Serie A Preview: Juventus FC – US Lecce
Bianconeri looking for consistency
The Bianconeri team has been a ‘hit or miss’ phenomenon so far this season. Manager Luigi Del Neri has recently pleaded with the fans to be patient. Indeed the Turin giants are in a rebuilding phase and with the amount of money that is being invested in the
squad, results will surely come.
The Bianconeri squad is improving on a daily basis as a team that lost to AS Bari earlier in a campaign, was able to hold off an in-form Inter outfit away from home. The draw at San Siro would definitely act as a confidence booster.
Serie A has been mightily competitive so far this season and Juventus will have to pick maximum points against weaker opposition. Giorgio Chiellini recently came out in the press and declared strong interest in the Europa league. For Bianconeri to compete
on two fronts, anything less than three points against teams like Lecce can see them failing to qualify for the Champions League yet again.
Lupi’s travelling woes
Lecce is on level points with Juventus with eight points from six matches. The club is one of the favourites for relegation come the end of the season but their early season form has been on the contrary. The club has taken off points from the likes of Palermo
and Fiorentina, a fact that should give motivation to the players when the visit Juventus on Sunday.
On a less positive note, Lecce is yet to win away from home. They club has taken just one point from their travels so far and a trip to Stadio Olimpico di Torino would be a huge task.
Team News
Juventus FC
Juventus are still without the services of Gianluigi Buffon while Traore and Rinaudo are also on the treatment table.
Expected Formation
Juventus will take to the field in a familiar 4-4-2 formation with Amauri and Quagliarella leading the line. Alberto Aquilani put in an impressive shift against Inter Milan, thus he will retain his place in the midfield. Felipe Melo will look to dominate
the opposition with his ball winning skills. Claudio Marchisio will replace a dismal Simone Pepe on the left wing while Milos Krasic on the right will be the first name on the team sheet. Marco Storari will keep the gloves with Bonucci-Chiellini pair protecting
him.
Probable Line up
Marco Storari, Paolo De Ceglie, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Zdenek Grygera, Milos Krasic, Felipe Melo, Alberto Aquilani, Caludio Marchisio, Amauri, Fabio Quagliarella.
UC Lecce
Luigi De Canio will have to do without the services of Javier Chevantón and Tore Reginiussen as the two are out with their respective injuries.
Expected Formation
Lecce will play this game with a 4-3-3 formation that will test the weak Juventus full backs. Rubén Olivera, Daniele Corvia and David Di Michele will form a three pronged attack. Guillermo Giacomazzi, Carlos Grossmüller and Ignacio Piatti will form the midfield
while Ferrario and Fabiano will have to deal with Amauri and company.
Probable Line up
Antonio Rosati, Djamel Mesbah, Giuseppe Vives, Fabiano, Stefano Ferrario, Guillermo Giacomazzi, David Di Michele, Ignacio Piatti, Carlos Grossmüller, Rubén Olivera, Daniele Corvia.
Key Players
Milos Krasic
Krasic has been a one man army for Juventus at times ever since he made his transfer CSKA Moscow. The player has tallied numerous assists while also scoring a hat-trick. His pace and trickery on the wing are likely to be key to unlocking the Lecce rearguard.
Antonio Rosati
Rosati will be severely tested by an ambitious Bianconeri attack and the keeper will have to be on his best. The former Cisco Roma player will have to be on his with his ball handling as Krasic will be bombing his box with dangerous crosses.
Prediction
Lecce is simply no match for a highly talented Juventus outfit. Even a single point take will be a huge result for the relegation candidates. However, even that is unlikely to happen as Juventus will thrash Lupi 3 – 0.
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