Italian Serie A preview: Juventus FC – SS Lazio
Keeping up the good work
While Bianconeri are not any way near to becoming the world beating footballing machine they were prior to the Calciopoli scandal; nonetheless Luigi Del Neri’s men are on the right track. Juventus might be doing fairly well in the league but their European
adventures have been far from impressive as they have been dumped out of Europa league in early rounds for the second season running.
However, having said that, no one will complain should Juventus manage to mount a genuine title challenge come the end of season. Even a Champions League berth would be celebrated. Bianconeri are fourth in the League with 27 points from 15 games and a victory
tonight will take them as high as the second spot; still six points off AC Milan.
Luigi Del Neri has made Stadio di Torino his fortress and Old Lady have been defeated only once at home. The defeat came to US Palermo in the early goings and Bianconeri have gone from strength to strength after that.
Aquile soaring high
Not even the most optimistic of Lazio fans would have predicted such a dream start for Aquile. Last season’s relegation candidates have defied all expectations and are soaring in second place; just three points off league leaders AC Milan. Eduardo Reja’s
men have 30 points and a win tonight will be crucial to keep up pressure on Rossoneri.
Aquile come into this game on the back of a morale boosting 3 – 1 hammering of reigning Italian and European Champions Inter Milan. Reja’s men defeated Nerazzuri in a truly convincing manner and Reja will be confident of his team’s ability to take points
off big teams in the league.
Aquile have conceded only five goals on their travels while Bianconeri have leaked in 11 goals at home – compare that to a miserly four conceded on their travels. Such statistics will bring to Reja and his men in what promises to be a free flowing attacking
game.
Team News
Juventus FC
Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will make his return from injury in the New Year while Rinaudo, Paolo De Ceglie, Amauri and Jorge Martinez are also on the sidelines with their respective injuries. Del Neri has every reason to stick to his favourite
4-4-2 formation that will see Vicenzo Iaquinta and Fabio Quagliarella lead the lines.
SS Lazio
Mourad Meghni and Javier Garrido will not travel to Turin for this game as they nurse their respective injuries while Stefan Radu is suspended for the tie. Reja will continue to deploy the attacking 4-2-3-1 formation that will have Sergio Floccari operating
as the lone striker.
Key Players
Felipe Melo
The Brazilian has found a new lease of life under Luigi Del Neri as he continuous to destroy opposition midfields week in and week out. Tonight, Melo will have to stamp his authority in the midfield and shackle Aquile playmaker Hernanes. Should he manage
to nullify Hernanes’ passing ability, Bianconeri will be clear favourites for the three points.
Hernanes
Arguably the best signing of the summer in Italy, Hernanes has been the vital cog behind Lazio revival. In full flow, Hernanes is a joy to watch and the playmakers skill on the ball will decide the tie for Aquile.
Prediction
This game promises to be an enthralling affair with two attacking sides locking horns and going for broke. With the attacking quality the two teams have in their ranks, goals will come a plenty however there is no separating the two sides. End result is
predicted to be Juventus 2 – Lazio 2.
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