Post by Taxigirl on Feb 6, 2004 9:47:19 GMT
LIVE on British Eurosport (KO 7.30pm UK time)
Stadio Olimpico
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Expect some fireworks at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night as Roma entertain Juventus in one of the fiercest rivalries in Italian football. Yet this time there is not just pride at stake as both clubs are fighting for Lo Scudetto.
The pair are currently level on 43 points in the League – five behind leaders Milan. And with the Rossoneri favourites to beat Perugia in Week 20, a loss for either Roma or Juve could severely hinder their championship ambitions.
Neither club are in great form at the moment even if Juventus’ results have not been too bad. Roma on the other hand are in the midst of a mini crisis. The month of January saw them held at home by Udinese, as well as losing to Milan and Brescia.
Roma’s dip in form may see boss Fabio Capello opt for a change of system. Their trident strike force was one of the key elements behind their blistering start to the season but they’ve struggled over the past few weeks.
Antonio Cassano in particular is suffering so he may de dropped in favour of a five-man midfield. Yet Capello may keep the youngster in the side alongside Totti given Juventus’ defensive problems this term. The class of Totti and Cassano could prove to be a massive headache for the Bianconeri.
Olivier Dacourt is set to be recalled to the side after his one match suspension, while Christian Panucci should just edge out Jonathan Zebina for a place in defence alongside Walter Samuel and Cristian Chivu. Montella is still out with injury.
Juve boss Marcello Lippi also has plenty to think about in the week prior to the game. Juve managed to keep a clean sheet last week against Chievo but the minnows did have their chances. Nevertheless, the much criticised Nicola Legrottaglie is set to retain his place.
He was at the centre of a summer transfer battle between the two clubs. He had looked destined to move to the Olimpico before Juve swept in. But he’s had his problems, while Chivu who Roma signed instead has been superb.
The only other notable selection problem is whether to keep faith with Alex Del Piero. He still hasn’t hit his best form since his return from injury. Could he be dropped in favour of either Marco Di Vaio or Fabrizio Miccoli?
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Roma (probable): Pelizzoli; Panucci, Samuel, Chivu; Mancini, Emerson, Dacourt, Lima; Totti, Cassano, Carew
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Thuram, Legrottaglie, Montero, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Tacchinardi, Appiah, Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet