The relegation candidates lock horns with the leaders as the two extremes of Serie A standings meet to play the re-scheduled game.
Cesena (20) will host Juventus (1) in matchday 32 encounter of the 2011/12 Serie A on Sunday, April 25th at 16:00 GMT.
The Seahorses played five consecutive stalemates in their last five league matches, while the Bianconeri come into the game on the back of six consecutive wins, latest of which was a 4-0 monumental stunner against AS http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603.
The last meeting of the two teams in Serie A ended in a 2-0 victory for Juventus, earlier this season.
Cesena
The Cavallucci Marini have not had a win over the Old Lady since their 2-0 triumph; 24 years ago back in November 1987. The Seahorses have grabbed three points in just one of their 11 home games against the Bianconeri team.
However, all is not dark for the relegation stricken team, as two of their last five head to head matches with the Old Lady ended in draws. Their last three Serie A matches have also been draws, and Mario Beretta will hope that
the trend continues if not improves for the Romagna outfit.
Cesena are placed at the stone bottom of the Serie A standings, and could be the first team to drop out of Italy’s top flight this season. The realization can have a motivating effect on the team that has shown signs of free flowing
football, and could overturn the odds on the visiting opposition with a spirited performance.
Juventus
The Bianconeri now sit three points ahead of AC Milan. The run to the Scudetto is going to be a point for point battle between the two giants, and AC Milan will count on the Bianconeri to make a slip. Fortunately for Juventus,
they are up against a relatively modest side in the league. They have overcome Cesena on 11 occasions in the history, and will be looking to add another to that figure. The Old Lady have shown a history of efficient goal scoring against Cesena, and have failed
to score more than a goal against the opponents only on two occasions.
Antonio Conte’s men have fought with sweat and blood in the recent victories, and look more motivated than ever in their quest for the Serie A glory.
The Bianconeri’s rise to the top has been spectacular, but you cannot hide the fact that Juventus have been susceptible to draws throughout the season, and even an ounce of complacency can limit the team to a stalemate against
a ferocious Cesena.
Team News
Cesena
Despite the big task at hand, coach Mario Beretta will be missing the services of loanees http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vincenzo-Iaquinta-c36199. Alex Calderoni and Raphael Martinho are also expected to remain unavailable for Juventus clash. Good
news for the former Chievo Verona coach is that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mario-Santana-c24037 will be making their return to the team.
Expected Starting Line-up: Antonioli, Comotto, Moras, Von Bergen, Lauro, Guana, Colucci, Parolo, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Santana-c32502, Malonga, Mutu.
Juventus
A full squad will be at the disposal of Coach Antonio Conte, and the manager is not expected to make any changes to the winning combination that played against AS Roma.
Expected Starting Line-up: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pepe-c29670, Quagliarella, Vucinic.
Players to Watch:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Adrian-Mutu-c3742 (Cesena)
The striker has been the highest scorer for his team having scored eight goals along with an assist for his team. With the team faced with a drought for goals and nearing relegation, the veteran striker will look to fire up the
team for a last push to get out of red zone with a promising show against the Scudetto front-runners.
Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)
The veteran playmaker has been the central figure in the Old Lady’s recent rise to the top. He is the pivotal figure for the team, and holds the key to the Bianconeri’s momentum in the game. Moreover, his contribution with assists
will have a major impact on the game for the visitors.
Predictions
Juventus tower over the modest Seahorses both in terms of quality in their squad and confidence. However, the game is not over before the whistle. Cesena will come hard at the Old Lady, and an early score can send a lot of jitters
to the Bianconeri nerves. One of the major features of the Old Lady is that they have played with a nothing to lose attitude. However, now that they are the Scudetto front-runners, that will change for Juventus and it will be interesting to see how the team
fares against the basement boys of the league. Prediction: 2-0 to Old Lady
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