The first match point. Juventus is preparing for the big match against Lazio (at 20.45 pm) with the awareness of being able to close the Scudetto issue once and for all, assuming it is still open. But regardless of the standings (the bianconeri are at +12) the match presents numerous pitfalls: first of all the opponents, those biancocelesti very launched by their 8 consecutive victories, and then the calendar, which foresees the match right between the quarter-finals of the Champions League. “It's a complicated cycle, we're playing for the Scudetto and the Champions League – admitted Allegri at the press conference. – This will be a direct clash against an extraordinary team, not surprisingly second in the standings. But we have a good lead and we have to try to increase it”.
The charge of the Juventus coach is understandable, especially after the misstep in Parma. It's not so much a question of the Scudetto, that, barring incredible twists and turns, has already been secured in the winter campaign. More than anything else it is a question of closing each discussion, to then concentrate all forces in the Champions League which, Monte Carlo permitting, could really give enormous satisfaction. That's why Allegri, compared to Tardini, will manage his men differently: turnover yes, but not extreme.
“Between Lazio and Monaco I have to think about fielding the best – he confirmed. – It wouldn't make sense to think about bookings or anything like that, the moment is decisive”. The formation will be 4-3-1-2, an almost inevitable choice given the disqualification of Ogbonna, which leaves only 3 central players available to the coach. Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini and Padoin will play in front of Buffon, with Evra on the bench to catch his breath. In midfield it's time for Marchisio to rest, back from 3 consecutive games, and confirmation for Pirlo, in need of playing time after a long absence. Alongside him Vidal and Sturaro, with Pereyra supporting the attackers. Which will be Tevez and one between Matri and Llorente, with the first favorite given the bad period of the Spaniard.
A lot of energy also for Lazio, looking for the ninth consecutive victory. It would be something incredible, in addition to the absolute record for the club, albeit in cohabitation with Eriksson (1999/2000, the year of the Scudetto). “We have everything to be able to win this match – Pioli's speech. – Let's not think about the record, let's go race by race. We can determine our results ourselves, we are fine and we are energized. However, I don't want to hear about the Scudetto, even if we win we'll have too many points to recover”.
Self-confidence and realism, a mix on which the Lazio coach has been working since the beginning of the season and the results are there for all to see. However, the second place just conquered is in great danger: in fact, tomorrow Roma will host Atalanta in a decidedly more affordable match. To further complicate the already prohibitive away match in Turin there are injuries and suspensions. Pioli will have to do without De Vrij, Parolo, Cavanda, Radu and Novaretti: important absences, which could leave their mark. The coach will rely on a 4-3-3 with Marchetti in goal, Basta, Cana, Mauricio and Braafheid in defence, Cataldi, Biglia and Lulic in midfield, Mauri (favorite over Candreva), Klose and Felipe Anderson in attack. A respectable formation, an excellent test for Allegri's Juve. Arrived at the most important moment of the season, the one in which you decide between Heaven and Hell.
