Competition: Italian Serie A 2016-17
Date: Friday, 17th February, 19:45 GMT
Stadium: Juventus Stadium.
Juventus vs Palermo Preview
Juventus have to make changes, but hope to continue their winning run as struggling Palermo come to Turin.
The Rosanero are in last chance saloon territory following the latest in a long line of defeats, this time at the hands of high-flying Atalanta. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side emerged with a 3-1 win, leaving the Sicilians eight points adrift of safety and relying on help elsewhere to complete the great escape.
Palermo’s slim survival hopes will fall largely at the feet of forward Ilija Nestorovski. The Macedonian striker has reportedly caught the eye of teams in Spain and has given a good account of himself, with a return of nine league goals this campaign. This tally accounts for nearly half of Palermo’s goal haul, making the achievement even more impressive.
In midfield, the mercurial Alessandro Diamanti is pushing for a start and could prove a shrewd selection. The journeyman Italian is inconsistent but talented, and may provide that little bit of genius to unsettle the Juventus backline.
For hosts Juventus, it’s business as usual. Max Allegri’s side are going from strength to strength in the league and have a Champions League Round of 16 clash against Porto to look forward to next week. But, Allegri will not let his troops rest on their laurels and will expect a typically ruthless display from his match day squad.
The Bianconeri will be without the suspended Mario Mandzukic, after the burly hitman picked up his fifth booking of the season in the routine 2-0 victory over Cagliari. Mandzukic will be missed, as the forward’s industry and selflessness has contributed heavily to the success of the daring 4-2-3-1 formation. Orthodox wide man Marko Pjaca is expected to deputise in what would be a rare start for the summer signing from Dinamo Zagreb.
In defence, Giorgio Chiellini is unlikely to be match fit, having hobbled off with a thigh injury at the Sant’Elia, leaving the runaway leaders with just three recognised centre-backs. Daniele Rugani should win the battle with Mehdi Benatia and partner Leonardo Bonucci at the heart of the defence, while veteran Andrea Barzagli is also expected to miss out.
Allegri must also decide whether to reinstate Miralem Pjanic to the starting XI or keep faith with Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira at the base of midfield.
Keep an eye on: Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) – The electric Colombian has been one of the main beneficiaries of the switch in formation. Cuadrado has repaid Allegri’s faith with the stunning winning goal against rivals Inter and has earned the right to call himself a first team regular. When in full flow, the winger is a joy to watch and an unstoppable force down the right flank.
Form guide: Juventus (W W W W L) Palermo (L W D L L)
Last season: Juventus 3-0 Palermo
Stat fact: Palermo have lost their last nine meetings with Juventus, home and away, conceding 18 goals and scoring zero. The visitors recorded their most recent victory in September 2010, winning 3-1.
Top tip: Juventus to score in both halves.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Marchisio, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Pjaca; Higuain
Suspended: Mandzukic
Palermo (probable): Posavec; Rispoli, Gonzalez, Goldaniga, Pezzella; Bruno Henrique, Jajalo, Chochev; Embalo, Nestorovski, Trajkovski
Suspended: None
