BACKGROUND
Lets face it, Como are all but relegated, and if everything goes to the form book, this should be an easy three points for a Juventus side stung by the midweek defeat to Manchester United.
Eugenio Fascetti's men were last week hammered 4-1 at Reggina, another nail in the coffin of their survival hopes. Nicola Caccia had given them an 11th minute lead, but then Francesco Cozza took over with two goals, Aimo Diana added another and Mozart composed himself to finish the game off.
Juventus were more than a match for Alex Ferguson's side on Wednesday, and
at times it was difficult to judge exactly which team had the flu . Juve passed with style and confidence, with Alessio Tacchinardi, Pavel Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi (until John O'Shea replace Mikael Silvestre) all impressive.
Still, Basle's 1-0 win over Depoortivo did everyone a favour and Marcello Lippi's crew are still red hot favorites to claim that second spot in the group.
On Sunday they took over top spot in the table with another confident display against Parma. Marco Di Vaio and Tacchinardi's remarkably similar goals gave the Old Lady a terrific platform for the rest of the match, and they never once looked like surrendering.
FORM GUIDE
Como: Last Six Matches: DDWDDL
The draw specialists have picked up single points against Atalanta, Torino, Empoli and Parma in their last six games. The only win of their season arrived against AS Roma 2-0, but last week they were thrashed 4-1 at Reggina.
Juventus Last Six Matches: LWDWWL
Three Serie A wins in four games (against Piacenza, Empoli and Parma) have lifted the Bianconeri to the top of the table. The 1-1 draw at Atalanta would have been a tad disappointing, as would the Champions League defeat at Manchester United, if hardly unexpected.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Como: Corrent and Caccia are the only absentees as they both serve one-match suspensions. Otherwise Fachetti has no injury worries. Carbone should start up front with Amoruso.
Juventus: (Available Later)
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Como: (3-5-2) Brunner; Tomas, Tarantino, Juarez; Binotto, Rossi, Cauet, Pecchia, Music; Carbone, Amoruso
Juventus: (4-4-2) Buffon; Thuram, Iuliano, Montero, Pessotto; Zambrotta, Tacchinardi, Conte, Nedved; Di Vaio, Trezeguet
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Benito Carbone (Como): the former Bradford striker has found goals hard to come by this season, although there is always that element of surprise with this precocious talent and Juve will have to be wary.
Pavel Nedved (Juventus): the Czech international was the main threat to Manchester United on Wednesday.