Juventus – Rome has never been a "normal" match and even more so today that a certain Zeman sits on the Giallorossi bench, but this eve was even more unusual than expected. Because the bianconeri, in an attempt to dodge the "mines" arriving from the capital, sent Claudio Filippi to a press conference. “Carneades! Who was this?” would have asked Alessandro Manzoni's Don Abbondio. This is the goalkeeper coach, currently Carrera's deputy, who in turn is Conte's deputy.
In short, time passes and Juve's lecturers fall in rank, for reasons that are anything but understandable. Indeed, the black and white choice (born with the intention of avoiding controversy with Rome) turned into a sensational assist for Zeman, who took advantage of it from the capital to throw yet another jab at his all-time enemy. “Did Carrera decline the conference? A matter of style – the Bohemian commented ironically. – I think people always want to hear from someone directly interested. And it would have been better for you journalists too…”.
Yet another controversial starting point, which Juventus Turin, as expected, did not want to accept. “Actually, Carrera and I are both directly interested – retorted Filippi. – In any case, the decision to send me to the conference was Conte's, who is pleased to let me speak as well as Massimo. Right now we are the two voices of the technical staff…”. The question and answer from a distance also continued on other issues, above all the welcome that the Stadium will reserve for the Bohemian. “Last time at Juve's home the welcome wasn't very nice – recalled Zeman. – At the time of him I also reported it, because after 90 'of offenses nothing happened, but then if one goes 'boo' it's racism. I didn't do the damage to Juve, the fans should take it out on someone else." Another barb and another soft response from the excellent Filippi: "The fans are a spontaneous group and they will behave as they feel".
It would almost seem like Zeman against everyone, except that tonight there will be Juventus - Rome, a decidedly interesting match from all points of view. Will we see again last week's crushing Juve or the tired and fearful one from Florence? Will Roma be more similar to the sumptuous version of the San Siro or the hybrid version of the Olimpico? Important questions, to which only the field will give an answer. Even on the formations there are many puzzles, but there are two certainties: Pirlo and Totti will start from
first minute and are candidates to be the great protagonists of the challenge. Unless Zeman decides once again to take the stage.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De
Ceglie; Matri, Vucinic.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, Lucio, Caceres, Marrone, Isla, Asamoah, Pogba, Giaccarini,
Bendtner, Quagliarella, Giovinco.
Trainer: Antonio Conte (suspended, Massimo Carrera on the bench).
Unavailable: Pepper, Padoin.
Disqualified: nobody.
Rome (4-3-3): Stekelenburg; Taddei, Burdisso, Castan, Balzaretti; Tachtsidis, De Rossi, Florenzi;
Lamela, Osvaldo, Totti.
On the bench: Goicoechea, Svedkauskas, Romagnoli, Piris, Marquinhos, Perrotta, Marquinho,
Thallo, Destro, Lopez.
Coach: Zdenek Zeman.
Unavailable: Lobont, Pjanic, Dodo, Bradley.
Disqualified: Guberti.
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Bologna). Line assistants: Faverani-Stefani. Port Assistants: Banti – De Marco. Fourth man: Maggiani.
