Football Update: Serie A Preview- Udinese vs. Juventus
Juventus in disarray
Juventus had a miserable campaign last year. Not being able to achieve a Champions league spot has to be a disaster for a club of Juventus’ status. Even after hefty transfer spending of 77 million Euros, the results thus far have been disappointing.
Juventus lost 1 -0 to Bari on match day 1. There was a distinct lack of creativity. The attacking department was an improvement against Sampdoria the following match day but the defence is shipping in goals with worrying consistency. Juventus drew 3 – 3
against Sampdoria and the pattern continued again in the Champions league. Juventus conceded three again in their Europa league fixture against Lech Poznan. A concern for the Bianconeri hierarchy is the fact that Juventus conceded a hat trick against a lowly
team at home.
Juventus need to get their act straight if they are to get back their champions league spot. Anything less than a win will have the alarm bells ringing at Turin.
Same old for Udinese
Udinese only have their skipper, Antonio Di Natale, for saving them the humiliation of relegation last season. The skipper was in inspired form as he scored twenty eight goals to top the Capocannonieri charts. His goal tally for the season was a new club
record, surpassing that of club legend Olivier Bierhoff.
Udinese have started this season with two defeats in two matches. Their opening day home defeat to Genoa was followed by a defeat against reigning champions Inter Milan.
Udinese face fellow strugglers Juventus at home with both sides desperately needing a win. A win here would be a huge confidence boost for the side.
Team News
Udinese
Damiano Ferronetti, Andrea Coda, Dusan Basta, and German Denis are unavailable for the Zebrette. Relief for Udinese as none of these players are in the starting eleven. Nonetheless, the Coach will want his team fit for the duration of the season for squad
depth.
Expected formation and Probable Lineup
Coach Francesco Guidolin prefers an attacking 3-4-3 with an attacking trident of Di Natale, Sanchez and Floro Flores. Much will depend on midfield general Gokhan Inler. The much sought after talented Swiss will look to dominate the midfield against Marchisio
and co.
Probable lineup (3-4-3): Samir Handanovic, Mehdi Benatia, Christian Zapata, Maurizio Domizzi, Mauricio Isla, Gokhan Inler, Kwadwo Asamoah, Giovanni Pasquale, Alexis Sanchez, Antonio Floro Flores, Antonio Di Natale
Juventus FC
Juventus have a long list of injuries. Legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon has been struggling with injuries for the past couple of seasons and will again miss the fixture. New signings, Jorge Andres Martinez and Armand Traore are also nursing their respective
injuries. Paolo De Ceglie and Amauri are recent injury victims. Vicenzo Iaquinta is recovering from injury thus, Captain Alessandro Del Piero will lead the line.
Expected formation and Probable Lineup
Luigi Delneri will play is favourite 4-4-2 formation. Quagliarella will partner the skipper upfront in the starting eleven. Marchisio and Melo will try to dominate Asamoah and Inler duo in the midfield. The midfield battle will be the key to this match.
Marco Storari will retain the gloves for the match ahead of Alexander Manninger.
Probable lineup (4-4-2):
Marco Storari, Marco Motta, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Zdenek Grygera, Milos Krasic, Felipe Melo, Caludio Marchisio, Simone Pepe, Alessandro Del Piero, Fabio Quagliarella
Key Players
Di Natale will be shouldering the huge burden of scoring for his club. It is a mystery why the club is struggling in the league with so much talent playing for the club. Di Natale has failed to score so far this season and will be eager to break his season
duck.
Alessandro Del Piero has been in brilliant form so far this season. In the club’s Europa League fixture against Lech Poznan, the skipper provided two assists and scored a goal. In the absence of Amauri and Iaquinta, the club legend will need to hit the target.
Prediction
A draw it at cards owing to the poor form of both the teams. Juventus will find it hard to score against a good-looking Udinese defence. Udinese will be banking on Di Natale’s scoring exploits but he is yet to hit top form. Juventus to hold Udinese to a
1 – 1 draw.
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