| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
JUVENTUS  Storari Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Pepe, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia Vucinic, Matri | GENOA  Frey Mesto, Dainelli, Moretti, Antonelli Kucka, Veloso, Rossi Merkel Palacio, Jorquera |
Buffon suffered a bruised shoulder during training on Thursday, paving the way for former AC Milan shot-stopper Storari to line up between the sticks. Their summer recruit Vidal, on the other hand, is still recovering from a thigh injury incurred in Wednesday's session.
Other changes are also seen on the flanks, as Milos Krasic and Eljero Elia have been dropped from the side, amid reports that coach Antonio Conte is unhappy with their form. Therefore, Simone Pepe and Marcelo Estigarribia are likely to be handed the responsibility of providing width.
Meanwhile, Genoa have also opted to make alterations from the team that drew 0-0 with Lecce in last weekend's drab affair. Emiliano Moretti is expected to replace the suspended Kakha Kaladze in central defence, while Marco Rossi should make way for the incoming Giandomenico Mesto at right-back.
Elsewhere, Valter Birsa will be sacrificed for Rossi, who moves from defence into midfield, and Cristiano Jorquera should replace Andrea Caracciolo in attack.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Juventus have beat Genoa six times, with the visitors winning just once since their return to Serie A in 2007.
- Impressively, the Old Lady have scored in each of their last 16 meetings with the Grifoni.
- Juventus have failed to score at home just four times since March 2008, but interestingly every time they haven't found the net, they have lost.
- In addition, they are unbeaten in their past seven games and have lost just once in their last 16.
- Meanwhile, Genoa have beaten Juventus away from home just twice in 44 fixtures, and have suffered 53 defeats against Juventus on 88 occasions; their worst record against any Serie A team.
- Alberto Malesani's side have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last nine away games, losing seven on the road.
- Rodrigo Palacio has been involved in eight of his Genoa's nine total goals this season, scoring five and assisting three.
Prediction
Despite the goalscoring prowess of Genoa, their rearguard is susceptible to leaking goals and the impressive firepower possessed by the Old Lady, coupled with their defensive solidity this season, means that all in all it should prove to be a winning formula for Juventus, as they prepare to keep up the pace at the Serie A summit.
Editor's Prediction
Juventus 2-1 Genoa 
