Italian Serie A 2011/2012 Preview: Juventus vs Parma, Round 2

When the draw for the 2011/2012 Italian Serie A, I'm sure all 20 teams would have expected to have had kicked off by now. However, after a seemingly pointless strike was postponed, the Serie A will finally get underway this weekend.

For Juventus, their season will kick off against Parma, a nervous matchup for all Bianconeri fans, especially considering the two consecutive league losses to Parma last season. With Giovinco present in the squad, the Gialloblu will by no means prove to be a walkover for the Bianconeri.

The match not only marks the start of the season for both sides but also serves as the official "league christening" of Juventus' new stadium. Turin certainly put on a show at the official opening and will be looking to do so again, this time on the pitch.

Juventus

The Bianconeri had a stellar run in the transfer market, luring a number of quality players to Turin, including Eljero Elia on the second last day of the window.

Now it is time for them to all be brought together on the pitch.

The first competitive match of 2011/2012 will be a real test for Juventus. Antonio Conte will have the full Juventus squad at his disposal, bar Vincenzo Iaquinta who was ruled out at the last minute.

Bianconeri fans will be pleased to see the inclusion of Krasic and Vucinic in the squad, both of who were doubtful to play.

Expect Juventus to line up in their 4-4-2: Buffon, De Ceglie, Chiellini, Barzagli, Lichtsteiner, Elia, Vidal, Pirlo, Krasic, Vucinic and Matri.

There could be minor changes heading in depending on how Conte responds to the Parma lineup. If so, the acquisition of Quagliarella, Pazienza or Del Piero could eventuate.

Parma

Last season Parma recorded fourteen consecutive draws heading into the end of the season. However, they still managed to defeat Juventus twice, including that impressive display from "Atomic Ant" Giovinco. Needless to say, Parma will be looking to catch Juventus out again.

Complacency generally gets the better of the Bianconeri towards the end of a match, so even a two goal lead heading into the final stages wouldn't be impossible for Parma to claw back.

Unfortunately for Parma, a large portion of their squad, including a number of key players, are already injured heading into their first league match.

Parma will be without Massimo Gobbi, Raffaele Palladino, Fernando Marques and Danilo Pereira.

This means that Franco Colomba will have to make do with an unorthodox (4-4-2): Mirante; Zaccardo, Paletta, Lucarelli, Rubin; Valiani, Morrone, Galloppa, Modesto; Giovinco, Pelle.

Juventus vs Parma will be a match where all the pressure is on the Bianconeri to secure all three points. A loss would be devastating for Turin, especially considering it would mean that their first league match in their new stadium resulted in a draw.

Antonio Conte will be doing everything he can to secure all three points. Conversely, Sebastian Giovinco will feel as though he STILL has a point to prove to Juventus, who seemingly rendered him unwanted and will as always be deadly when around the box.

Who will win? Let me know your scores below.

Enjoy the match.