Serie A Preview: Juventus-Reggina
This week Juve are at home to face Reggina. An in form Del Piero and Mutu make Juve the odds on favourite after demolishing Fiorentina.
Background
Juventus are in pole position this term as they hold a nine point lead over AC Milan. But remember they did too last year and two losses led them to only the Scudetto against Milan in the end of the season and most importantly, Reggina handed Juve their first loss. However, this is 2006 and Milan are inconsistent, Reggina has lost a lot of players and Juve’s acquisition of Vieira was just what the doctor ordered as few teams are able to contest with their midfield. Their only losses were to Milan and Bayern Munich and since then Capello has solved the problem of the set piece situation and the wins have come. They dropped points against Lazio, but their competition has not taken the Juve setbacks to create their own opportunities. Juve are on a roll and they come to this game fully loaded.
Reggina is suffering from a broken arrow. The inconsistency, the sold players, injuries and suspended coach have gotten them in a precarious position. If Reggina wins they move 11th spot and tie Palermo. If the lose, they fall into the relegation zone. The team had a good result at home against Fiorentina and they played with heart, however, they have a bad habit, as occurred against Chievo to score first, then to squander a lead. The honeymoon period is over and it is imperative that they attain points when they can. Yes, all the southern teams are suffering and they are ahead of city rivals Messina, but they are the only team second to Lecce with plenty of Serie A experience to get then through. They need to play smart and to cover the flanks if they are to gain anything positive.
Team news
Juventus
Buffon is ready to play, but it seems that Abbiati will guard the posts. Brindelli and Kovac are out for a month and Zebina is injured. There are no suspensions, however, Cannavaro and Ibrahimovic carry cards to this game.
Reggina
Bianchi, Cannarsa, Pelizzoli, Lanzaro are injured as Cozza is suspended, Mazzari is banned from the pitch and Mesto carries a card to this game.
Players to watch
Del Piero (Juventus)
Is on the bench, but if called Reggina must pay attention to the highest scoring Juve player of all time. Otherwise, Vieria must be watched as he is one of the pistons that keeps Juve on the path of victory. His passes and runs make any defence stress. Moreover, he wants to win and he has the surroundings to do so.
Amoruso (Reggina)
His sister married Alessandro Del Piero. Used to be a part of the great Juve side of the mid nineties. Has the experience to score in these situations. The question is can he? It will be hard.
Probable starting XI’s.
Juventus (4-3-3):
Abbiati, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Thuram, Camoranesi, Chiellini, Emerson, Vieira, Nedved, Trezeguet, Ibrahimovic.
Reggina (3-4-2-1):
Pavarini, De Rosa, Lucarelli, Franceschini, Paredes, Biondini, Mesto, Vigiani, Modesto, Tedesco, Amoruso.