BACKGROUND
The attention surrounding Juventus' relatively easy homestand against Piacenza has been completely overshadowed by the death of the Bianconeri's soul, mind, and honourary president, Giovanni Agnelli.
The man who lived to celebrate 24 of Juventus' 25 Scudetti, 2 Champions Cups and tons of other silverware passed away on Thursday, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill in the future.
Juventus were the Avvocato, and the Avvocato was Juventus . His winning mentality, refined style, natural class, and dominant power were perfectly expressed by the Bianconeri, who became Italy's most representative team under the guide of Italy's most representative man.
One of Agnelli's last wishes was to see the Italian Old Lady grab that third star the team is only five Serie A titles away from reaching. No better way than honor the passing away of their irreplacable supremo than edge closer to this feat by clinching a back to back title this May.
Don't be surprsied if this happens.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Marcello Lippi will have the entire roster at his disposal, and will therefore be able to field his preffered eleven. The same can't be said for Piacenza coach Andrea Agostinelli, who has to do without suspended defenders Mangone and Cardone.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)- 'Pinturicchio' as Giovanni Agnelli liked to call the Juventus creative will surely pay his tribute to L'Avvocato like a true Juventus skipper needs to.
Matteo Guardalben (Piacenza)-Last week his great saves weren't enough to help the struggling Biancorossi hold mighty AC Milan in the San Siro, but they came close. Doesn't hurt to try again...