Socrates

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Matri to replace Tevez? Apr 7, 2014 Alessandro Matri looks set to replace Carlos Tevez in attack when Juventus meet Fiorentina tonight. The Bianconeri are in Florence for the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, but were dealt a blow when Carlos Tevez was ruled out with muscular fatigue. Sky reports that Matri will START in his place, representing his first start since returning to the Old Lady in January. The 30-year-old has made substitute appearances against Genoa and Borussia Dortmund, but looks set to be given the nod tonight. It’s believed Coach Massimiliano Allegri will return to his 4-3-1-2 system, with Marco Storari in goal in Gianluigi Buffon’s stead. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra will occupy the full-back places, with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the middle. Claudio Marchisio is set to return in midfield alongside Arturo Vidal and Stefano Sturaro, with Roberto Pereyra in behind the strikers. Alvaro Morata will partner Matri up front, with Pepe and Llorente ready to come on should a more direct approach be needed as the game wears on. Probable Juventus team to face Fiorentina: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Morata, Matri

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Confirmed: Tevez misses Fiorentina Apr 7, 2014 Juventus have confirmed that striker Carlos Tevez will miss tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final through injury. The Bianconeri take on Fiorentina tonight looking to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, but will have to do so without their star striker. “Carlos Tevez will miss out on tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final return leg clash with Fiorentina,” the club confirmed on its official website, following reports earlier today. “He returns to Turin as a precautionary measure due to persistent discomfort felt from flexor muscle fatigue in his right thigh, an issue first reported during yesterday’s training. “The Argentine forward will undergo further medical assessments tomorrow.” The Old Lady will hope that the injury is not too serious, as they face the first leg of their Champions League last eight clash with Monaco next week. The 31-year-old has 25 goals and eight assists from his 35 matches in all competitions this season.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina name squad for Juventus Apr 7, 2014 Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella has named his squad for tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus. The Viola take on the Old Lady in Florence tonight holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, meaning that they could even progress to the final with a 1-0 defeat thanks to their away goal. However, Montella is not resting on his laurels, with a full-strength squad named, barring the still-recovering Giuseppe Rossi. Mario Gomez, Mohamed Salah and Alberto Gilardino are all in contention to start in attack, with Alessandro Diamanti and Joaquin among those fighting it out for an attacking midfield position. Fiorentina squad to face Juventus: Alonso, Aquilani, Babacar, Basanta, Borja Valero, Diamanti, Fernandez, Gilardino, Gomez, Gonzalo, Ilicic, Joaquin, Kurtic, Lazzari, Lezzerini, Neto, Pasqual, Richards, Rosati, Rosi, Salah, Savic, Tomovic, Vargas.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Tevez doubt for Fiorentina Apr 7, 2014 Carlos Tevez is reportedly an injury doubt for Juventus’ clash with Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia tonight. The Bianconeri take on the Viola in the second leg of their semi-final, and Massimiliano Allegri’s side trail 2-1 from the first leg. Their task may have gotten harder, as reports from today’s final training session ahead of the game indicate that star striker Tevez is struggling with a muscular injury. Sky reports that the Argentinian international is not seriously injured, but is nevertheless unlikely to be risked in tonight’s match, with the Champions League Quarter Final with Monaco to come next week.

I viola non ci stanno e cominciano ad innervosirsi.

LEONARDO BONUCCI 0-3

Di nuovo Matri e Pereyra. Angolo.

Sembrava autogoal.

Basta che non segni al ritorno, poi possono dire quello che vogliono.

Grande azione di Morata ma il tiro sul secondo palo é fuori.

