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Italy: Serie A Preview- Udinese v Juventus [Wed Sep 21st, 2005]
This week two teams meet in what could be a promising encounter. Udinese, the up and coming team, against Juventus, the established power whose octopus tentacles keep growing.
Background
This game could have been far more interesting as if Udinese won against Fiorentina they would have been in joint first place with Juventus. Udinese, have played well till they played Fiorentina. In that game the Viola dominated and played well. Udinese did score two goals, but it was evident that they were tired and they are not used to the rigors of European competition.
Remember last year as they bowed out in the UEFA Cup? They are still a solid team, but they face a merciless Juventus with only one target.
Cosmi will have to dig deep and try to salvage lost spirit they suffered due to their first loss. However, he has a full team at his disposal. It is tough, But Udinese always give Juve a run for their money.
Juve want it all this year and by the way they are playing they could. They beat Bruges in midweek and they dominated and could have scored more. The team is united and their black sheep DP, is playing well and showing what he is capable of.
They know that AC Milan are in crisis, but they too know that Inter, Palermo and Fiorentina are travelling well and losing points will not help them. A good result will earn them points which could give them a safety net down the road.
Team news
Juventus
No suspensions, but Buffon, Brindelli are still injured, along with Thuram, Pessotto and Chimenti.
Udinese
Cosmi has a full team at his disposal.
Players to watch
Iaquinta (Udinese)
A good goal scorer. Can he penetrate the Juve defence remains to be seen. Thuram is injured, so it is possible.
Del Piero (Juventus)
Will start again. Will he reproduce his old form or will he just regress back to the old style: one good others bad. We will see. A threat on the field never-the-less.
Probable starting XIs:
Udinese (4-3-3):
De Santics, Juarez, Natali, Felipe, D. Zenoni, Pinzo, Obodo, Muntari, Candela, Di Natale, Iaquinta. Coach: Cosmi.
Juventus (4-3-3):
Abbiati, Blasi, Kovac, F. Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Lamoranesi, Emerson, Vieria, Nedved, Trezeguet, Del Piero. Coach: Capello.
Bruno Cardile
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