Monday night with a view on the Scudetto. Lazio – Juventus is the grand finale of a football day full of excitement and entertainment, and perhaps the best is yet to come. A crucial match for the title race will be staged at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, especially after the draw at San Siro, which would allow Juve (if successful, of course) to extend decisively. And to think that yesterday in the press conference (before the match between Milan and Naples), Antonio Conte spoke of the championship still open: “Even if I were Mazzarri or Allegri, I would believe in a comeback. For this reason we have to be very careful, but we can afford a slip, while the chasing cannot afford missteps. I hope my boys continue to give me everything, without distractions: they are doing something extraordinary."
But this is an important match, regardless of the results of the opponents. A sad week should be forgotten, marked by the elimination of the Champions League against Bayern, which made some demanding fans turn up their noses. A few days later Antonio Conte doesn't change his mind, Juve just couldn't do more than him: “Why should elimination in the Champions League take away our certainties? Our real goals are to qualify for the next Champions League and try to win the Scudetto, we're hitting both of them in full. The double defeat against the Germans didn't downsize us, but sized us up: we never thought we were superior to them. We have found our right dimension, we must be intelligent and understand that we still have to work hard if we want to aim for certain goals". The message is, once again, crystal clear: to really compete with the best in Europe you need the top players, especially in attack. Tonight's test will be an important test also for Vucinic, much criticized after the bad performance on Wednesday. “We lose and we win as a team, all together – however the coach defended it. – those who think that the faults can only lie with one player understand nothing”.
But Bayern must be archived, because now it's Lazio's turn. Statistics say that the Biancocelesti are the only ones in Italy who haven't lost against Juve this season. “There's always the first time – joked Conte, before analyzing the match at the Olimpico. – We know that an important match awaits us, on a tough, difficult pitch. Let's not forget that Lazio is, together with us, the team that has progressed furthest in Europe, moreover they have made the whole Italian Cup like us, so the two Italian clubs that have played the most are facing each other". That's why we may see some changes in the form and men. Antonio Conte should confirm the ordinance 3-5-2, with Quagliarella and Vucinic as an attacking couple, but there is also the hypothesis of a 3-5-1-1, with Pogba in midfield and Marchisio behind the Montenegrin . For the rest, only one doubt on the right wing, where Lichtsteiner (favourite) and Padoin are playing a shirt. In defence, thanks to Chiellini's absence, it will be Peluso's turn to support the usual Barzagli and Bonucci. Fewer chances for Petkovic's Lazio, who have to give up several men between suspensions and injuries. “Yes, it's true, but there are no impossible matches – replied the Biancoceleste coach. – Until now we have always given 100%. Tomorrow we want to achieve results and it will take 150%”. Grit is guaranteed, as is the show, on this strange Monday with a view on the Scudetto.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Lazio (4-5-1): Marchetti; Gonzalez, Ciani, Cana, Stankevicius; Candreva, Onazi, Ledesma, Hernanes, Mauri; close.
On the bench: Bizzarri, Strakosha, Crecco, Castaldi, Ederson, Kozak, Floccari, Saha.
Trainer: Vladimir Petkovic.
Unavailable: Brocchi, Dias, Pereirinha, Konko.
Disqualified: Biava (1), Lulic (1), Radu (1).
Beware: Cana, Gonzalez, Konko.
Juventus (3-5-1-1): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Marchisio; Vucinic.
On the bench: Storari, Rubinho, Caceres, Marrone, Padoin, Isla, Giaccarini, De Ceglie, Matri, Quagliarella.
Trainer: Antonio Conte.
Unavailable: Chiellini, Anelka, Giovinco, Pepe, Bendtner.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Pirlo, Matri, Bonucci, De Ceglie, Padoin.
Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro (Lecce).
Line Assistants: Posado-Padovan.
Port Assistants: Damato – Calvarese.
Fourth official: Viazzi.
