In Pescara dreaming of Villa and the Champions League. Because the championship is important, but it is still in its infancy, while Europe has already entered the "in or out" phase. If the bianconeri then manage to hold on to the big-eared cup, the Christmas present will arrive in January, which hour after hour takes on more and more the appearance of David Villa. El Guaje (which in Asturian means "child") is at loggerheads with Barcelona and with its undisputed star Messi. Their spat at Celtic Park is only the latest in a long series, so the chances that the Spaniard will be able to leave Catalunya in January are high. Juve are observing with interest, also because Villa's age (31 in December) should contain the price somewhat. But beware of Roman Abramovich, who would like to reassemble the mundial duo with Fernando Torres. In Spain they give a lot of credit to the Blues' offensive, which is why Marotta has to hurry, even if, it should be remembered, the Juventus CEO already has an alternative ready: Llorente of Athletic Bilbao. In short, Juve's attack will be strengthened, provided that the team manages to get through the Champions League group stage.
However, the European goal must not overshadow the championship, also because Inter are pressing and a false move could cost a lot. The best Juve will take the field in Pescara, with a turnover limited to what is strictly necessary. Conte would have liked to let Pirlo rest, but the "Pogba case" will prevent him. In fact, the Frenchman was not even called up for the Adriatic match: the fault of two delays in as many training sessions. The coach thus used an iron fist and punished the Frenchman, leaving him in Vinovo to meditate.
The turnover will therefore be even more limited, with the heart of the midfield remaining the classic one made up of Vidal, Pirlo and Marchisio. On the right Isla is the favorite over Lichtsteiner, while on the left it will be Asamoah again. A large part of the defense has also been confirmed, with only Barzagli who could rest thanks to Lucio, while the attacking duo will change again. As always, Conte will choose strikers based on his last performance, and so Giovinco and Quagliarella should win, both scoring against Nordsjaelland. However, Vucinic's doubt remains: is it better to save him for the next tour de force (Lazio, Chelsea and Milan in one week) or let him find his rhythm again? The dilemma will haunt Conte until a few hours before the match, because to date the Montenegrin is the only top player in the Juventus attack. Looking forward to January…
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Pescara (3-5-2): Perin; Cosic, Romagnoli, Bocchetti; Zanon, Nielsen, Cascione, Quintero, Modesto; Abbrusto, Jonathas.
On the bench: Pelizzoli, Balzano, Capuano, Soddimo, Bjarnason, Celik, Weiss, Caprai, Vukusic.
Trainer: John Stroppa.
Unavailable: Crescenzi, Savelloni, Terlizzi, Brugman, Colucci, Blasi.
Disqualified: nobody.
Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, Barzagli, Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Giaccarini, Marrone, Padoin, Matri, Bendtner.
Trainer: Antonio Conte (suspended, Angelo Alessio on the bench).
Unavailable: DeCeglie, Pepe, Pogba.
Disqualified: nobody.
Referee: Luca Banti (Livorno).
Line Assistants: Galloni – Giallatini.
Port Assistants: Valeri – Baracani.
Fourth official: Deep sea.