Strano ma non mi sorprende.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina - Juventus Betting: Back Montella's men to move closer to Coppa Italia glory Vincenzo Montella's side have the initiative in the tie after winning in Turin last month and our tipster is backing the hosts to beat the Serie A leaders in Florence on Tuesday. Apr 7, 2014 Last season's Coppa Italia runners-up Fiorentina are aiming to reach the final of this year’s competition when they face Serie A leaders Juventus in the second leg of their semi-final tie in Florence on Tuesday night. Vincenzo Montella’s men take a 2-1 lead into Tuesday’s tussle from the first leg and the hosts are chalked up at a chunky with William Hill to book their place in the final in style with a win over Massimiliano Allegri’s men. Remarkably, Juventus have not tasted success in this competition since 1995 but, with the league title all but wrapped up, Allegri’s side will have their eyes on claiming a hugely impressive domestic double while still maintaining a Champions League challenge. Juventus are available at with William Hill to win on Tuesday night while the same firm go that the Cup clash ends in stalemate. Allegri has some decisions to make over the participation of several key players including Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo who have both recently has spells on the sidelines with injury. The visitors will certainly make the trip to Florence in confident mood, having racked up five successive league victories without even having conceded a goal since they suffered the 2-1 reverse at the hands of Montella’s men in the first leg but the hosts can be trusted to make life difficult for the Serie A leaders. Midfielder Mohamed Salah, on loan from Chelsea, scored both goals for Fiorentina against Juventus in the first leg of this tie and, having found the net for his side again in a win for his side against Sampdoria in Serie A on Saturday, the 22-year-old Egypt international will fancy his chances of adding to his goal tally ahead of Tuesday’s tussle. Salah, who has scored seven goals in his last 12 appearances for Montella’s side, is available at a chunky with William Hill to break the deadlock here, while the same firm go that the former Chelsea man finds the net at any time. Fernando Llorente scored for Juventus against Fiorentina in last month’s first leg tie in Turin and should the Spain international start on Tuesday night, then there could be value in backing the 30-year-old striker to break the deadlock at with William Hill. However, punters should note that Fiorentina have lost just one of their last 19 matches in all competitions and, with one foot in the final after their impressive win over Juventus last month, Montella’s side can make home advantage count here. Allegri's admission that he will take a more attacking approach to the second leg by switching to a back four and utlising the extra man, usually present in a five-man backline, in attack. That ambition should make for an exciting game but with Fiorentina already holding a one goal advantage, Juve could lead themselves open to more defensive issues on the break. Therefore, punters are advised to snap up the juicy quote offered up by William Hill for a home win ahead of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia crunch clash in Florence.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Coppa Italia Rapid Fire Preview: Juventus vs. Fiorentina, Leg 2 Apr 7, 2014 It wasn't all that long ago that Juventus headed to Florence in need of a conquer to advance in a competition. That was the Europa League, not the Coppa Italia like in present day. But it's a reminder that just about this time last year, Juventus stepped onto the Franchi field needing something — and they delivered. This season's extra trip to the land of Viola and wonderful scenery has Juventus trying to overturn a 2-1 aggregate scoreline in the span of at least 90 minutes at the very minimum. Unlike when Juve were playing a two-legged tie a few weeks ago against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, a 1-0 score in favor of the good guys won't be enough to see Max Allegri's team through to the Coppa Italia final. The objective for Tuesday night in Florence isn't a simple one, nor was it ever going to be. Juventus made their bed during the first leg early last month and now have to find a way to flip the script. It might not be a mission impossible, but it's mission-kinda-possible-but-not-totally-possible, if that makes any kind of sense. But if there was ever a time for Juventus to channel memories of last year, they'll have to get it by at least two goals, not one. That's just what happens when you allow Fiorentina to not only grab the win, but get a couple of crucial away goals in the process. As much as Allegri and the squad say they want to advance in the Coppa Italia and end the club's 20-year drought in the competition, there's only one way to try and have that happen now. It's possible. It won't be easy, but it's possible. Well, just as long as Juve don't play like they did in the first leg, that is. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "We're out to overturn the scoreline in Florence. It won't be easy, an intelligent display is required." WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Claudio Marchisio's impact. Just like we all thought when the initial news of Marchisio being injured came out, Juve's No. 8 will be playing ... less than two weeks after the fact?! Yeah, it's been an interesting time ever since the ACL tear that wasn't really an ACL tear took place during the international break. What we know is that Marchisio is healthy and back training — a clear sign that his return to the lineup (even though the absence really wasn't much of one) is about to take place. And with no Andrea Pirlo, Marchisio is almost a certainty to slide into the regista spot that he's excelled at. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "@ClaMarchisio8's in good shape and back with the squad. His few days off have served him well." 2. With Marchisio potentially back in the STARTING lineup, who sits in the center of the midfield? With Allegri saying that a four-man defense is happening Tuesday night, it's pretty easy to figure out where he's going tactically. Juventus, in all likelihood, will go with a 4-3-1-2 formation, but there will be the chance of a 4-3-3 if Juventus' first-year manager wants to include Simone Pepe in some kind of trident up front. But I'll just go ahead and put my cents on Allegri doing what he said he was going to do — "playing my best possible team tomorrow" against Fiorentina. I'll take that as Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and, based on how he played over the weekend, Stefano Sturaro with Roberto Pereyra behind the strikes. But that is just one guy's opinion. Maybe Allegri will surprise and do something super fancy. We all know that Juventus are going to need goals in the second leg against Fiorentina. 3. The continued brilliance of Carlos Tévez. Just when you thought he might get a little bit of rest after coming back from the international break, Carlos Tévez goes and scores another goal to remind us — like we really needed it — how awesome he is. Allegri says he will field his best lineup, and that means Tévez will be playing alongside Álvaro Morata in all likelihood. That combination has been so good since it became Juve's No. 1 partnership up front for Allegri to go to. We know Juventus needs goals Tuesday night, and more than just one. Having Tévez on the field with Morata will be Juve's best chance at flipping the scoreline in their favor. And if Tévez can replicate anything close to how he's played for much of the season, Juve have a chance. Why? Because there's always a chance of seeing a Juventus goal whenever Tévez is on the field. He's just that damn good. 4. Slowing down the Mo Salah Express. You want the biggest individual reason why Juventus is down 2-1 on aggregate, here you go. Salah has been simply superb since arriving on LOAN from Chelsea in the winter transfer window. You know, seven-goals-in-12-games kind of good since donning the Viola jersey. That's a goal-to-game ratio you figure Tévez would be racking up — which he has this season — while leading Juventus to another Scudetto. Salah's goals are a big as to why Fiorentia currently sits in fourth in the Serie A table right now. And, more importantly to the matter right in front of Juventus, Salah's played a massive part in why Fiorentina are just 90 or so minutes away from the Coppa Italia final. It doesn't really matter what formation Juve trots out there, the No. 1 priority has to be keeping track of Salah. If they don't, they'll see the 22-year-old Egyptian striker celebrating more than another goal or two against Juventus on Tuesday night. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "Salah? He's a good player. Fiorentina have made an excellent signing." My XI (4-3-1-2): Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonuccii, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Tévez, Morata OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina v Juventus Preview: Bianconeri hope to have Marchisio for crucial Coppa clash The Italy midfielder picked up a knee injury on international duty last month but could play a part in his side's bid to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss. Apr 6, 2014 Juventus hope Claudio Marchisio will be fit in time to help them overturn a first-leg deficit in their Coppa Italia semi-final at Fiorentina on Tuesday. Massimiliano Allegri's side suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat in the home tie last month, as Mohamed Salah scored either side of Fernando Llorente's strike. Marchisio suffered a knee injury while on international duty and with Juve needing victory by two goals to progress to the final, Allegri hopes the midfielder will be able to play some part, with Andrea Pirlo (calf) and Paul Pogba (hamstring) still out. "Marchisio is doing well," Allegri said on Monday. "He's returned to the squad, however he's been training separately. "Considering the number of matches he's played from the beginning of the season to now, I think four or five days out of the team did him some good. "He'll be available, so I'll have to assess today whether to play him or not. "As for Pirlo, the day after tomorrow he should be part of the group, and then we'll slowly evaluate his physical condition. "I'll assess him once he returns to the group, but the important thing is to have him available. I hope he'll be in good condition, because he's done well in training. "There are still a lot of games between now and the end of the season, I think Andrea has the quality to play in big games, even when he's not in top condition." Allegri says Fiorentina begin the second leg as favourites to progress, and has pledged to play a back four with an extra attacker, while Marco Storari will start in goal instead of Gianluigi Buffon. Juve go into the game on the back of five straight victories across all competitions since the first-leg defeat, while Fiorentina have lost just once in their past 19 outings. "It's a big opportunity for us," said Viola coach Vincenzo Montella. "To beat Juve after also knocking Roma out would mean we'd eliminated the top two teams in the league, and that would be a source of pride for us. "We're very proud, but we haven't achieved anything yet. Up until now we haven't reached any of our goals. "Tuesday's match can give us the opportunity to achieve something positive. Our state of mind is that we can achieve more and more, the city recognises our commitment and is proud of us." Fiorentina are bidding to reach their second straight Coppa final, after losing 3-1 to Napoli in last year's tournament decider, while Juve were beaten by the same opponents in the showpiece in 2012, last lifting the trophy in 1995. LAST FIVE MATCHES Fiorentina W D W W D 2015/04/04 Fiorentina 2 - 0 Sampdoria 