Call him Real Catania. The definition is by Antonio Conte and gives an idea of how much the coach fears today's match. “We face Real Catania, the revelation of the championship and I hope that the Juventus Stadium is sold out: from now on it's all finals. Leaving points along the way could be fatal." Here is Conte's main talent, the ability to always keep everyone on the rope regardless of the opponent. And so, while for all of Italy against Juventus the Scudetto fight is already over, at Juventus they don't think so at all.
“I hear that we have to win the championship by big, but it would be extraordinary to reconfirm ourselves in Serie A – Conte reiterated. – The fight is always very open, a situation that can still entice those who pursue. I see that many, deep down, harbor the desire for a 'remunatada'. I have heard Allegri's statements in which he says that we have won the Scudetto by 99%, it's not 100% so there is a small hope of making a comeback that would be extraordinary. Now Milan are at -8, there's a direct match and everything is still possible, like for Napoli or for Lazio itself”. In short, woe to take a final victory for granted. Every point will have to be sweated starting from this afternoon, when a completely unpredictable Catania will arrive at the Stadium.
The Sicilians, after last Sunday's defeat against Inter, have lost ground in the fight for the Europe zone, but the games are still open. Of course, to bring them back into the running a positive result would be needed, which is rather complicated also given the absences of Capuano and Bergessio, as well as the disqualified Legrottaglie. On the other hand, however, the ferocious motivation that will accompany Maran's men should not be forgotten, determined to avenge the defeat of the first leg, full of controversy beyond all measure. Gervasoni's unfortunate arbitrage led to a sort of cold war in which Agnelli and Pulvirenti ended up involved, who in recent months (also thanks to different visions in the League) have not spared harsh barbs.
But Conte doesn't care about this, or so it seems. He just wants to win on the Juventus bench: “Right now I don't see any possibility of leaving Juve at the end of the season. The appreciation of the big teams is nice, but it's there for me as well as for my players and the club; it means that we are working well. There is great harmony with Andrea Agnelli, if it weren't for the sharing of a project and ideas it would be a completely different situation. And then I also get along very well with Marotta”. In short, Chelsea warned, also because Conte has certainly not finished his work here. The championship is the most affordable goal, but the dream is called the Champions League.
“Not being able to count on large economic resources, growth, especially in the Champions League, will take longer. We take our responsibilities, but in Europe there is an important gap with some teams. I don't want to deceive anyone: I promise a lot of work to get as far forward as possible in the Champions League, even knowing that the pitch has to speak and sometimes enthusiasm can push the limits. We are still far from the international level we want to reach”.
In short, head and heart in Catania, with an eye on the tank, emptied by the weekly match against Celtic. Compared to Wednesday there will be several changes, starting with Chiellini's return to defence. Lichtsteiner will be seen again on the right, and Vidal's disqualification will mean Pogba's reconfirmation. Up front then Vucinic and Giovinco will return, with Matri and Quagliarella scalping on the bench. The time to eat is coming and there is still a lot of hunger at Juve.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, Peluso, De Ceglie, Marrone, Isla, Padoin, Giaccarini, Anelka, Matri, Quagliarella.
Trainer: Antonio Conte.
Unavailable: Caceres, Pepe, Bendtner.
Disqualified: Vidal (1).
Beware: Chiellini, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Pirlo, Matri.
Catania (3-5-2): Andujar; Rolin, Spolli, Marchese; Alvarez, Izco, Lodi, Biagianti, Almiron; Castro, Gomez.
On the bench: Frison, Terracciano, Bellusci, Augustyn, Potenza, Sciacca, Keko, Salifu, Cani, Barrientos, Ricchiuti, Doukara.
Trainer: Rolando Maran.
Unavailable: Capuano, Bergessio.
Disqualified: Legrottaglie (1).
Beware: Barrientos, Rolin.
Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro (Lecce).
Line Assistants: Bianchi – Nicoletti.
Port Assistants: Duties – Peruzzo.
Fourth official: free yourself.
