Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: William Hill
A chance to fight for a trophy is at stake on Tuesday night as reigning Italian champions Juventus take on their Serie A title rivals in what promises to be a highly entertaining Coppa Italia semi-final at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.
Juventus
With a wide smile on their face and on the back of nine consecutive wins in all competitions, Bianconeri prepare to welcome Napoli in high spirits, despite some not that great things that have happened recently. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri had plenty of in-squad problems to deal with over the past few weeks – first with Paulo Dybala who refused to shake hands with the manager on his way out of the pitch – and with Leonardo Bonucci most recently, as the Italian defender insulted his manager in an outburst which cost him his place in the team against FC Porto in the Champions League. Allegri showed great strength of character by omitting one of his most important players, who ultimately apologizes for his antics. Bonucci returned to the squad at the weekend and took part in his team’s 2-0 win over Empoli, which put Juventus seven points ahead of second-placed AS Roma. Having strengthened their bid for the sixth consecutive Serie A title, and having secured a solid first-leg lead against FC Porto in the Last 16 of the Champions League, Juventus are keen to put in their best performance against Napoli and pip them to the coveted Cup trophy.
Team News
Leonardo Bonucci is back in the team and that is arguably the biggest selection boost for Allegri.
Paulo Dybala is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up, together with Khedira, who could replace Marchisio in the midfield.
Napoli
Partenopei will grudgingly head out to face Juventus, who boast the attack line lead by Napoli’s former hitman Gonzalo Higuain. Maurizio Sarri’s men, however, are doing rather well without their key man from last season as they’ve thus far outscored Juventus with 60 Serie A goals to Juventus’ 55. Dries Mertens have been in particularly sizzling form this term with 16 Serie A goals to his name and 4 assists. Marek Hamsik is another high-flying Napoli player with 10 goals to his name and both of them will be keen to continue with inspired displays against the league leaders. Napoli will have a difficult challenge, most of all as they are looking to bounce back from the weekend’s disappointment. Partenopei have taken a 2-0 blow at the hands of Atalanta, who managed to close the gap behind Napoli in fourth to only three points. Napoli beat Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals to grab a chance to lock horns with Juventus and get their revenge for back-to-back Serie A defeats last season. Partenopei have managed only one win in last six encounters with Juventus and their chances are a bit slim if numbers are to be taken into consideration.
Team News
Allan is the definite absentee for the Juventus match with his groin injury, whereas Lorenzo Tonelli will be hoping to win the race against fitness and get in line for a place in the team.
Arkadiusz Milik could be given a run from the start, together with Leonardo Pavoletti who is making a strong push for the starting berth.
Key Factors to Consider
- Juventus won all of their last nine matches in all competitions
- Bianconeri won 14 of their last 16 home matches
- Napoli last triumphed in Torino back in 2012
- Partenopei lost 4 of the last 5 meetings with Juventus
- Gonzalo Higuain has scored 22 goals for Juve thus far
Conclusion
Juventus have gone past the in-squad quarrels and back to being their usual selves, which might come as bad news for Napoli. Maurizio Sarri saw all of his great work get undone with defeats against Real Madrid and Atalanta, which is why we believe that Partenopei could struggle to get the best out of their heads against Juvnetus.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: William Hill
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