[Serie A] Palermo - Juventus (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Chxta
- Start date
Last time these two teams met the Sicilians became the first side to gain a point from Juventus, robbing them of their impressive 100% record in Serie A. After defeat to an impressive Sampdoria side, Juve know that a victory is vital if they are to keep their distance from Milan.
BACKGROUND
Palermo have maintained the early season form that had many critics tipping them for a European spot. Whilst the other teams that surprised in the early part of the season have faded, Palermo continue to impress. Francesco Guidolin’s men lie in 7th spot in the table and look on course to finish the season with the promise of a UEFA Cup spot. With players such as Corini, Zauli and Barone impressing in midfield and Luca Toni up front, Palermo are not a side to be taken lightly.
Having fallen to a home defeat at the hands of Walter Novellino’s Sampdoria, Juventus now find their comfortable lead at the top cut down to just 5 points. It is clear that Capello’s men have struggled since December and could have found themselves much worse off if not for Milan’s two consecutive defeats. In the last clash between the Bianconeri and Palermo, Ibrahimovic saved the ‘Old Lady’s’ blushes, cancelling out Zaccardo’s effort for the Sicilians.
It is difficult to point out what is going wrong for Juventus at the moment, but it is obvious that their attacking fluidity has been missing for some time now. Coach Fabio Capello will be pleased with the way his side have continued to pick up points despite less than convincing performances against so called lesser teams. Although championships are won with such resilience, Juventus will need to rediscover their killer touch quickly as an Impressive Milan side snap at their heels.
TEAM NEWS
Juventus:
With both Nedved and Kapo out of the side through injury and Camoranesi suspended, Capello will be desperately short of width. The former Roma tactician is likely to field Zambrotta on the left of midfield, with Olivera on the right. Pessotto should then replace Zambrotta at left back. Del Piero is again likely to be left on the bench.
Palermo:
Accardi, Possanzini, Terlizzi and Biava all miss the game through injury. Goal scorer of the pervious tie Zaccardo is out through suspension. Toni will start up front alone in Palermo’s 4-5-1 formation..
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Juventus:
Whilst Juventus were poor against Sampdoria, super Swede Ibrahimovic was outstanding and desperately unlucky not to bring his side level. With Del Piero and Trezeguet fight for a place in the team, it is a testament to Zlatan’s quality that the former Ajax man seems cemented in the team. Big and strong, yet surprisingly fast and technically gifted, Ibrahimovic will become one of the best in the world.
Palermo:
Luca Toni is a cult figure with the Palermo fans and will be looking to show his talents against the Bianconeri. 2004 was an amazing year for the former Vicenza man as he was called up to the Italian national side and even netted his first goal in front of his own fans. Toni has been likened to Christian Vieri by some and the comparisons seem justified.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Juventus (4-4-2):
Buffon - Zebina, Thuram, F.Cannavaro, Pessotto - Zambrotta, Blasi, Emerson, Olivera - Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet
Palermo (4-4-2):
Guardalben - Ferri, Barzagli, Grosso, Mutarelli - Corini, Barone, Santana, Brienza - Zauli, Toni.
PREDICTION
Juventus should be tested in Palermo and will need a victory to keep Milan from catching them. After a disappointing result last week, Capello’s men should bounce back.
Palermo 0-2 Juventus
BACKGROUND
Palermo have maintained the early season form that had many critics tipping them for a European spot. Whilst the other teams that surprised in the early part of the season have faded, Palermo continue to impress. Francesco Guidolin’s men lie in 7th spot in the table and look on course to finish the season with the promise of a UEFA Cup spot. With players such as Corini, Zauli and Barone impressing in midfield and Luca Toni up front, Palermo are not a side to be taken lightly.
Having fallen to a home defeat at the hands of Walter Novellino’s Sampdoria, Juventus now find their comfortable lead at the top cut down to just 5 points. It is clear that Capello’s men have struggled since December and could have found themselves much worse off if not for Milan’s two consecutive defeats. In the last clash between the Bianconeri and Palermo, Ibrahimovic saved the ‘Old Lady’s’ blushes, cancelling out Zaccardo’s effort for the Sicilians.
It is difficult to point out what is going wrong for Juventus at the moment, but it is obvious that their attacking fluidity has been missing for some time now. Coach Fabio Capello will be pleased with the way his side have continued to pick up points despite less than convincing performances against so called lesser teams. Although championships are won with such resilience, Juventus will need to rediscover their killer touch quickly as an Impressive Milan side snap at their heels.
TEAM NEWS
Juventus:
With both Nedved and Kapo out of the side through injury and Camoranesi suspended, Capello will be desperately short of width. The former Roma tactician is likely to field Zambrotta on the left of midfield, with Olivera on the right. Pessotto should then replace Zambrotta at left back. Del Piero is again likely to be left on the bench.
Palermo:
Accardi, Possanzini, Terlizzi and Biava all miss the game through injury. Goal scorer of the pervious tie Zaccardo is out through suspension. Toni will start up front alone in Palermo’s 4-5-1 formation..
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Juventus:
Whilst Juventus were poor against Sampdoria, super Swede Ibrahimovic was outstanding and desperately unlucky not to bring his side level. With Del Piero and Trezeguet fight for a place in the team, it is a testament to Zlatan’s quality that the former Ajax man seems cemented in the team. Big and strong, yet surprisingly fast and technically gifted, Ibrahimovic will become one of the best in the world.
Palermo:
Luca Toni is a cult figure with the Palermo fans and will be looking to show his talents against the Bianconeri. 2004 was an amazing year for the former Vicenza man as he was called up to the Italian national side and even netted his first goal in front of his own fans. Toni has been likened to Christian Vieri by some and the comparisons seem justified.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Juventus (4-4-2):
Buffon - Zebina, Thuram, F.Cannavaro, Pessotto - Zambrotta, Blasi, Emerson, Olivera - Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet
Palermo (4-4-2):
Guardalben - Ferri, Barzagli, Grosso, Mutarelli - Corini, Barone, Santana, Brienza - Zauli, Toni.
PREDICTION
Juventus should be tested in Palermo and will need a victory to keep Milan from catching them. After a disappointing result last week, Capello’s men should bounce back.
Palermo 0-2 Juventus
