Post by Taxigirl on Feb 12, 2004 19:32:22 GMT
Juventus boss Marcello Lippi is set to drop his Coppa Italia rotation policy for Thursday’s trip to Inter.
The tactician has usually rested a number of first team regulars for Cup games but he’s named a strong 18-man squad today.
Lippi can’t afford to take any risks with Inter in pole position to win the semi-final after the 2-2 draw in Turin last week.
Alex Del Piero is once again available after he missed the Roma game because of injury. The only absentees are Alessandro Birindelli, Mark Iuliano and Mauro Camoranesi who are all injured.
The Italian champions will be keen to impress after their 4-0 debacle against the Giallorossi on Sunday.
"If we don’t manage to qualify then I expect us to be criticised even more," admitted Lippi. "We’ve won so much in the past that it is normal that people want to have a go at us."
Yet Inter boss Alberto Zaccheroni is also set to field his strongest side given the way their season has developed.
"Winning the Coppa Italia is our primary objective right now," insisted Zac. "I expect my side to take control of the tie if we play with character and concentration."
Julio Cruz may return to the line-up after he was suspended for the first leg. While goalkeeper Alberto Fontana will feature because of Francesco Toldo’s dismissal seven days ago.
Juventus squad: Buffon, Chimenti; Ferrara, Montero, Tudor, Pessotto, Zambrotta, Thuram, Legrottaglie; Tacchinardi, Conte, Nedved, Maresca, Appiah; Miccoli, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Di Vaio.