Napoli vs. Juventus: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie a Game

After a bright start to the 2014-15 season, Juventus have hit a poor patch of form at just the wrong time. Massimiliano Allegri’s side have won just one of their last six games, an alarming statistic given their hopes for success and Roma’s bid to dethrone them atop the Serie A standings.

They now sit just a single point above the Giallorossi, and both teams face difficult tests this weekend. Rudi Garcia’s men must negotiate a tough derby clash with a resurgent and in form Lazio, while the Bianconeri visit Napoli, a team with ambitions of their own.

There are of course reasons that can be used to explain away Juve’s recent results, a run which includes a draw against Atletico Madrid that ensured progression in the Champions League. However, the problem comes with dropping points against Fiorentina and Sampdoria, errors compounded by Tuesday’s stalemate with Inter.

That match highlighted a number of problems for the Turin club, with Mauro Icardi able to exploit a lack of pace in defence that was discussed in depth here. Allegri will need to bring the best from his players at the Stadio San Paolo, the Partenopei presenting a tough challenge to even the best sides.

Over the following pages is a look at the key decisions and issues that will decide this game, one Juventus need to use as a springboard to reignite their campaign.

Can Juventus Control Gonzalo Higuain?

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The biggest challenge facing the Bianconeri this weekend is their ability to successfully marshal Gonzalo Higuain. While Jose Callejon and new signing Manolo Gabbiadini will be dangerous, the Argentinian striker has already shown he can punish any mistakes in the Juventus defence.

Able to exploit the lack of pace shown by the Turin club’s back line, Higuain netted twice in the Super Cup meeting last month and has weighed in with nine league goals this term. Adding four assists, the 27-year-old will be Rafael Benitez’s deadliest weapon.

Will Carlos Tevez Continue to Lead Juventus?

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At the other end of the field, another Argentinian striker will look to cause problems for Napoli, as Carlos Tevez matched his compatriot's two-goal haul in the Super Cup. Like Higuain, the Juventus star has enjoyed a superb 2014-15 thus far, netting 16 goals in all competitions and adding five assists.

Given the problems the Partenopei have in defence—they have already conceded 21 goals in 17 league games—the 30-year-old could cause them serious problems on Sunday.

Arturo Vidal’s Form Remains Essential for Juventus

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Slowly but surely, Arturo Vidal has begun to return to the form which marked him out as one of the world’s finest midfielder’s last term. A wonderful piece of skill from the Chilean created Tevez’s goal against Inter on Tuesday and means he has added two goals and two assists in his last five league outings.

According to stats site WhoScored, the 27-year-old is averaging a team-high three tackles per game, also adding 1.5 interceptions. Once again contributing at both ends of the pitch, Vidal will be a difficult opponent for Napoli to contend with at the Stadio San Paolo.

Will Massimiliano Allegri Opt to Rotate His Side?

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While Juventus have depth in some areas, Allegri has been forced to call upon Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra consistently due to a lack of options at full-back. With Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo recovering from surgery and Martin Caceres overcoming his own injury issues, the coach has had few alternatives to the first-choice pair.

Now the Uruguayan has returned to fitness and is able to play on either flank, but it remains to be seen whether Allegri will opt to start him against Napoli.

Can Napoli’s Midfield Cope with Their Juventus Counterparts?

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The strength of Juve’s central midfield cannot be understated, with Allegri able to call upon Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal. It is an area of the pitch where Napoli have struggled this term, Benitez seemingly unsure of his best pairing for his 4-2-3-1 formation.

Their ability to cope with the quality of the Bianconeri will be essential if they are to earn a positive result on Sunday.