Post by Taxigirl on Jan 30, 2004 9:58:22 GMT
Stadio Delle Alpi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Juventus are dealing with their worst defensive record in four decades and must try to solve those issues if they are to challenge Milan and Roma for the title.
Not since the 1960’s have the Bianconeri conceded 21 goals in their first 18 games and the 3-3 draw at Empoli was a lost opportunity to close in on the leaders. They still hold firm in third place thanks to a prolific strike force with 41 goals scored, but the side is increasingly reliant on the performances of individuals.
Alessandro Del Piero’s hat-trick proved decisive against Siena and last week David Trezeguet followed with his own triple at Empoli. Marcello Lippi maintains the issue lies with the team attitude, but the central defensive pairing of Mark Iuliano and Paolo Montero is distinctly lacking in pace. Alessandro Birindelli, Ciro Ferrara and Enzo Maresca remain sidelined with injury, while summer signing Nicola Legrottaglie is not 100 per cent fit.
Chievo are not on particularly good form either right now, although their 3-1 win over Brescia showed signs of improvement. Giuseppe Sculli finally scored his first goal of the season in that game and could be granted a place in the starting eleven against the club that still owns his contract. There must be a reshuffle in midfield following the one-match ban to Italian international Simone Perrotta, so Stefano Morrone steps into the breach.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Thuram, Iuliano, Montero, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Conte, Appiah; Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet
Chievo (probable): Marchegiani; Moro, Barzagli, D’Anna, Lanna; Luciano, Morrone, Zanchetta, Santana; Cossato, Sculli