Juve Set For Viola Test
Thursday 10th May 2001
Juventus travel to Fiorentina on Friday night hoping to get their Scudetto challenge back on track after letting Roma off the hook in last week's top-of-the-table clash.
Juve threw away a two-goal lead in the final ten minutes against the league leaders, meaning they go to Florence still trailing the capital club by six points.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti also has a number of selection problems to deal with. Alessio Tacchinardi, Mark Juliano and Gianluca Pessotto are all suspended while Alessandro Del Piero, Antonio Conte and Ciro Ferrara are all struggling with injury.
Alessandro Birindelli and Michele Paramatti will come into the defence, while Fabian O'Neill may be given a chance in midfield. David Trezeguet is likely to partner Filippo Inzaghi up front.
Defender Paolo Montero admitted after Sunday's 2-2 with Roma that Fabio Capello's side deserve to lift the title. "We are still in it but we won't complain if Roma win the title because they have been the best team throughout the season so far," he said.
"There is no place for recriminations. Looking at the future, I don't know if we must change many things, but I know that I want to stay here for a long, long time."
Fiorentina's only injury problems going into the game are Alessandro Pierini and Saliou Lassissi, who will both miss out.
Boss Roberto Mancini will probably play youngster Emiliano Moretti as a third defender alongside Tomas Repka and Daniele Adani. Angelo Di Livio and Fabio Rossitto have recovered from minor knocks and will take their places in midfield. Enrico Chiesa and Nuno Gomes will play up front.
But one major problem for Mancini will be the absence of the suspended Rui Costa.
The Portuguese star was angered by comments from vice-president Mario Sconcerti, who this week claimed the player was discussing a new contract with him.
"I haven't spoken with Mr Sconcerti about my future," said Costa. "I don't think he knows what kind of agreement there is between me and president Vittorio Cecchi Gori.
"I don't wait for new players to be bought or sold, I will just wait for the end of the season and then I will speak with the president about my future."
Fiorentina (probable) Toldo, Repka, Adani, Moretti, Rossi, Di Livio, Rossitto, Amoroso, Vanoli, Nuno Gomes, Chiesa
Juventus: (probable) Van der Saar, Birindelli, Tudor, Montero, Paramatti, Zambrotta, O'Neill, Davids, Zidane, Trezeguet, Inzaghi
