Serie A Week 13 - 25/11/07 (19.30 UK)
Juventus - Palermo
Stadio Olimpico
Juventus will be hoping to make up for their disappointing draw with Parma in Week 12 when they welcome stalemate specialists Palermo to the Stadio Olimpico after the international break. The Bianconeri are currently three points behind leaders Inter after an impressive start to the season, although they have only won two of their last five matches.
The Sicilian outfit, meanwhile, had drawn five consecutive games before finally overcoming a spirited Napoli side last time out. The confidence gained by winning the Derby del Sud has clearly rubbed off on striker Amauri, who is relishing the chance to take on the Old Lady. ?They are stronger than us, but that doesn?t mean that we can?t win ? we will see what happens on the pitch,? insisted the Brazilian hitman.
Unfortunately, Fabrizio Miccoli won?t be able to take his spot upfront alongside his lanky partner against his former teammates, as he is still on the treatment table. That means that Franco Brienza is likely to continue in his place, as boss Stefano Colantuono?s only change is expected to see the fit again Giulio Migliaccio return to the starting XI in place of the injured Fabio Caserta. With Mark Bresciano also absent, his decision not to tinker with his line-up too much isn?t such a surprise.
However, his opposite number wasn?t dubbed ?The Tinkerman? without good reason. Claudio Ranieri may have made a decent start to life in Turin, but he hasn?t lost his desire to shake things up ? and it?s no different this week. Giorgio Chiellini?s ban will force him into one change though, as the highly-rated defender?s absence gives an opportunity to veteran Alessandro Birindelli, who slots in at right-back with Zdenek Grygera covering in the centre.
There?s a change on the other flank too, as Domenico Criscito?s place is expected to go to Cristian Molinaro. Although Tiago impressed as a sub against Parma by providing the assist for Nicola Legrottaglie?s goal, there is still no starting shirt for the Portuguese playmaker. However, one alteration in midfield is likely to see Raffaele Palladino make way for Pavel Nedved. Bad refereeing decisions may have cost Juve plenty of points already this term, so Ranieri will be hoping that his selection changes don?t do the same.
If previous meetings are anything to go by then the former Chelsea boss won?t be losing too much sleep. The Bianconeri won both of the matches the last time the sides were both in the top flight back in 2005-06. The scoreline was 2-1 on each occasion, although three of the Old Lady?s goals came from former aces Adrian Mutu and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ranieri will be hoping that in-form David Trezeguet can fill the scoring void and get his side back on track.
Keep an eye on: Amauri (Palermo) ? The Brazilian hitman has had plenty to say before the game, but now?s the time to show that he can back it up on the pitch.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Juventus (W L W D D) Palermo (D D D D W)
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Birindelli, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Nocerino, C Zanetti, Nedved; Trezeguet, Del Piero
Palermo (probable): Fontana; Zaccardo, Biava, Barzagli; Diana, Tedesco, Simplicio, Migliaccio, Capuano; Brienza, Cavani
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