Clash of the Titans: Juventus v. Real Madrid

The last meeting between these giants dates back to 2005, when Juventus won 2-1 on aggregate in the Champions League first knock-out round. Although Real Madrid has had difficulties with the Old Lady of Turin in the past, things look very different this time around.

A confidence-boosted Real Madrid is set to take on a struggling Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico in a crucial game for the Bianconeri in general, and coach Ranieri in particular. The form book goes out the window on nights like these and all three points are pretty much up for grabs.

Juventus

Juventus made the trip to Naples with only 14 players at Ranieri’s disposal, and collected their second consecutive league defeat at the hands of Napoli. Despite taking the lead against the Azzuri, through Amauri, the Bianconeri managed to lose all three points through two howlers, as Poulsen also went off with a muscular problem.

Ranieri’s choice to take out a visibly disappointed Del Piero in favor of De Ceglie has raised some eyebrows around the peninsula. The tactician has already been under fire under a long time following his side’s poor performances and his questionable tactical choices.

Juventus won their opening Champions League game against Zenit after a stunner from Il Capitano, but followed up with barely managing a draw against Bate.

Juventus has a staggering seven players out, but the good news for the Tinkerman is that Legrottaglie, Mellberg, and Iaquinta has returned to normal training but will undergo late fitness tests on the match-day.

The Bianconeri collected their last win exactly one month ago and will be hoping for a positive outcome against Real for some tranquility, as the club has been under pressure during the majority of this term seeing their poor form.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Manniger – Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro – Salihamidzic, Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved – Amauri, Del Piero (c).

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are topping Group H after wins against both Bate and Zenit. The Spaniards come into the game full of confidence, after a late win against city rivals Atlético Madrid in a game that had more than enough drama. Los Merengues’ Higuain—of all players —converted a penalty in the 96th minute to give his side all three points.

Los Blancos has come to be associated with the “fight to the last minute” style of play for the past two seasons, and their most recent league clashes against Espanyol and Atlético are the perfect examples to prove that.

Robben, Guti, and Diarra missed out on the weekend’s derby, and only Robben will be available to make the trip to Turin.

Schuster is most likely to field the same team as against Atlético, with the exception of Van der Vaart instead of Sneijder—considering that he recently came back from injury.

Cannavaro is up for an emotional encounter as he returns to Turin. The centre back spent two successful years at Juventus before joining Real Madrid after the club was relegated to Serie B, and should by no means expect a warm welcome.

Although Real Madrid has had difficulties with Italian sides before they are hoping to manage a draw at the very least, before switching stadiums for the next Juventus encounter.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Iker Casillas: Marcelo, Fabio Cannavaro, Pepe, Sergio Ramos: Fernando Gago, Rafael van der Vaart, Rubén De La Red: Gonzalo Higuaín, Raúl (c), Ruud Van Nistelrooy