Fabio Capello has warned his players to be patient as they look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit when Liverpool arrive in Turin for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
Juventus overcame Real Madrid in the last round, despite losing the first leg in Spain 1-0, and Capello has urged his players to be bide their time when the two sides meet again at the Stadio Delle Alpi.
“We have to be aggressive and try to score but we also need to remain alert to the threat of Liverpool’s counterattacks.
“We need to attack in a prudent way, waiting patiently for our chances during the game.”
Juventus defender Jonathan Zebina and fellow Frenchman David Trezeguet are injured. Ciro Ferrara and Olivier Kapo are also out with their long-term injuries, while Alessio Tacchinardi will be serving the second game of his two-match suspension.
Brazilian midfield player Emerson is ready to return to the starting line-up after being rested for the weekend’s 3-3 draw with Fiorentina
Capello’s will start with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swedish striker with 12 Serie A goals to his name this season, alongside Alessandro Del Piero.
“I think we can trouble Liverpool with quick passes and precise one-twos in attack,” Del Piero said.
“They are very good in the air so it would be better for us to keep ball on the ground. Liverpool are a dangerous side and played good matches away from Anfield this season, but I’m sure we can qualify.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool coach Rafael Benítez has received a huge blow n the eve of the game with the news that talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard, will miss out due to a long-standing groin.
“Everyone knows that Gerrard is a key player for us but we will try to do different things without him,” said Benitez.
Dietmar Hamann and Harry Kewell miss out through injury, meaning Xabi Alonso could make a first start after breaking his ankle three months ago.
“There is no problem with his ankle now but I don’t know if he’s in the physical condition required at this level,” noted Benítez.
“We will decide tomorrow whether he will play the second half or whether he can start the game.”
Better news for Liverpool is the return – after a six-month lay-off with a broken leg – of French striker Djibril Cissé.
“He will not start the match but maybe we will use him in the last 20 minutes or so if we need something different as he is quick and can score goals,” added Benitez.
“We are going to Turin to win the match,” added Benítez.
“We will try to be compact in defence and try to score a goal. If you try to win maybe you can draw and those two results are good for us. Juve will surely attack but that will leave us space.”
Probable Teams:
Juventus: Buffon; Birindelli, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi; Del Piero, Nedved, Zlatan.
Liverpool Dudek (Carson), Warnock, Hyppia, Carragher, Finnan, Alonso, Biscan, Riise, Garcia, Smicer (Cisse), Baros
