Lazio vs Juventus Preview

January 28, 2013 By Gregory Sica

The Romans will be hoping to make the most of their slender advantage over Juventus to secure progression to the Coppa Italia final.

Following their 1-1 draw with Juventus at the Juventus Stadium last week, Lazio will rate their chances of securing passage into the Coppa Italia final against the Italian champions at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

Lazio, who have lifted the Coppa Italia fives times, picked up a valuable draw in Turin courtesy of a late equaliser from Stefano Mauri after Federico Peluso had given the lead to the much-fancied hosts earlier in the half.

Heading into the clash, Lazio are more than aware of the fact that if they manage to keep Juventus from finding the back of the net they will progress to the title decider.

The Biancocelesti are expected to confront the match with a rather defensive approach, with four men at the back, five men in the midfield and Sergio Floccari as the lone striker.

German striker Miroslav Klose continues to be sidelined due to a muscular injury, meaning that along with Floccari, Lazio's only other attacking option is Czech striker Libor Kozak.

Meanwhile, rivals Juventus will have to deal with the absence of key player Andrea Pirlo, as well as Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah, who is representing his national team at the African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Taking into account that Juventus must score at least one goal to remain in contention for a place in the final, coach Antonio Conte will most likely field two strikers right from the kick-off, with these players expected to be Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella. Montenegrin hitman Mirko Vucinic provides Conte with another viable attacking option.

According to reports, Conte could replace Paolo De Ceglie with Emanuele Giaccherini on the left wing, as he looks to find the most suitable option to link up with Quagliarella and Claudio Marchisio down the flank.

Juventus will be aiming to return to top form at the Stadio Olimpico, as they intend to take a step closer towards winning what would be a record tenth Coppa Italia title.