Juventus vs Inter News

Mancio without star duo
Wednesday 30 January, 2008

Inter will face Juventus in the Coppa Italia tonight without strikers Hernan Crespo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

There’s everything to play for at the Stadio Olimpico after an exciting first leg finished 2-2.

Both sides had reasons to see the San Siro clash as a victory as Inter had played 82 minutes with 10 men and Juve battled back from 2-0 down in the final 11 minutes.

As the media frenzy surrounding the game intensifies, there is no doubt that both Coaches are desperate to claim a place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.

Roberto Mancini won’t be able to call upon Crespo, as the Argentine hitman is suffering from the ‘flu’, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not feature to allow him to recover for the weekend’s Serie A encounter with Empoli.

Brazilian defender Douglas Maicon returns from injury and Cristian Chivu is likely to play with Nicolas Burdisso suspended after his dismissal in the first leg.

Luis Figo is unlikely to play any part, despite being tipped to return from a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging his fibula during a clash with Pavel Nedved when the two teams met in the League.

Mancio will pin his hopes on Julio Cruz, who hit a brace in Milan in the last meeting, and is set to play Il Jardiniere as a lone striker.

Juventus could welcome back Mauro Camoranesi from injury and Claudio Ranieri could hand new arrival Guglielmo Stendardo his debut.

Alessandro Del Piero will lead the line with Vincenzo Iaquinta favourite to start alongside him.

In his career, Alex has scored seven goals against Inter and six of them have been winners.

* channel4