Ibra rested for Sampdoria Tuesday 25 October, 2005
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Juventus will have to beat Sampdoria on Wednesday night without the assistance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Swede, widely considered as the club’s most important attacker, has been omitted from the squad ahead of Saturday’s clash at Milan.
Ibrahimovic picked up a minor leg injury at Lecce, but he should resume training on Thursday morning.
In his absence, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet are set to lead the line as the outfit look for a record ninth consecutive League win.
But boss Fabio Capello is remaining cautious given the ability of Walter Novellino’s side.
"I’ve played alongside Novellino in the past, he’s a good Coach and has done well where ever he has been," the tactician stated on Tuesday.
"They are without the suspended Francesco Flachi, who is an important player, but they have some good back-up options.
"The game could be similar to last year’s when they punished us on the counter-attack in the 1-0 win."
Capello has used the rotation system with success so far this term and expect a diverse Juve again at the Delle Alpi tomorrow night.
"I’m forced to make changes because we have a lot of games to play in the next 10 days," he added.
"Take Fabio Cannavaro for example, he needs a break and there will be room for everyone in the squad."
Lilian Thuram is thus expected to partner Robert Kovac in defence, while Manuele Blasi should replace the injured Patrick Vieira in midfield. Adrian Mutu may also fill in for Pavel Nedved on the wing.
Capello concluded by commenting on the fact that nine of his players are up for the Golden Ball.
But he was surprised that Gianluca Zambrotta and Alex Del Piero were not amongst them.
"I’m stunned that they’re not there because they have done well and are important players," he noted.
"At the end of the day though it is down to you journalists. Who should win it? I don’t look at the number of goals scored, I look at the overall player. Therefore, I’ll say Paolo Maldini."
Juventus probable: Abbiati; Zambrotta, Thuram, Kovac, Chiellini; Camoranesi, Blasi, Emerson, Mutu; Del Piero, Trezeguet.
source: channel4.com