Juventus – Piacenza Preview…. Nocerino’s Derby

Today 2:30 PM EST

Projected Line Ups

Juventus (4-4-2) Buffon; Birindelli, Boumsong, Chiellini, Balzaretti; Marchionni, Zanetti, Paro, Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet. Bench- 12 Mirante, 15 Marchisio, 13 Piccolo, 8 Giannichedda, 9 Bojinov, 20, Palladino, 16 Camoranesi

Piacenza (4-3-3) Coppola; Nef, Campagnaro, Miglionico, Gemiti; Riccio, Patrascu, Nocerino; Stamilla, Cacia, Degano. Bench- 1 Cassano, 36 Iorio, 6 Olivi, 28 Gobatto, 14 Bianchi, 10 Rantier, 90 Simon

Referee- Bertini of Arezzo

News- Zebina and Zalayeta will not be available due to injury, on the other hand Camoranesi and Trezeguet have recovered from their injuries in training this week and Trez will start looking for his first goal since January 20th. Marchionni will get the start in place of Camoranesi and the skilled midfielder will have a solid impact on the game, and Matteo Paro is back in the starting line up to pair up with Zanetti. Hopefully Paro will be more of an impact then Giannichedda with Zanetti last week.

On the other side, Piacenza is looking to improve upon its 41 points to earn a spot at promotion. Young striker Daniele Cacia has been strong again this season up front with 7 goals so far, and he will be surrounded by ex-Parma striker Daniele Degano and Alessio Stamilla. The most interesting storyline I guess would be the mini derby, Antonio Nocerino against some of his close friends and his half team. Nocerino (pictured) is half owned by Juve and Piacenza, being a product of the Juventus youth system. The 21 year old is a very promising midfielder who has been in the National Team under 21 group recently. He states he is still close friends with Antonio Mirante and Palladino, referring to Palladino as a brother. This is a big chance for him to make a showing against the Bianconeri, so I expect him to play all out and put forth a good effort.

Prediction – 3-1 in favor of Juventus

Some Related Juventus Posts:

• Juventus – Modena Wrap Up …. Leaving it Late
• Thursday Feb 22 – Quick Notes (Crybabies, Politics, Cocaine, Lindsay Lohan?)
• February 27 Afternoon Quick Notes
• Primavera Player Profile- Sebastian Giovinco
• March 12, 2003 Igor Tudor Day

Category: Team News