Juventus v Empoli

Juventus are without captain, Alessandro Del Piero who is injured after last weeks draw with Atalanta.

Pavel Nedved believes the absences of Piero could damage Juve’s title charge.

“There is not another player with his qualities,’ said the Czech midfielder.

“The only way we can overcome his absence is for the squad to give everything and a bit more.”

Di Vaio is the likely replacement for Del Piero up-front.

Juve are also missing Camoranesi who is suspended. However Pavel Nedved is making a return to the starting line-up after missing last weeks match.

11th placed Empoli will have Antonio Di Natale back after he missed the last three months with a knee injury. Difficult to see beyond a Juventus win in this one. They have not exactly been firing on all cylinders this season, but even without Del Piero, they should have too much firepower for Empoli.

Inter v Reggina

Reggina lie just one point above the relegation zone and need the points.

Inter’s attacking midfielder, Recoba, believes that Reggina will be looking for a draw:

“I don’t think they’ll come to Milan to win, I think they’ll close up at the back and try to sneak a draw,” said the Uruguayan international.

Reggina come into the match on the back of two straight wins over Lazio and Perugia.

Inter lie second in the league on 42 points, level with leaders and arch-rivals Milan, the two clubs are separated only by goal difference, so they cannot afford to slip up in this encounter. A narrow home win looks the most likely outcome.

Perugia v Milan

The players from both sides will be familiar with each other having met on Thursday night in the Italian Cup semi-final. That dress rehearsal produced a drab 0-0 encounter but with both sides viewing the league more as a more serious proposal, a more eventful match looks likely. For Milan in particular, with rivals Inter the match breathing down their neck, this match is vital.

Milan will recall striker Fillipo Inzaghi, midfielder, Rui Costa and defender, Alessandro Nesta, all of whom were rested for Thursday night’s cup match.Perugia look set to field the same starting eleven that played against Milan in that game.

Milan look to have too much firepower to be unduly concerned by the trip to Reggina. An away win looks likely.

Fixtures

Udinese v Piacenzaÿ

February 8
Brescia v Verona
Inter v Reggina
Modena v Roma
Bologna v Atalanta