"There are 13 games left, for us it must be like 13 World Cup finals". Antonio Conte does not particularly like beating about the bush, which is why his statements are often strong, therefore effective. If someone thought that Juve could snub Siena, perhaps already thinking about the trip to Naples, then he doesn't know the Juventus coach. “Siena is not Real Madrid, but for us it is the match of the life, we face a healthy team that beat Inter and Lazio – he explained in the usual press conference on the eve. – If anyone thinks it will be a walk, they are wrong, it is a very difficult race”. A clear and direct message, just like the one sent to the Juventus fans: “I hope they understand the moment, everyone is needed. They will have to clear their throats and accompany the team like last year, not in a fluctuating way as has happened lately, the Juventus Stadium must not be a theatre, but a bedlam”. The tone is right, the look as well. Antonio Conte doesn't want a drop in tension, furthermore he is aware that a victory would put further pressure on Napoli, who are busy tomorrow in the difficult away match in Udine. If three points arrive today, Mazzarri's men would take the field with the absolute obligation to win, which would represent a further load on their shoulders. So head to Siena, an opponent to take with a grain of salt. “It's a very organized formation, Iachini was good – acknowledged Conte. – Siena has enthusiasm and wants to win safety points in Turin as well, on paper we can think of an easy match for us. I don't want to cry 'wolf' and I hope to be proven wrong, but it won't be easy”.
The coach tries, but the San Paolo challenge is too cumbersome to remain hidden. Training, for example, will be conditioned by warnings, which could greatly complicate Friday's big match. There are no less than 6 black and white people who are warned, some of them absolutely prominent, such as Chiellini, Barzagli, Vidal and Pirlo. Conte would have liked to save many, but some absences will prevent him, above all that of Caceres, which will force him to risk Barzagli. Prudence instead for Chiellini, returning after two months, who will be polished for San Paolo and for Vidal, called up but not at his best due to an ankle problem. Even up front the choices will depend on Napoli: Vucinic should rest. Giovinco and one of Matri (favourite), Quagliarella and Anelka will play in his place.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Mothers, Giovinco.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, Chiellini, Marrone, Isla, Padoin, Giaccarini, Vidal, Vucinic, Quagliarella, Anelka.
Trainer: Antonio Conte.
Unavailable: Caceres, DeCeglie, Bendtner, Pepe.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Chiellini, Barzagli, Vidal, De Ceglie, Pirlo, Matri.
Siena (3-4-2-1): pegola; Texeira, Terlizzi, Felipe; Belmonte, Bolzoni, Della Rocca, Rubin; Rosina, Sestu; Emeghara.
On the bench: Farelli, Uvini, Paci, Calello, Verre, Valiani, Mannini, Reginaldo, Paolucci, Bogdani, Pozzi.
Trainer: Joseph Iachini.
Unavailable: Angelo, Vergassola.
Disqualified: Vitiello, Terzi.
Beware: Pegolo, Rosina, Sestu, Rubin, Bogdani.
Referee: Dominic Celi (Bari).
Line Assistants: Altomare – Crispo.
Port Assistants: Russian – Ciampi.
Fourth official: Ruby.
