Ranieri faces defensive dilemma

Ranieri faces defensive dilemma
Friday 16 January, 2009

Juventus are facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of Sunday's away day against Lazio as Giorgio Chiellini is ruled out.

The Old Lady won their first game of 2009 against Siena to cut the gap to leaders Inter to four points.

But they are short-staffed as they prepare to travel to the Eternal City in search of three more valuable points.

The latest news from the Juve camp is that Azzurri defender Chiellini won't be fit to play, as well as winger Mauro Camoranesi.

While Mario Marchionni is ready to step in for Camoranesi, it may be harder to find a solution to the defensive conundrum.

Czech stopper Zdenek Grygera is suspended and joins long-term absentees Jonathan Zebina and Dario Knezevic in the stands.

To make matters worse, midfielder Hasan Salihamidzic, who could cover at the back, is unfit to start in Rome.

Claudio Ranieri may opt to start youngster Lorenzo Ariaudo who played well in the Coppa Italia against Catania alongside Nicola Legrottaglie.

Alternatively, pugnacious Dane Christian Poulsen could drop into the defence as he is fit again after injury problems.

The final option is to play left-footed Azzurrini starlet Paolo De Ceglie at right-back

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