Juve star Pepe wants Samp boost

Simone Pepe is hoping a midweek break will stand Juventus in good stead when they face Sampdoria away on Sunday.

Sampdoria needed extra-time and penalties to see off Udinese in the Coppa Italia round of 16 on Wednesday, while Juve have enjoyed a week off since their last match.

Juve are seven points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan and will be keen to win at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris as they attempt to maintain a title challenge.

“It’s rare that we have a full week to prepare for a match without having to play in midweek,” Pepe said.

“It’s unusual, but we have prepared for the game well and we hope to take advantage of this break.”

“I saw Sampdoria in action and they did well,” he added.

“On Sunday we’ll face a team with important players and one which can count on the support of their fans.”

“In order to win we’ll need to play the perfect game.”

Juve and Sampdoria played out a 3-3 draw at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino in September and Pepe – who joined on loan from Udinese at the beginning of the season – opened his account for the club in the match.

“I scored my first goal for Juventus in that game, now I hope to net my fourth in the league.”

Juve have a number of injury problems ahead of the trip to Genoa, with strikers Luca Toni, Fabio Quagliarella, Vincenzo Iaquinta and midfielder Claudio Marchisio all missing.

Misfiring front-man Amauri is out of form and has a broken nose, but may be pressed into action with the aid of a protective mask.