The party is postponed, but maybe it's for the best. At Juventus, nobody admits it openly, but winning the title tonight, three days before the semi-final second leg against Benfica, would have been almost a problem. Better to postpone the revelry until next week, when the Europa League will have been archived in one way or another. If it's final, we'll only think about it in mid-May, vice versa the calendar will immediately offer a way to forget any disappointment. Provided, however, that tonight the Lady does her duty in Reggio Emilia, against a Sassuolo desperate for salvation points.
An almost obvious challenge on paper, but still not to be underestimated. Also because the technicians of Roma and Juventus thought about putting some spice on it. “I expect Sassuolo to play like a team that needs to save itself, with the best players – had attacked Garcia a few days ago. – The little ones who played at the Stadium didn't always do so (the reference is to Livorno, ed). I also hope not to hear their coach happy for having lost only 1-0 (and here the jab goes to Ballardini, ed). I ask only this”. Provocative words, which Antonio Conte did not like at all.
“I was surprised by Garcia's statements – replied the Juventus coach. - I found him very provincial and going back, also adding up what he had said about our little helpers, I classified his as bar talk. Italian football certainly wasn't waiting for Garcia to bring stimuli to our opponents, he should know that we've been in the lead for two years and that every team faces us as if it were the match of their life. He has disrespected the coaches and the players and also all the fans."
Scudetto skirmishes, which will probably continue until the match at the Olimpico in two weeks. In the meantime, however, Juve must think about Sassuolo, obviously keeping an eye on Benfica. “We will not make any reasoning in view of Europe – Conte denied however. – What matters is winning in Reggio Emilia and not easy because we will face a team in full fight for salvation. By winning we would get our hands on the Scudetto”.
In reality, there will be a turnover, starting with the bruised Barzagli and Vidal, who will start from the bench. Just the conditions of the Chilean worry the Juventus environment, and not only. “He has an inflammation of the meniscus that has flared up again – explained the coach. – We hope to recover him for Thursday, in any case here if there is someone who has to worry it is we who pay his salary, then he will be the Chilean national team ”.
In any case, Vidal will not be there and Conte will replace him with Marchisio. In defense, in front of Buffon, space for Caceres, Ogbonna and Chiellini, in midfield, in addition to the Principino, it will be the turn of Isla, Pirlo, Pogba and Asamoah. In attack, however, no turnover, with the titular Tevez and Llorente on the pitch from the start. Di Francesco will respond with a 4-3-3 with Pegolo in goal, Antei, Cannavaro, Longhi and Gazzola in defence, Chibsah, Magnanelli and Ziegler in midfield, Zaza, Floro Flores and Sansone in attack.
