Coppa Italia - Match Preview: Juventus FC vs Catania Calcio
Dark days in Turin
Juventus, after a summer of heavy transfer activity, started the season brightly. Even though Bianconeri lost to AS Bari and US Palermo in early goings, the likes of Milos Krasic and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fabio-Quagliarella-c13194 hit their stride. Juventus finished the year 2010 on
a high note, and were sitting third in the league going into the New Year.
Lady Luck however had other plans. Fabio Quaglieralla’s season has ended prematurely and Juve are desperately hunting for an adequate replacement. Even though January transfer window is still open, Bianconeri will be hard-pressed looking for a quality forward.
With goals drying up, Juve have succumbed to consecutive defeats in the league, and are a mammoth nine points behind league leaders AC Milan. Coppa Italia would thus be a welcome distraction.
Catania faring no better
While Bianconeri are struggling in the league, Catania aren’t having a joy ride either. Four defeats from their last five outings and Catania are banished to bottom half of the table, just three points above the relegation zone.
Catania have conceded six goals in their last two games. Marco Giampaolo desperately needs to address his defence. With league survival being the priority, Catania will not be focusing on the Coppa Italia. A trip to Stadio Olimpico, Turin, is always a tough
fixture, and Giampaolo has no reasons to be optimistic.
''Our main priority this season is to avoid the drop. We will try to honour the Coppa Italia and play well against Juventus. We played well against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 and although we accept the defeat, we didn't deserve to lose.''
Team News
Juventus FC
This game will mark the return of legendary goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Luca-Toni-c22526’s availability
is subject to a last minute fitness test.
Luigi Del Neri will deploy a 4-4-2 formation that will see Luca Toni and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alessandro-Del-Piero-c4726 lead the Bianconeri lines.
Catania Calcio
Marco Giampaolo will be delighted to have a clean bill of health for this game. Catania will also use a 4-4-2 formation that will see http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Giuseppe-Mascara-c15024 lead the Sicilian charge.
Key Players
Milos Krasic
The Serbian winger has been an instant hit in Turin. Bianconeri livewire has taken many a defence to school with his wing wizardry. With Krasic struggling for form, it’s hardly a surprise that Juve have slipped in the league rankings. This game will present
the Serb with an ideal opportunity to rediscover his sizzling early season form.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mariano-c23890 Andujar
The 27-year-old custodian will be heavily tested by a wounded Bianconeri outfit. Catania have conceded 24 goals in the league season thus far and another beating is on the cards. The goalkeeper will have to perform beyond his abilities to rescue a point
for the Etnei.
Prediction
Juventus have a far superior team on paper but recent results have left a lot to be desired. With Catania only playing for pride, Juventus will be favourites on the day. Old Lady of Italian football will eke out a hard-fought 2 – 0 victory at home.
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