The South Rises Again
Juventus and Lazio meet in a derby that could tilt the title race, with old loyalties and fresh wounds on both sides.
The noise will build before a ball is kicked on 11 November, and Juventus, second in Serie A, host Lazio, fourth, in a derby that has become a barometer of ambition. The Bianconeri come into it off a 1-0 defeat at Fiorentina, their first stumble after a run of wins. Lazio arrive with the scent of an upset in their nostrils.
Juventus will be without Jamal Tazi and Giuseppe Cuomo, but the greater concern is fatigue: Marco Tofanari, Shakeem George, Luigi Volpe and Luis Aguirre all carry tired legs. Yet the expected 4-3-3 boasts the electric Assaf Kabilo, averaging 7.58 in his last five, and Yeremay Escobar, whose pace could torment a static Lazio back line. Lazio's 4-2-3-1 will look to Amine El Amrani, the former Juventus man who has three goals in his last five and a point to prove against his old club. "I gave everything for those colours," he might say, "but now I wear the sky blue with pride."
Lazio's injury list includes Francesco Savino and Davide Citterio, and Demba Coly is tired at left-back, where he faces Kabilo. That duel could decide the night, with Kabilo's dribbling against Coly's pace. The last three meetings ended 2-0, 2-0 and 1-1, all in Juventus's favour or drawn. But Lazio have won seven of eleven with their shape, and they need a statement. Juventus need to steady the ship. Destiny, as ever, waits in the wings.