2015/03/22 Udinese 2 - 2 Fiorentina 2015/03/19 Roma 0 - 3 Fiorentina 2015/03/16 Fiorentina 2 - 1 Milan 2015/03/12 Fiorentina 1 - 1 Roma Juventus W W W W W 2015/04/04 Juventus 2 - 0 Empoli 2015/03/22 Juventus 1 - 0 Genoa 2015/03/18 Borussia Dortmund 0 - 3 Juventus 2015/03/14 Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 2015/03/09 Juventus 1 - 0 Sassuolo HEAD TO HEAD 2015/03/05 Juventus 1 - 2 Fiorentina 2014/12/05 Fiorentina 0 - 0 Juventus 2014/03/20 Fiorentina 0 - 1 Juventus 2014/03/13 Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina 2014/03/09 Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina V Juventus – Preview: In-Form Duo Dreaming Of Coppa Italia Final Apr 6, 2014 Fiorentina are set to host Juventus at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Tuesday in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final tie. La Viola enter the game with the advantage, having beaten the Bianconeri 2-1 in the first leg in Turin courtesy of goals from January acquisition Mohamed Salah. Juve on the other hand have an uphill task ahead of them if they are to reach their first Coppa Italia final since 2012, as they have to win by a score larger than 2-1 to progress without heading to extra-time. Recent meetings between both sides give an indication that Juventus will have a very tough time against Vincenzo Montella’s men. The previous 10 games between both sides has seen Juve prevail four times compared to Fiorentina’s two. However, only twice has the score been larger than 2-1, with one of them coming in the 2011/2012 season when Juve finished an undefeated Serie A season as champions, while La Viola were hovering near mid-table in 13th. However, the last time both teams played each other in a two-legged tie was last season in the Round of 16 of the Europa League when Juve needed a win or a large score draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi to qualify, having drawn 1-1 in Turin. It was Andrea Pirlo who scored the goal towards the end of the game and the Bianconeri went through. Juventus also prevailed in the last Coppa Italia tie between both sides which dates back to the 2005/2006 season, winning by an aggregate score of 6-3. Both sides also enter the game in top form, not only have they won their previous Serie A encounters against Sampdoria and Empoli, respectively – but both enter the game undefeated in their past five games in all competitions. Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella though will be without the services of Aleandro Rosi, Stefan Savic, and skipper Manuel Pasqual due to injury. On the other hand, Massimiliano Allegri has a plethora of injuries to deal with. Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, Martin Caceres, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Kingsley Coman are all set to miss the game due to respective injuries. Form Guide: Fiorentina (W-D-W-W-D-L) Juventus (W-W-W-W-W-L) Expected Starting XIs Fiorentina: Neto; Richards, Basanta, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Alonso; Borja Valero, Pizarro, Mati Fernandez; Joaquin, Salah; Gomez. Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Tevez, Morata.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Montella: ‘Juventus will attack’ Apr 6, 2014 Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella says they face a ‘very difficult’ game against a Juventus who will ‘attack at full strength’. The Viola hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Coppa Italia tie, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice at Juventus Stadium. “I think it will be an open game, and a very difficult one,” Montella predicted in his pre-match Press conference. “We’ll face a very strong team, who are very competitive both home and away. However, we want to play. It’s the kind of game to play openly, without trying to make any calculations. “It will be a good game to experience both for us and for our fans. We have to know our qualities very well, and use them against those of the opponent. “We have a small advantage thanks to the first leg result, but a very small one. Playing against them [Juventus] should motivate us even further. “The best teams know how to do it all, I expect Juve to attack at full strength. “Tactically, it’s difficult to say what we should avoid. However, we shouldn’t sit back and be submissive, because that would be counter-productive.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Allegri: Juventus must watch out for Salah The Bianconeri boss has admitted the Egyptian attacker could trouble his side, but he remains hopeful of overturning their first-leg defeat. Apr 6, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has singled out Mohamed Salah as Fiorentina's main threat ahead of Tuesday's Coppa Italia clash at the Artemio Franchi. The Egypt international has made a great impression in Italy since joining on loan from Chelsea in January and he played a key role in his side's 2-1 win in the first leg of their semi-final tie in Turin. Allegri has stressed that the Serie A champions must be on top of their game to keep the 22-year-old quiet in the return tie and progress to the final. "Salah? He's a good player. Fiorentina have made an excellent signing," Allegri said at a press conference. "We're out to overturn the scoreline in Florence. It won't be easy and an intelligent display is required. "To turn the tables we need to win by a two-goal margin. We need a good performance and calm heads. "We need to be extremely patient and make the most of the chances that fall our way. "Where did we go wrong in the first leg? The way we dealt with Salah's goal and the first eight minutes of the second half." Allegri then went on to reveal that Andrea Pirlo is unlikely to feature against Fiorentina, but added that Claudio Marchisio has recovered from injury. "Pirlo should be back with the group on Wednesday. We'll check on his fitness. "Marchisio is in good shape and back with the squad. His few days off have served him well."

