Lazio vs Juventus Preview

Lazio vs Juventus Preview

Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara plans to tinker with his line-up as he looks to guide his team to victory at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

The Bianconeri triumphed 3-1 at Roma in their last match before the international break thanks to two goals from top summer signing Diego, and visit Lazio tomorrow night looking to achieve a similar result.

But Ferrara has hinted there may be changes to the side he sends out in the Eternal City following the international break and with one eye on Tuesday's Champions League Group A opener against Bordeaux.

"They all got back safe and sound - even from a psychological point of view, thanks to the many victories obtained," Ferrara said of his international stars.

"Only (Zdenek) Grygera suffered a blow which must be evaluated. (Martin) Caceres returned today, while Felipe Melo will join us in Rome. But there are no problems with him.

"The same applies to (new signing Fabio) Grosso, who has immediately fitted in well. I think there will be some changes with regards to the last match, also because of Tuesday's Champions League match."

Juve and Lazio lie second and fourth respectively in the Serie A standings and are two of the four teams, along with Sampdoria and Genoa, to boast 100% records from their two games so far.

Tomorrow's match kicks off a hectic schedule for the Turin giants, which will see them play seven matches in 21 days.

"With so many matches to be played it will be harder to recuperate the physical and mental energies and we will have to manage our strengths," Ferrara said on www.juventus.it.

"We knew this, and this is why we wanted to build an ample team. I will have to rely on everyone."

Of tomorrow's opponents, Ferrara added: "We will be playing against a team who have the same amount of points as us and who have achieved important results, especially in the Super Cup.

"I know they have some problems with the line-up and that (Tommaso) Rocchi and (Mauro) Zarate might not be available. But (Julio) Cruz will be there for sure and he is a player who often caused harm to Juventus, having scored even against me!

"In any case, I hope to find the best Lazio opposing us. We have a delicate and difficult match ahead of us against a team who will cause various difficulties.

"We are returning to Rome immediately but we have already forgotten about the victory we had a fortnight ago, even though we want to win again and continue down the same road."

Lazio coach Davide Ballardini, meanwhile, reckons tomorrow's match will provide a strong indication of his team's potential.

"On Saturday we come up against Juventus, the fittest team in Serie A at the moment," said Ballardini, whose team followed up their opening victory against Atalanta with a convincing 2-1 triumph at Chievo.

"Juve have a lot of quality and, like us, have enjoyed a great start to the campaign.

"But in our official games so far, we have shown we have clear ideas - such as focus and determination.

"We will go out determined to take a win."


Powered by Disqus
  • Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook


standard
 

  • ESPN is a trademark of ESPN, Inc and STAR is a trademark of Star Television Productions Limited. Trademarks used under license by ESPN STAR Sports.
  • Presented by ESPN, Star Sports, Star Cricket