Make or break game for Juventus

(GSM) – Juventus hosting Cagliari would have been considered an ordinary affair, but the Italian giants recent decline means the match at home being a decisive one.

Such is the importance being weighed upon the match that the club employed a media blackout as they look to restrict their downward spiral.

The Bianconeri’s 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Udinese last weekend – their biggest league defeat of the campaign – has left them in real danger of missing out on Europe altogether next season.

Alberto Zaccheroni’s side are just a point behind the Europa League places, but a terrible run of form has seen them win just one of their past five league fixtures.

And with two trips to Milan to come in their final six games, the club this week took drastic measures as they seek any measure to turn their season around.

“The club, the team and players ask for forgiveness from the fans, but they will be undertaking a media silence,” a club statement read this week.

One of the key concerns for Juve has been their fragile defence.

Despite boasting the likes of Italy internationals Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Nicola Legrottaglie and Fabio Grosso in their back four Juventus have not kept a clean sheet in 19 league games.

They should, however, be bolstered by the return of first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has been out with a thigh strain since late February.

Vicenzo Iaquinta could also return to the line-up, but Diego and Martin Caceres remain sidelined by injury and Mohamed Sissoko is still serving a suspension.

Cagliari’s own poor form will provide a ray of hope for the Juve fans – some of whom have said they will stay away from the Olimpico Grande Torino in protest against the “ignominy” of their players.

Cagliari have not won in eight games as their own European hopes have drifted away and coach Massimiliano Allegri has pinpointed the defence as his key concern after they also shipped three goals in a 3-2 defeat to AC Milan last weekend.

“We are giving away too many goals,” he said.

“We have collected 40 points so far but I think in order to assure ourselves a place in the top flight next season we still need to get a further three points.

“There are still six games remaining and we have to take it one game at a time.”

Cagliari won the reverse fixture in November 2-0 while they claimed their first win in Turin in over 40 years last season.

They can welcome back striker Nene from suspension, although Allegri may keep faith in youth team striker Daniele Ragatzu who was impressive as he netted against Milan.

Goalkeeper Michael Agazzi will miss out through injury while their are doubts over Alessandro Agostini, Neves Capucho Jeda and playmaker Daniele Conti.