Call it “factor B”. Bologna and Bayern influence Juventus' weekend, and looking closely also at the rest of the season. “We were aware that the quarter-finals would present us with a demanding challenge – Conte thought immediately after the draw. – After Chelsea we had the second finalist of last year: Bayern who have always represented one of the absolute certainties at European level and will have the advantage of playing the match with the great experience accumulated over the years and with a mind free from the championship, where he leads by 20 points.
The challenge will certainly be stimulating and we will live it with maximum serenity, concentration and joy. We are cultivating a dream and we want to live this experience to the end. Last year we watched the Champions League from the sofa in our house. This year we are back to playing a leading role”. Words of great respect, like those of Bayern after all. “Juventus is the team that eliminated the reigning champions Chelsea and for this reason I think they are the worst opponent to face after Barcelona – explained Toni Kroos, point of reference for the German team. – To go through, we'll have to give our all and not concede a goal on our home turf."
But if there's still time for the great Champions League match (the first leg in Bavaria will be on April 2, the return to Turin on the 10th) this is not the case for the Dall'Ara match, dressed to the nines for this luxury advance of the 29th day. And so Juve will necessarily have to maintain concentration, also because the opponent is experiencing a moment of grace (Inter noticed this last Sunday), so they won't make discounts of any kind. “Our Champions League is called Bologna – explained Conte in the usual guise of a sergeant. – We face the team in the best shape of the championship, it comes from 3 victories and is already virtually safe. Gilardino and his companions will want to do the feat, they have the possibility. Winning in Bologna would send a great message to the championship, we have to keep our antennas straight."
The technician will line up the typical formation, even if some doubts remain. Peluso could take the left wing in place of an Asamoah who is still far from his best form, while up front the only one certain to play seems to be Matri, who in terms of characteristics is the most suited to face the Rossoblu defence. Alongside him there will be one of Vucinic (favourite), Giovinco and Quagliarella. In Vinovo, however, there is also talk of those who are not there (yet?): Ibrahimovic tickles the imagination of journalists and fans. “It's something that doesn't belong to me – the Juventus coach scoffed. – A negative discourse for the environment and for everyone, first of all for the players who are giving everything and more”. In short, no distractions, neither from the Champions League nor from the market, the head must be in Bologna. Word of Sergeant Conte.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Curci; Garics, Antonsson, Cherubin, Morleo; Perez, Taider; Kone, Diamanti, Gabbiadini; Gilardino.
On the bench: Agliardi, Stojanovic, Naldo, Carvalho, Motta, Abero, Khrin, Pazienza, Guarente, Christodoulopoulos, Pasquato, Moscardelli.
Trainer: Stephen Pioli.
Unavailable: Sorensen.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Taider, Garics, Motta, Diamanti, Gabbiadini.
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Vucinic, Matri.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, De Ceglie, Marrone, Asamoah, Isla, Padoin, Pogba, Giaccarini, Anelka, Giovinco, Quagliarella.
Trainer: Antonio Conte.
Unavailable: Caceres, Bendtner, Pepe.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Chiellini, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Pirlo, Matri.
Referee: Mauro Bergonzi (Genoa).
Line Assistants: Empty – Costanzo.
Port Assistants: Rocchi-Massa.
Fourth official: Gallons.
