Post by Taxigirl on Jan 23, 2004 12:22:43 GMT
Stadio Castellani
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Empoli hit the headlines last week by beating Inter at the San Siro and have the chance to take another prestigious scalp by welcoming reigning champions Juventus.
The Tuscans remain in the relegation zone despite that historic victory, but their morale has certainly been boosted. Coach Attilio Perotti maintains that result was a turning point in their campaign and it cannot be denied that in recent weeks their overall performances have been improving with two wins on the trot. Antonio Di Natale is slowly rediscovering the form that saw him earn international caps last year, while Jorge Vargas has helped strengthen the defence.
However, Juventus have constructed their Scudetto success on grinding out results against the smaller sides and will be confident of taking all three points. Alessandro Del Piero is back on form after his hat-trick against Siena, even if two of those goals were penalties, while David Trezeguet was also on target in that 4-2 win.
Their real weakness this season has been the defence, so the news that Alessandro Birindelli and Ciro Ferrara suffered muscular injuries will be a terrible blow. Lilian Thuram is now fit enough to start the match alongside Mark Iuliano and Paolo Montero, but Nicola Legrottaglie and Alessio Tacchinardi continue to struggle for match fitness.
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Empoli (probable): Bucci; Belleri, Cribari, Vargas, Lucchini; Grella, Ficini; Busce, Vannucchi, Di Natale; Rocchi
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Thuram, Iuliano, Montero, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Conte, Appiah; Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet