Team Talk : prepare for Derby

Ranieri prepares for D-day
Monday 25 February, 2008

Claudio Ranieri is relishing the chance to move on from Saturday’s controversy as Juventus face Torino in tomorrow’s derby showdown.

The Old Lady lost out to Reggina on Saturday after some dubious refereeing decisions by referee Paolo Dondarini, prompting the Bianconeri to send a letter to FIGC lamenting the attitude of Serie A officials.

Juve have the chance to put their Stadio Granillo nightmare behind them as they take on Torino and look to repeat their hard-fought 1-0 victory back in Week 6, even if the scorer that day David Trezeguet is out with the ‘flu’.

“The first game was good and we triumphed thanks to a strike from a champion in Trezeguet,” Ranieri recalled. “I’m expecting a similar game tomorrow even if Trez won’t be there.

“I’m hoping to get Vincenzo Iaquinta and Jonathan Zebina back and it’s a shame that I won’t have Cristiano Zanetti, but whoever takes his place will do well.”

Ranieri has been uncharacteristically vocal about the events of Saturday and gave a final explanation of his frustration.

“The lads weren’t angry in Reggio Calabria, but they were bitter and disappointed,” he explained.

“The open letter? This club does things clearly and wanted to say something to everyone.

“However, given the fixture list, we haven’t got a chance to dwell on the past.

“This is a game that is more than just a League match and that’s why it is so great. The formbook goes out of the window.

“Toro at the moment have quality players who are almost as charged as ours. Novellino has taken stock during the January transfer window and has a side well suited to his style of play. I would enjoy seeing a top of the table derby, like it was when I was a player.”

Azzurri goalkeeper Gigi Buffon will return after being rested against Reggina to take the strain off his injured back and midfielder Antonio Nocerino is back from suspension.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Salihamidzic, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Sissoko, Nocerino, Nedved; Iaquinta, Del Piero

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