MATCH PREVIEW
Having closed the gap to leaders Roma, Scudetto rivals Juventus and Napoli will be eager to continue their push for first place.
Juventus have bounced back strongly from their stunning loss in Florence, winning three Serie A fixtures from three. Paul Pogba’s goal 13 minutes from time against Parma last weekend sustained the
run. In the trio of wins, they also kept three clean sheets.
The Bianconeri looked to maintain the streak midweek against Real Madrid, but in a pulsating clash could only draw 2-2. Arturo Vidal gave them a half-time lead, yet Fernando Llorente had to rescue a
point just past the hour.
Nonetheless,
Antonio Conte was happy with the
performance, despite Champions League qualification remaining on a knife-edge. Stephan Lichtsteiner, Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe remain sidelined through
injury. Leonardo Bonucci returns after being rested for the trip to Parma.
Napoli are brimming with confidence. They too enjoyed a third consecutive victory last Saturday – thunderbolts from
Jose Callejon and Marek Hamsik setting up a 2-1 success over Catania. For Rafael Benitez, the team can further improve on
what they’ve shown so far. On Wednesday the Partenopei edged
ever-closer to the Champions League Round of 16 by overcoming Marseille.
They fell behind, were pegged back, but eventually claimed three points. Gokhan Inler struck, before Gonzalo Higuain netted a crucial brace. The boss was satisfied, making note of their fight and
spirit in overturning the early deficit.
The tactician has defensive concerns, given all his absentees play across the back four. Giandomenico Mesto is the
latest addition, joining Juan Zuniga and Miguel Britos on the treatment table. In 67 past matches in Turin the Bianconeri have been dominant, winning 40 times - including last season’s 2-0 win.
Napoli have returned home with
maximum points on seven occasions, most recently four seasons ago.
GONZALO HIGUAIN:
Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli) – Edinson Cavani was involved in some memorable tussles with Juve’s defenders
during his spell, notably Giorgio Chiellini. Higuain will now be the object of the Bianconeri’s desire, with the Argentine marksman hoping to maintain his midweek form.
FORM GUIDE:
Juventus (W L W W W)
Napoli (W L W W W)
LAST SEASON:
Juventus 2-0 Napoli
STATS FACT:
This fixture has ended scoreless
on just five occasions and not for more than 30 years.
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