Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/07 (19.30 UK)
Juventus - Empoli
Stadio Olimpico
An angry Juventus welcome Empoli to the Stadio Olimpico in the midweek round on Wednesday night. The Bianconeri will be hoping to reduce the gap between themselves and Inter before the fundamental clash against the Nerazzurri at the weekend.
The Bianconeri are furious after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against Napoli, which was the result of two controversial penalties awarded by the referee. It isn’t the first time that the Bianconeri have been hit by poor refereeing this season. President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has made an official complaint and it will probably be a tense match for referee Domenico Ceni.
Empoli travel to Piemonte hoping to come away from it unbeaten, but this tie has historically been a tough one for them since the Tuscans have never won in Turin. However, two weeks ago they managed to triumph at Milan so they will be looking forward to another prestigious result.
The Old Lady are currently fourth, one point behind Roma and four shy of Inter. Empoli with eight points are just above the relegation zone, and are aiming for a mid-table position. Last time the Azzurri visited Juve it was in the 2005-006 season and they were beaten 2-1, with Sergio Almiron – now at Juventus – writing his name on the score sheet.
Juventus’ poor disciplinary record continues to cause problems to Claudio Ranieri. The Tinker Man will have to reinvent the Bianconeri line-up for this tie since Nicola Legrottaglie, Giorgio Chiellini, Pavel Nedved and Antonio Nocerino are suspended.
Hasan Salihamidzic should play at right-back with Zlatan Grygera filling in centrally. Domenico Criscito will return to the starting XI while Cristian Molinaro will play on the left. Flamboyant winger Mauro Camoranesi is back in the squad, but he may have to wait until next weekend for a regular shirt.
Marco Marchionni will probably start on the right with Raffaele Palladino stepping in again for Nedved. Almiron will lead the midfield against his former team. In attack Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta are in competition for a shirt, with the first in pole position.
Empoli boss Gigi Cagni will have to do without assist-man Antonio Buscè. However, the Coach will be able to count on Sebastian Giovinco and Claudio Marchisio, who are on loan from Juventus and will be eager to impress. The Empolesi are set to play with one man up-front, Luca Saudati, while star man Ighli Vannucchi should play just behind the lone striker.
Keep an eye on: David Trezeguet (Juventus) – The French hitman has failed to score in the last few games, which is unusual for a player who is used to hitting the back of the net every other game…
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Juventus (W W D W L) Empoli (L W L W L)
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Salihamidzic, Grygera, Criscito, Molinaro; Marchionni, C Zanetti, Almiron, Palladino; Del Piero, Trezeguet
Empoli (probable): Balli; Raggi, Piccolo, Marzoratti; Tosto, Marchisio, Moro, Giacomazzi, Giovinco; Vannucchi; Saudati
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