Juventus vs. Napoli: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream & TV Info

There will be a strange juxtaposition in play at Juventus Stadium on Saturday, with the two teams set to face each other viewing the game from very different perspectives. For the visitors—currently chasing Champions League qualification—it presents an opportunity to close the gap on Lazio and AS Roma above them.

The two capital clubs meet in the derby on Monday, with Rafael Benitez’s side three points behind them in fourth place. They will be desperate for victory, which will provide a stark contrast to their hosts, who will likely be in celebratory mood as they play their final home game of the season.

Having already clinched the Serie A title, the Bianconeri added the Coppa Italia on Wednesday—in a match reviewed at length here—securing a wonderful domestic double. It will be interesting to see the lineup chosen by Massimiliano Allegri for this encounter, with just two matches before the Champions League final against Barcelona.

Giorgio Chiellini admitted the team will not be focussing on that, however, telling RAI Sport that they will instead relish this latest triumph. “Berlin is a way off,” said the defender (h/t Football Italia), “now we deserve to enjoy this Coppa Italia with our fans all over the country.”

Napoli should remain cautious however, as the Old Lady proved last week against Inter that she remains dangerous even with a rotated side. Making seven changes from the side that faced Real Madrid, Juventus won 2-1 and the Partenopei cannot afford to do the same, with the three points at stake crucial to their hopes.

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2015

Time: 5 p.m. CET (6 p.m. BST/12 p.m. EDT)

Venue: Juventus Stadium, Turin

TV Info: BT Sport 2 (U.K.)

Live Stream: BeIn Sports Connect (U.S.)

Form Lines

Last five domestic results:

Torino 2-1 Juventus	Napoli 4-2 Sampdoria
Juventus 3-2 Fiorentina	Empoli 4-2 Napoli
Sampdoria 0-1 Juventus	Napoli 3-0 Milan
Juventus 1-1 Cagliari	Parma 2-2 Napoli
Inter 1-2 Juventus	Napoli 3-2 Cesena

Predicted Lineups

Juventus: (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Barzagli, De Ceglie; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra, Matri; Morata

Napoli: (4-2-3-1): Andujar; Maggio, Albiol, Britos, Ghoulam; Lopez, Inler; Callejon, Hamsik, Mertens; Higuain

Player to Watch

While he may not be chosen to start this clash, Manolo Gabbiadini could well emerge as the man to watch on Saturday. The 23-year-old began the season with Sampdoria, netting nine goals before moving to Napoli in January, continuing his excellent form under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez.

What makes him so interesting here is that he was previously co-owned by Juventus, and while he never played a game for the club their decision to sell him was not an easy one. It is difficult to blame them when looking at the attacking talent already in Turin, but his tally of 20 goals in all competitions is difficult to ignore.

He scored against the Bianconeri in December and will be looking to do so again as his current club seek to snatch third place. The €13 million signing is hoping for his first taste of Champions League football, knowing they must win here to keep that dream alive.

Key Battle

Napoli’s hopes of victory, as they so often have this term, will likely come to rest with Gonzalo Higuain, the striker so crucial to everything about the way the Partenopei approach matches. Their 4-2-3-1 formation hinges on his ability to stretch defences and create space either for himself or the trio behind him, and they will hope he can find gaps in Italy’s toughest back line once again.

The Super Cup clash between these two sides ended 2-2 in normal time, with the Argentinian netting both goals for Napoli, and he has constantly caused the Bianconeri problems since arriving in Italy.

The task of stopping Higuain will be the responsibility of a makeshift defence, with perhaps Andrea Barzagli the most prominent name to feature for the home side. The former Palermo man has been in excellent form since returning from a lengthy injury layoff, and Juventus will need him at his best here.

Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 19/10

Home win: 36/25

Draw: 57/25