Nedved fit for Fiorentina

Nedved fit for Fiorentina
Friday 29 August, 2008

Juventus breathe a sigh of relief as Pavel Nedved has recovered and will be able to face Fiorentina on Sunday night.

The Czech midfielder was stretchered off after a knock to the ankle during yesterday’s training session and there were real fears over his condition.

He is well on the road to recovery and is expected to start at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in the big game of this opening Serie A weekend.

Momo Sissoko also sustained an injury during that session and has still not returned to full training, instead undergoing fitness work in the gym.

He will have time to recover, though, as the former Liverpool midfielder is suspended for the Fiorentina match anyway.

The Bianconeri are also missing the injured Giorgio Chiellini, Marco Marchionni, Cristiano Zanetti, Jorge Andrade, Dario Knezevic and Jonathan Zebina.

It is likely new buys Christian Poulsen and Claudio Marchisio will form the central midfield partnership flanked by Mauro Camoranesi and Nedved.

The Juventus fans had originally been banned from attending the high-profile clash amid fears of crowd trouble, but the authorities have decided to ‘trust’ the supporters at the start of the new season, allowing them to travel in small numbers.

The same deal was also struck with Napoli tifosi who can go to the Olimpico to cheer on their side against Roma.

“A football match must always be a celebration for those who go to the stadium,” said Gianluigi Buffon.

“Last year it was a real shame having to play in Florence without the support of our fans. I am happy that this time they’ll be by our side.”

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