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Allegri: ‘Fiorentina are favourites’ Apr 6, 2014 Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri admits Fiorentina are favourites, but thinks his side can make the Coppa Italia final. The Viola emerged from the first leg in Turin with a 2-1 win thanks to a double from Mohamed Salah, meaning that the Old Lady must win at Artemio Franchi tomorrow night. “We have to go to Florence to try to overturn the negative result from the first leg,” Allegri told journalists in his pre-match Press conference. “It won’t be easy. At the moment, they’re the favourites, as they have the [first leg] result in their favour. “They’re going through a good spell, playing good football and getting excellent results, so we’ll have to play an intelligent game. “We know that we’re facing a team with great technique, which plays well, but we also know that we don’t have to immediately win the game in the first half hour. “It will be a long game, so we’ll have to pay a lot of attention. “It’s not easy to win in Florence. For them, as for us, it’s an important game, because it [the final] would be an important goal to achieve. “We know we have the ability to get two goals, but we could even get them 10 minutes from the end, so we don’t have to get worked up and anxious to immediately overturn the result, because that will absolutely not be simple. “They’re going through an excellent period.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups Apr 6, 2014 Saturday saw a full slate of Serie A games, as Italian football leaves Sunday free because of Easter, with a number of teams recording important wins. While victories for AS Roma, Lazio and Milan were essential, the most significant results of the weekend perhaps came in Turin and Florence. Juventus rounded out the Week 29 calendar, beating Empoli 2-0 and securing three more points in their quest to retain the league title they have held since 2012. Yet even that match—reviewed in detail here—was undoubtedly overshadowed by Fiorentina’s win over Sampdoria by the same scoreline, with Vincenzo Montella’s men leapfrogging the Blucerchiati and moving into fourth place in the table. It also brought them within six points of the top three, a huge incentive for the Viola to continue the form which has seen them lose just once in their last 19 outings. That run has seen them reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, while they also hold a narrow 2-1 advantage over Juventus after the first leg of their Coppa Italia clash. The Bianconeri, despite awaiting next week’s Champions League meeting with AS Monaco, are determined to advance despite that deficit however, with Massimiliano Allegri stressing the importance of the competition during a recent Q&A session with supporters. “It’s been a long time since we won the Coppa Italia,” the 47-year-old said via the club’s official Twitter account. “We can overturn the first-leg and will give our all to secure the trophy!” Having failed to win the cup since back in 1995, fans will hope the team can do just that, starting by eliminating Fiorentina on Tuesday evening. Predicted Lineups FIORENTINA (4-3-3): Neto; Richards, Rodriguez, Basanta, Alonso; Fernandez, Pizarro, Valero; Salah, Gomez, Diamanti Key Battle Following his impact upon the first leg, it will be interesting to see how Juventus cope with the threat posed by Mohamed Salah this time around. Patrice Evra is likely to be handed that task, possessing far more natural ability at left-back than the unfortunate Padoin, who allowed the Egyptian to run unhindered for that spectacular opening goal. A savvy and experienced veteran, the Frenchman would have undoubtedly hauled down Salah early in that breakaway, even at the expense of an almost-certain yellow card. The on-loan Chelsea star has nevertheless been superb since arriving in Serie A, recording seven goals and two assists so far for the Viola. Evra has similarly impressed since leaving the Premier League behind, shrugging off his early struggles to become Juve’s first choice at full-back. He has been a solid defender and contributed well to the attack, making him fully deserving of his recent international recall after a sustained period of good form. Player to Watch If Salah holds the key to Fiorentina’s hopes of success, the same must be said of Carlos Tevez, the striker at the heart of everything positive for the Bianconeri this season. The Argentinian has already netted an incredible 25 goals in all competitions thus far, also adding nine assists as he constantly lifts Juventus to victory. Tevez is almost certain to start this encounter, testament to the Turin club’s aforementioned desire to progress in the Coppa Italia. With the 31-year-old in the side, Allegri can be confident his players will do all they can to overturn the deficit, his tireless effort constantly rubbing off on those around him and ensuring they do all they can to secure a win. Commenting on the striker’s form after the recent win over Genoa, the coach told Sky Italia that Tevez was enjoying “a remarkable season” (h/t Football Italia) before going on to discuss the ability possessed by the former Manchester City star. “He has great technique, I leave him free to move around a bit more and I think that’s important for him,” Allegri continued. “You can tell a champion by the way he moves and shakes off the marking, even without having to run that much.” If Tevez can continue his current irrepressible form on Tuesday, he could well help the Bianconeri end their long-overdue wait for cup glory, which was the subject of this previous column. Odds (via Odds Checker) Home win: 23/10 Away win: 13/10 Draw: 5/2

