The encounters between Juventus and AC Milan have always been a classic—a fixture between two of the world’s most successful clubs. On Sunday, two living legends symbolizing their respective clubs will go head to head as the Bianconeri entertain the Rossoneri in a crucial showdown at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.
Both sides won their respective game last week and currently share second place with 30 points, six shy of Inter. Juventus has returned to winning ways after their hiccough against Inter, but AC Milan have yet to recover from their defeat at the hands of Palermo and the exit from the Coppa Italia.
Another interesting aspect of Sunday’s fixture is the number of Rossoneri players such as Zambrotta, Abbiati, Inzaghi, Emerson and Ancelotti, who are all coming face to face with their former club.
The outcome of this game could very well decide which team keeps pace with table-topping Inter as the losing side would seriously damage their Scudetto chances.
Juventus
Last week’s drama against Lecce at the Stadio Via Del Mare saw Amauri clinch a last minute winner as Juventus grabbed all three points. Juventus’ performance was well below par but one player managed to shine through still. Sebastian Giovinco was handed a rare starting shirt as Ranieri had decided to rest Il Capitano.
The “Atomic Ant” stepped up and filled in for the missing captain superbly. The youngster was involved in every build-up and offensive raid throughout the game and on top of that he scored a fantastic free kick goal Del Piero would have proud of. Giovinco received excellent ratings and was voted man of the match.
On Wednesday’s Champions League outing against Belarusian side BATE Borisov the Bianconeri hardly lacked the chances—only the effectiveness in front of goal to convert them. Giovinco was handed his second consecutive starter and the pint-sized playmaker had a golden opportunity to decide the goalless stalemate as he stepped up to take a penalty—which he managed to balloon over.
The Bianconeri still have a fair amount of players out in Buffon, Trezeguet, Andrade, Zebina, Iaquinta, Salihamidzic and Poulsen. Camoranesi hopes to recover in time after dislocating his shoulder and Del Piero is back after being rested in the Lecce-game as a precautionary measure.
Manninger will fill in between the sticks for Buffon as usual and since defensive stalwart Legrottaglie will be serving a ban his place will be filled by Mellberg who will partner Chiellini in the centre defense. Grygera and Molinaro are set to make up the sides.
Marchionni did an excellent job against Bate and will start on the right flank in the case of Camoranesi not recovering on time with Sissoki and Marchisio making up the central midfield along with veteran Nedved on the left. Del Piero will partner up with Amauri in the attack—pushing Giovinco back to the bench.
Keep an Eye On
Del Piero. Il Capitano tends to step up during the important games and after being rested against Lecce and only receiving half an hour against Bate, Del Piero will be more than hungry for some action.
Probable XI
Manninger; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni, Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero
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