Derby with a view of the Champions League. Turin-Juventus is the very match this weekend and will give all fans a truly vibrant lunch (to be played at 12.30). However, it is inevitable that Conte will also think about Wednesday's match against Galatasaray, a first in or outside Europe. In short, from today the Old Lady begins a week of fire that will end next Sunday at the Stadium against Milan. It starts from the derby della Mole, a game that has always been full of meanings. Technically, as has been the case for decades now, there would be no match, but derby games are also (if not above all) played on grit and nerves, and there Toro is second to none. “We have great respect for them, but not fear – explained Conte. – I remember when as a player I won the Scudetto but lost both derbies… In these matches, in addition to organization and quality, anger and malice are also needed, the desire to prevail over the opponent counts more than technique. And then in the city there is a derby air, it is right that there is rivalry, but also mutual respect ".
Juventus arrives at this match in a strange way: good in terms of results, a little less good in terms of performance. Above all, the midweek match against Chievo left some perplexities, mostly as regards intensity and malice. The malicious ones murmur that, perhaps, the two consecutive championships may have satiated the Lady, but Conte does not agree: “The two titles have given us certainties, all my players have grown both tactically and physically. Of course, after two years of victories it may happen that we think we can win a game before taking the field, and then we risk a less ferocious and concentrated approach. But I'm serene, because I have good players and, above all, excellent men. They listen to me, they are not dazzled by victories, they are the first to be self-critical when things go wrong". The turnover, really massive compared to usual, may have affected Verona's performance, but even here Conte has no second thoughts: “We planned the rotation, then the results will tell if we've done it right. We have given rest to those who need it, and we will continue to do so".
Today, however, the "owners" will play, with a couple of surprises typical of the house. In fact, the latest from Vinovo see Giovinco on the launch pad to support Tevez, in what would be an unprecedented pairing, at least from the first minute. Vucinic's condition also affects the choice, still in pain after the blow taken in the national team, but the coach has always had great consideration for Formica Atomica. The other big news of the day is the bench for Pirlo, to tell the truth widely expected. The director from Brescia has always played as a starter, however accusing a conspicuous drop in performance, as well as small signs of nervousness. In short, the rest shift arrives at the right time, also because he will be needed 100% in the next games. For the rest, a typical formation, with Buffon in goal, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini in defense, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio and Asamoah in midfield, Tevez in attack. Alongside him, as previously mentioned, Giovinco is favorite over Quagliarella, Llorente and Vucinic.
