Serie A Preview: Juventus – Genoa

Posted Saturday, February 13, 2010 by Goal.com

The Bianconeri would be looking to win their first match under Alberto Zaccheroni.

Kick Off: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 15:00 CET.
Stadio Olimpico di Torino, Turin.

Slipping Down And Down

Juventus might not have lost any game under new coach Alberto Zaccheroni so far but they haven’t won any either. The 56-year-old has led the former Italian and European champions to two successive draws but that has forced them to slip outside the top six.

Going into Round 24 of the Serie A campaign, Juventus are seventh in the table with 35 points from 23 matches, three points off the fourth and final Champions League spot. Things are getting ridiculously difficult for the Turin side as players have been playing as badly as they did under Ciro Ferrara.

Juve’s home form in the league isn’t very encouraging either as they have won five and lost four matches in front of their own supporters. However, Genoa haven’t look very good away from home, so Juve should still fancy garnering maximum points on Sunday afternoon.

Toppling Juventus

Genoa might be eighth in the Serie A standings but they have as many points as Juve have – 35. Last weekend they allowed themselves more room to dream of a Champions League berth as they defeated Chievo 1-0 at home.

However, the Grifone haven’t look comfortable on their travels as they have won just twice in the league so far. But Genoa would know that Juve are going through a bad patch and this could be the perfect way for them to add to their away points tally.

FORM GUIDE

Juventus

February 6 v Livorno (A) – DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

January 31 v Lazio (H) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

January 28 v Inter (A) - LOST 2-1 (Coppa Italia)

January 23 v Roma (H) - LOST 2-1 (Serie A)

January 17 v Chievo (A) - LOST 1-0 (Serie A)

Genoa

February 7 v Chievo (H) – WON 1-0 (Serie A)

January 31 v Napoli (A) - DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

January 24 v Atalanta (H) - WON 2-0 (Serie A)

January 20 v Bari (H) - DREW 1-1 (Serie A)

January 17 v Roma (A) - LOST 3-0 (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Juventus

Iaquinta, Camoranesi, Trezeguet, Poulsen and Marchisio are injured for the match while Legrottaglie and Diego are doubtful. Felipe Melo is suspended.

Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Buffon, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Caceres; Candreva, Sissoko, De Ceglie; Diego; Amauri, Del Piero

Genoa

Kharja and Palacio are unavailable for the trip to Turin while Milanetto, Sculli and Dainelli are struggling with injuries. Moretti is suspended.

Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Amelia, Papasthatopoulos, Dainelli, Bocchetti; Rossi, Milanetto, Juric, Criscito; Palladino, Acquafresca, Sculli

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)

The Italian striker has been out for most of the season but has scored two league goals. Del Piero netted against Lazio and he would be looking forward to scoring against Genoa and leading his team to victory.

Marco Amelia (Genoa)

Genoa have the second worst defensive record in the Italian top flight and it seems weird to suggest that their goalkeeper should be player to watch out for. But Amelia would be a key player on Sunday afternoon if Genoa are to get anything from the game.

PREDICTION

Juventus would struggle if Genoa happen to score early, which is why the Bianconeri need to take the initiative. Juve have drawn their last two matches but this time they would just edge Genoa and get a win.

Juventus 1-0 Genoa