|
|
Juventus lacking attacking options for Lazio clash
Jan 21, 2013 8:20:00 PM
The Bianconeri are short on options for Tuesday's clash with the Biancocelesti and the Italian coach confirms Andrea Pirlo's extended absence
Juventus boss Antonio Conte is suffering a lack of striking options ahead of Tuesday's Coppa Italia semi-final clash with Lazio.The 43-year-old has been left with a depleted strikeforce following injuries to Sebastian Giovinco and Nicklas Bendtner, while leading scorer Fabio Quagliarella misses out through suspension.
And Conte admits he is erring on the side of caution before making a decision on Mirko Vucinic's fitness.
“We’ll have to evaluate Vucinic,” Conte told reporters.
“He played 90 intense minutes at the weekend after a period in which we had to preserve him because of his ankle.
“I’ll need to speak to Vucinic, but I have to evaluate everything. I don’t want him to get injured again, I want to be cautious.
“We’ll have to carefully consider whether to give him another 90 minutes, especially as we only have one striker left in Alessandro Matri.
"I'm not yet able to say who will play, I'll have to deploy someone out of their natural position.”
The Bianconeri are also set to be without the influence of Andrea Pirlo once more.
The 33-year-old missed out on the 4-0 victory over Udinese at the weekend and Conte confirmed Pirlo would again be unavailable for selection.
He added: “Pirlo won’t play, that’s for certain. However, Claudio Marchisio should return.”
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Inside Goal.Com
-
The Dossier: Stop Martinez, stop Bayern
With the Mario Gotze missing through injury, Marco Reus will be charged with the task of stopping Javi Martinez from dictating proceedings in the middle of the park
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
