/24/2002. BACKGROUND
Unusually the traditional curtain raiser will be played three weeks before the season actually starts.
For Juventus this has been a fairly quiet summer. There has been much speculation over the future of Edgar Davids, but the Dutchman now looks certain to remain for this season at least. Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro have been linked with moves, but neither will be arriving. Marcello Lippi has no real need to dip into the transfer market in the way that Milan and Inter have done, so his side have stayed out of the headlines and gone about their business quietly.
Even though the Bianconeri haven't flaunted the cash, the signing of Mauro Camoranesi is an inspired one indeed. The Argentine was a rare highlight in Verona's amazing fall from grace last season and looks a solid purchase for reasonable money.
So can Juve pick up where they left off last season? Well, much will depend on whether 24-goal top scorer David Trezeguet can steer clear of injury. The early signs aren't promising although the club have denied stories that he'll miss the first five months of the season with a knee injury.
In defense there are no real question marks, while in midfield much is expected of young Matteo Brighi who enjoyed a fine season with Bologna in the previous campaign. Alessandro Del Piero's strike-partner for this match will be Marcelo Salas who has finally recovered from the knee injury that wrecked his debut season at the Delle Alpi. Things look good for the Old Lady and they will once again be the bookies' favourites to lift Lo Scudetto.
These are exciting times for Parma also. While many of the players have been quick to acknowledge what a young squad the Gialloblu have this season, there seems to be a genuine belief that the kids can achieve big things this campaign.
Marco Di Vaio just seems to get better and better by the season, and he now as a strike partner of real quality in the young Brazilian Adriano.
There is a distinct Brazilan flavour about Parma this season, with Matuzalem having arrived from Piacenza, Alex returning from Palmeiras and the established left-back Junior expected to play a big part this season. Lets not forget that it was his goal that handed Parma the Coppa Italia against Juve last season.
New coach Cesare Prandelli has had to cope with the loss of Fabio Cannavaro to Inter but there is still life without the Italian international. Even with him in the side, the Gialloblu conceded 47 goals last season and only avoided relegation with a game to spare.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Juventus (4-4-2): 1 Buffon, 21 Thuram, 2 Ferrara, 4 Montero, 24 Moretti, 27 Brighi, 3 Tacchinardi, 20 Baiocco, 11 Nedved, 10 Del Piero, 9 Salas.
Parma (4-4-2): 1 Frey, 2 Diana, 5 Bonera, 21 Ferrari, 3 Falsini, 8 Lamouchi, 29 Donati, 10 Nakata, 7 Marchionni, 9 Adriano, 20 Di Vaio.
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