Preview: Old Lady looking to leapfrog Serie A leaders Roma
The Turin based club will be hoping to take advantage of Roma’s dip in form by taking the top spot in Serie A. A win for the Old Lady, coupled with a draw or loss for Roma will see Juventus finish the week on top.
The bianconeri put up an impressive showing in their last Serie A encounter when they thrashed Napoli 3-0 in a very dominant display, in doing so Juventus maintained their perfect home record and ensured that the gap between them and league leaders Roma was narrowed down.
Defender Giorgio Chiellini has been delighted with Juventus’ performance in the league this season, but has urged his teammates to remain focused if they are to end the current season as champions of Italy.
“We are on the right path,'' Chiellini said.
“But we know that it takes very little for things to change and that is why we must continue to work hard, focus on ourselves and not on others.”
“We now have three games against teams - Livorno, Udinese and Bologna - that are in need of points and that will no doubt give 110 per cent against us."
“All will depend on the approach we have.''
The defending champions however will be without a host of players and Livorno could take advantage of an injury plagued Juventus side. Antonio Conte will be without the likes of Stephan Lichtsteiner (thigh), Andrea Barzagli (muscle problem), Leonardo Bonucci and Angelo Ogbonna which implies that the Italian tactician might be forced to field a makeshift defence.
The Old Lady will also be without midfielder Mauricio Isla who along with Sebastian Giovinco is a major doubt for Sunday’s tie.
Livorno on the other hand have been on a miserable run having won just one of their last nine matches. Their 2-0 defeat against Inter Milan last time out has resulted in them dropping down to the 15th place in the table just three points clear of the relegation zone.
Livorno head coach Davide Nicola spoke of the daunting task his team has on their hands when they face the defending champions, but insisted that his men will do all that it is necessary to deny Juventus all three points.
“We know we face a huge task against the defending champions,'' Nicola said.
“We have to show courage and determination to try and stop Juve from taking three points.”
“We showed positive signs against Inter but we still have a lot of room for improvement.''
Le Triglie will be buoyed by the return of defenders Andrea Coda and Leandro Rinaudo as well as midfielder Leandro Greco all of whom are expected to return to the starting line-up. They will however be without the services of top scorer Paulinho who will serve his one match ban on Sunday
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch Livorno vs Juventus live on Sunday, November 24 2013:
In Canada at 9:00 ET on beIN Sport Play Canada, RAI Internazionale
In UK at 14:00 BST on BT Sport 2
In USA at 9:00 ET on beIN Sport Play, RAI Internazionale, beIN Sport USA
Fans based in Australia can watch the match live on RAI Internazionale.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Livorno vs Juventus match page.
