Serie A Preview: Juventus-Palermo
9/24/2004 3:16:00 PM
Juventus entertain Palermo on Saturday as the newly promoted Sicilian outfit face the daunting task of ending their opponents 100% record this season. With both teams unbeaten this term something has to go give at the Stadio Delle Alpi
BACKGROUND
Both teams have enjoyed impressive starts to the Serie A season, with the early pace setters in the league showing particularly impressive form. Juventus should face a stern test against the Sicilian side that has already proved it can match the league’s big guns.
In their last outing in Serie A, Juventus brushed aside a battling Sampdoria side with a comfortable 3-0 win at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Whilst not spectacular in the early part of the season, Fabio Capello’s side have been solid in midfield, purposeful in attack and miserly in defence. For a team that seemed to collapse defensively last season, the fact that the bianconeri have yet to concede seems all the more impressive.
After impressing at the San Siro in a 1-1 draw with Mancini’s Inter, Palermo were unlucky not to pick up all three points against fellow new boys Fiorentina. The Sicilians dominated the game and were left scratching their heads after they were unable to break the deadlock against a lacklustre Fiorentina. The hosts were repeatedly frustrated by opposition goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli, who made crucial saves from Luca Toni and denied Eugenio Corini from the spot.
TEAM NEWS
Juventus:
After a good start to the title campaign, Capello looks set to make few changes to his starting line-up. With the defence to remain the same, Ibrahimovic may start in place of Alessandro Del Piero, after the Swede came on to score against Sampdoria during the week.
Palermo:
A last minute thigh injury to Toni will deprive the strong striker from playing in Turin with Farias being his most likely replacement. On loan Juventus winger Andrea Gasbarroni is pushing for a starting place against the team that currently owns him. The exciting prospect will be keen to impress against Juventus, following the likes of Fabrizio Miccoli who scored against the Turin side whilst on loan with Perugia.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Juventus:
With so many champions at his disposal, Capello is the envy of most managers in Serie A. Against Palermo the key man will once again be Fabio Cannavaro, who has been in sensational form since joining the Turin side. Reunited with his Parma teammates Buffon and Thuram, the former Inter ace has put last season’s indifferent form behind him.
Palermo:
With Toni out of the picture due to the last-minute injury, Zauli will have the weight of the team on his shoulders as he, along with Corini, will try to guide Palermo to a historic result against the Old Lady.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Juventus (4-4-2):
Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, F.Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Blasi, Emerson, Nedved; Ibrahimovic (Del Piero), Trezeguet.
Palermo (4-2-3-1):
Guardalben; Zaccardo, Accardi, Barzagli, Grosso; Corini, Barone; Santana, Zauli, Gasbarroni; Farias
PREDICTION
Given their current form the bianconeri should ease past Palermo.
Juventus 2-0 Palermo
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