Serie A Preview: Cagliari-Juventus
An off color Bianconeri side travel down to Sardinia looking to get back to winning ways after their end of season blip. Cagliari still have a realistic chance of Serie A survival and will scrap to the bitter end in what could be a hard days work for Juventus.
BACKGROUND
Despite their recent draws, Cagliari have put in some decent performances of late and the Sardinian side will need to build on that if they are to shock Juventus at the Stadio Sant’ Elia.
Cagliari have failed to reach the heights of last season when the newly promoted side took Aerie A by storm. This term too many players have under performed and the Sardinians have been unable to build on last season’s success. With the likes of Esposito and Langella failing display the kind of form that had several top clubs keeping tabs on them, Cagliari have found themselves near the foot of Serie A for most of the season. Whilst the squad is certainly capable of avoiding relegation, Cagliari boss Sonetti will be hoping his side can perform during their crucial end of season run in.
Whilst Cagliari will be hoping for a strong finish to the season, Juventus’ campaign is in danger of petering out. Having seemingly wrapped up the Scudetto weeks ago, the Bianconeri have had a month to forget with poor results in the league and a high profile exit in the Champions League. Whilst some of the criticism towards Juventus has been harsh and unwarranted, the fact remains that Capello’s men have been poor in recent games. With such an impressive squad at his disposal, Capello will already be addressing the areas that need strengthening for the next campaign. Having come back from behind against a good Fiorentina side in their last Serie A tie, Juventus may now be ready to start showing their true colors ounce again.
TEAM NEWS
Cagliari
Sonetti’s men are more or less at full strength for this crucial run in. Top scorer David Suazo will partner Langella in attack as Sonetti goes for the win.
Juventus
Del Piero is expected to deputize for Trezeguet after his important equalizer against Fiorentina last week. Buffon is replaced by Abbiati who himself has just shaken off injury. Thuram is missing through injury and will be replaced by Kovac, whilst Emerson misses out to be replaced by Blasi.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cagliari
Cagliari’s man of the moment is David Suazo who has recently attracted interest from a host of top clubs. With the likes of Roma and Manchester United on his tail, the Honduran international will be anxious to show that he can hurt the likes of Juventus. His pace and eye for goal make him an interesting prospect the clubs reportedly pursuing him.
Juventus
Del Piero has had a season of mixed emotions with Juventus. Repeatedly staring on the bench, Alex has still managed to shine when coming onto the field of play and has become the top goal scorer in Juventus history. Alex came to the Bianconeri’s rescue last week and with him on the pitch from the beginning Cagliari could find themselves wishing he had stayed on the bench.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Cagliari (4-4-2):
Campagnolo – Ferri, Canini, Bega, Pisano, Esposito - Conti, Abeijon, Gobbi, Langella – Suazo.
Juventus (4-4-2):
Abbiati; Zebina, Kovac, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Vieira; Blasi, Nedved, Ibrahimovic; Del Piero
PREDICTION
Juventus should return to winning ways after a difficult month.
Cagliari 1-2 Juventus
Weekly Jack from Goal.com