Juventus vs. Fiorentina: Team News, Preview, Live Stream & TV Info

The last week has seen Juventus and Fiorentina each enjoy two excellent results, one which saw them move closer to their domestic goals while also earning impressive victories against widely respected continental opposition. The Bianconeri followed up their win over a resurgent Borussia Dortmund with a draw against AS Roma that enabled them to maintain a nine-point advantage over their closest rivals.

Meanwhile, La Viola eliminated Tottenham Hotspur from the Europa League, and then beat Inter in Milan to move back into the top five and within just two points of the third place they so dearly covet. That would of course see Vincenzo Montella’s men earn a berth in next season’s Champions League, which would be a remarkable achievement for the Tuscan outfit.

The two clubs will now put those matters aside, going head-to-head in the Coppa Italia semi-final, with Thursday seeing the first leg take place in Turin. With the return encounter not taking place until next month, this match will offer both teams the opportunity to rest and rotate their players after a busy run of fixtures.

It will also provide Montella with another chance to test his ability against one of the league’s more astute coaches, having recently earned wins over Rudi Garcia, Roberto Mancini and Mauricio Pochettino. Massimiliano Allegri has similarly shone at Juventus, his decisions almost certainly key to Monday’s stalemate with the Giallorossi, as discussed in detail here.

The two clubs share a bitter rivalry, one which intensified during the 1982 Scudetto race and reinforced by Roberto Baggio’s move to Turin. With the Bianconeri having eliminated Fiorentina from last year’s Europa League at the Last 16 stage, the Viola will need no further encouragement to try and upset the reigning Serie A champions, who last won this competition as long ago as 1995.

LUCA BRUNO/Associated Press

 Date: Thursday, March 5

Time: 8:45 p.m. CET (7:45 GMT/12:45 EST)

Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin

TV Info: beINSports (U.S.), Sky Sports 5 (UK)

Live Stream: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S.) 

Form Lines

Last five domestic results:

Udinese 0-0 Juventus	Genoa 1-1 Fiorentina
Juventus 3-1 Milan	Fiorentina 3-2 Atalanta
Cesena 2-2 Juventus	Sassuolo 1-3 Fiorentina
Juventus 2-1 Atalanta	Fiorentina 1-1 Torino
Roma 1-1 Juventus	Inter 0-1 Fiorentina

Predicted Line-ups

Bleacher Report Formation Builder

Fiorentina (4-3-2-1): Neto; Richards, Rodriguez, Basanta, Pasqual; Badelj, Pizarro, Valero; Joaquin, Salah; Gomez

Player to Watch

With both teams likely to rest many of their high-profile names, the man to watch here could well be Norberto Neto. The Fiorentina goalkeeper is out of contract this summer, and it seems he is now unlikely to extend his stay at the Stadio Artemio Franchi once that deal expires.

Fabrizio Giovannozzi/Associated Press

Frozen out back in December, his replacement Ciprian Tatarusanu impressed, but has since picked up an injury which forced Montella to turn to Neto once again. The Brazilian has kept two clean sheets since returning to the line up, holding both Tottenham and Inter at bay with some impressive saves.

The added intrigue comes in the form of his next destination, with Gianluca Di Marzio reporting via his own website that the player has agreed to join Juventus this summer. However, that is something Neto denied back in October, as he told ESPN (h/t Forza Italian Football):

"

I confess I was not aware of any Juventus interest and I think it is just a rumour. I do not think I would go anyway. There is a big rivalry between the two teams and I think it will stay this way!

I would not do it for the fans who I admire so much. My goal is to continue to play with Fiorentina.

"

Key Battle

Both teams undoubtedly take their strength from the quality they possess in midfield, with the likes of Borja Valero and David Pizarro more than capable of matching the star-studded options available to Juventus. It remains to be seen if Paul Pogba will recover in time, and Andrea Pirlo is certain to miss out following the calf strain he suffered against Borussia Dortmund.

Dino Panato/Getty Images

That could well see a number of reserve players step up, with Martin Caceres likely to retain his place in the Bianconeri back line. The Uruguayan has impressed when fit this term, but is likely to have a tough task when faced with new Fiorentina signing Mohamed Salah.

Brought on loan from Chelsea, the Egyptian flyer has already recorded four goals and one assist in less than 400 minutes of action for La Viola.

Odds (via OddsChecker)

Home win: 4/7

Away win: 6/1

Draw: 10/3