Napoli v Juventus: Preview and possible line-ups

Charles Whitehead 5 years ago 11.4k |

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Napoli v Juventus: Preview and possible line-ups. EFE

We look ahead to the Serie A clash between Napoli and Juventus from the San Paolo stadium. The visitors can effectively wrap up the league title with a win, but second-placed Napoli will be desperate to stop them.

TEAM NEWS

Napoli

Lorenzo Insigne returns, having been ruled out of the side's last game against Parma with suspension. Allan and Fabian Ruiz look set to keep their places in central midfield, while Kalidou Koulibaly will be looking to impress potential suitors Manchester United with a strong performance in this high-profile match.

Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo had been a doubt for this game due to an ankle injury but is expected to start, meaning he will not be rested ahead of the crucial upcoming clash against Atletico. Miralem Pjanic is expected to start in the middle of the park having recovered from illness, while Rodrigo Benancur should also start as Massimilano Allegri looks to nullify Napoli's sizeable attacking threat. Sami Khedira, Juan Cuadrado and Douglas Costa are all still out with long-term injuries.

MANAGERS' THOUGHTS

Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti on the two sides' first encounter and Massimilano Allegri:

“When we met earlier this season, Napoli were still trying to find our style. Now we are more consolidated, in better shape both physically and mentally, so there’s no better time for us to face Juventus.

“Massimiliano Allegri reads the game well, is more focused on players rather than tactical systems, so in that sense we view football more or less the same way.”

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri on injuries and the recent defeat to Atletico Madrid:

"Ronaldo trained with the team and will play tomorrow. Sami Khedira needs tests. We hope to get Douglas Costa back against Atletico Madrid, but Juan Cuadrado is still a long way off recovery."

"I was disappointed by the reaction [to the Atletico defeat], because people had created some expectations Juventus had to go to Madrid and beat Atletico 3-0. It's not an intelligent assumption, not one for people with their feet on the ground."