tevez. The Argentine scored another two goals on Wednesday to help Juventus to a 3-2 win over Fiorentina and take his tally to a league-leading 20 Serie A goals, 28 in all compe- seal place in semifinals titions. Tevez has been transformed into a leader on and off the field, a far cry from his arrival two years ago when he was per- MEMPHIS: The Memphis Grizzlies secured a recovers from surgery to repair broken bones Aldridge said. “That’s disappointing for us. ceived as a risky signing following a bad time at Manchester City, berth in the NBA Western Conference semifi- near his left eye. We know that this team is a lot better than which had seen him suspended for refusing to come on as a sub- nals by beating Portland 99-93 on Courtney Lee scored 20 points for what we played. I’m mad about going home stitute. “He’s fantastic,” Buffon said. “From the start of the season Wednesday, completing a 4-1 series victory Memphis, Zach Randolph had 16 and Jeff so early.” Atlanta won 107-97 at home against he’s helped us win games. He’s dragging us to the title. We’ll be over the Trail Blazers. Green added 10 off the bench. C.J. McCollum Brooklyn to take the upper hand in a 1st vs. forever grateful.” Tevez could be playing his last few matches for Five of the final eight teams in the playoffs led Portland with a career-high 33 points. 8th series that’s closer than most expected. Al Juventus. There is speculation that he could return to Boca have now been decided, while Atlanta took a Damian Lillard had 22 points, and LaMarcus Horford shook off the discomfort of a dislo- Juniors, although the forward insists he has not decided yet 3-2 lead over Brooklyn in one of the three Aldridge had 14 before fouling out late as cated finger and flew around the court in the whether he will do so this year or next. first-round series which are yet to be settled. they combined to shoot 13 of 37. The Trail fourth quarter when it looked like Brooklyn Memphis’ Marc Gasol had 26 points and Blazers lost in the first round for the seventh was on the verge of bouncing all the way ALL CHANGE AT MILAN 14 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies was thrilled time in their past eight postseasons after back from an early 17-point deficit. In the AC Milan could travel to Napoli with a different person in with the victory, and the chance for three reaching the West semifinals last year. final minute, Jeff Teague darted into the lane charge of the team amid reports Filippo Inzaghi is set to be fired. days off before the conference semifinals for a couple of baskets that sealed another Milan was expected to wait until the end of the season to against Golden State which starts Sunday. DOUBLE DIGITS hard-fought victory. Horford and Teague replace Inzaghi - who is in his first season of management - with a “It feels great to have a little time off to do “The season was going to be a very special both finished with 20 points.The Hawks can more experienced coach but could act sooner after Wednesday’s some things around the house,” the Spaniard season,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said. wrap up the series with a victory in Brooklyn 3-1 loss at home to Genoa. said. “I’m going to have a little time to be with “Unfortunately some things didn’t turn out today, but the eighth-seeded Nets seem “I never quit. I’ll go forward with my head held high because I my little girl. It’s actually great to be home.” In the way we wanted to.” Memphis led only 68- intent on taking it to the limit. have given my all,” Inzaghi said. “The club will reflect on things the West semifinals for the third time in five 66 at the end of the third, and the game was Alan Anderson led the Nets with 23 points and take the best decision for Milan. We will know soon. years, the Grizzlies realize it’s time to go fur- tied 72-72 before Carter put the Grizzlies off the bench. Jarrett Jack added 18 as the Whatever happens Milan will remain in my heart.” Youth team ther. “We wanted to go get the job done ahead to stay with a fadeaway jumper. Brooklyn backups totally dominated Atlanta’s coach Cristian Brocchi could take over for the final five matches now, get some days of rest to get ready for Aldridge got the Trail Blazers within 76-75 reserves. of the season. —AP the next tough series,” Vince Carter said. “This with a three-point play before Memphis went DeMarre Carroll scored 24 points, pushing is just a warm-up for the next one, and the on a 9-0 run, pushing its lead back to double the Hawks out to a big lead. But the Nets, as next one and the next one.” Memphis closed digits. they did in each of the first two games in it out despite not having point guard Mike “We’re one of the top offensive teams in Atlanta, came back to make it another close Conley for a second straight game as he the league, and we never felt that rhythm,” one. — AP Chelsea poised to celebrate first title in five years LONDON: Chelsea have been accused of first league title since Carlo Ancelotti led recognise what we are,” he told Sky Sports. being boring but they will not mind one bit them to the double in 2010. With a 13-point “I know exactly what we are. We are what if they beat Crystal Palace at Stamford lead at the top, Mourinho is within touching every team would like to be.” Arsenal, in Bridge on Sunday to win the Premier distance of a third league championship at third, remain the only side who can mathe- League title for the first time in five years. Stamford Bridge after back-to-back tri- matically catch the leaders, having five Jose Mourinho’s side were jeered by umphs in 2005 and 2006 during his first games left to play to Chelsea’s four. Arsene Arsenal fans during last weekend’s 0-0 draw stint in charge. Wenger’s team, who face a resurgent Hull after a season in which they have been dev- And with the champagne on ice, the City on Monday, are level on 67 points with TURIN: Juventus’ Argentinian forward Alberto Carlos astatingly effective but occasionally short Portuguese coach is not worried about what last season’s champions and second place Tevez (C) who scored, celebrates with teammates after on sparkle. A 3-1 win against Leicester City people are saying about his team. “I know Manchester City, who have played a game their victory 3-2 after the Italian Serie A football match on Wednesday, however, means the what I feel in relation to my work in the past extra and travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Juventus Vs Fiorentina Wednesday at the “Juventus London club are three points away from a two years, I don’t need other people to Sunday.