The last step before face to face. Napoli and Juventus are preparing for another "remote" Sunday, with the minimum objective of keeping the distances unchanged in view of next Saturday's direct match. Sure, both would prefer to earn something: the Azzurri to show up in Turin with a nice big "lifesaver", the Bianconeri not to play with the worry of winning at all costs. However, that could hardly happen, although in football nothing should ever be taken for granted: Carpi and Frosinone will try but are clearly inferior to the two lead battleships.
“We can't underestimate this game, the Emilians are in good shape and if we don't play to the max we'll be in serious trouble – thundered Sarri at the press conference. – For us it will be a test of maturity, we will have to keep our heads on Carpi and think about Juventus only from Monday". Easy said, a little less done. In fact, the clash at the Stadium has been on the minds of all of Naples for some time and it is difficult to think that Castori's team can "steal" general attention. The Azzurri will have to be good at resetting their minds and playing as they know how: in that case, in fact, the 3 points will only be a logical consequence. Sarri will rely on the typical formation, apart from the disqualified Jorginho who will be available again next Saturday.
The ordinance 4-3-3 will see Reina in goal, Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly and Ghoulam in defense, Allan, Valdifiori and Hamsik in midfield, Callejon, Higuain and Insigne in attack. Castori will respond with the following 3-5-2: Belec between the posts, Zaccardo, Suagher and Poli in the back, Sabelli, Crimi, Bianco, Cofie and Letizia in the midfield, Di Gaudio and Mbakogu up front. Similar scenario also for Juventus, engaged in an away game that, on paper, does not seem to create too many problems. “Frosinone already punished us in the first leg and we'll have to keep this in mind – retorted Allegri. – We were chickens but they have great quality in set pieces, they scored 8 goals like that. Let's remember that the 3 points of this match count as those of the next one”. Even the Juventus coach therefore appeals to the concentration of his players, with the awareness that in doing so the chances of a 14th consecutive victory would rise enormously.
Unlike Sarri, however, Allegri does not escape comparisons with Napoli: on the other hand, the head is now a fact. “They have the best attack, we have the best defense – he continued at the press conference. – Statistically, in Italy, whoever concedes the fewest goals wins, but they are doing very well”. Today, however, it's time to think about Frosinone, which Stellone will field with the usual 4-3-3: Leali in goal, Rosi, Blanchard, Russo and Crivello in defense, Gori, Chibsah and Sammarco in midfield, Tonev, Ciofani and Dionisi in attack. A few more problems for Allegri, forced to deal with various absences: from the injured Caceres (season over), Mandzukic, Asamoah, Khedira and Evra (flu) to the suspended Zaza. The 3-5-2 will thus see Buffon in goal, Barzagli, Rugani and Chiellini in defense, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba and Alex Sandro in midfield, Morata and Dybala in attack.