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Claudio Marchisio set to return for Juventus after knee injury Apr 6, 2014 Claudio Marchisio is set to return to action for Juventus in their Coppa Italia semifinal tie with Fiorentina on Tuesday night just over a week after being told his season was over. Marchisio, 29, was sent back to Turin by Italy's national team doctor Enrico Castellacci with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament tear. An absence of between six to eight months was forecast and insults, including death threats, were directed at Italy coach Antonio Conte, accusing him of working the players too hard in training. After further tests were carried out by Juve's medical team once Marchisio arrived back in Turin, the diagnosis altered dramatically. Rather than a six-to-eight month break, he was told he would be back within six to eight days. Instead of a tear, he had only sprained his knee, and on Tuesday night he could be back in action for the Bianconeri. "Claudio Marchisio is back in the group and he can be called upon for the trip to Fiorentina," said a statement on the Serie A club's website. Juve head to Florence needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg last month, but coach Massimiliano Allegri is optimistic about his side's chances, launching a hashtag on Twitter -- #Iocicredo -- saying that he has faith in his side mounting a recovery to remain on course for three titles this season, alongside Serie A and the Champions League. "Now bring on the Coppa Italia because #Ibelieve," he wrote. Massimiliano Allegri ✔ @OfficialAllegri Un altro passo verso il nostro obiettivo,contro una squadra organizzata. Ora sotto con la Coppa Italia, perchè #iocicredo ! Juventus are currently top of the Serie A table, 14 points clear of second-placed Roma with nine matches of the season to play.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Gomez Hopeful Ahead Of Coppa Italia Clash Apr 5, 2014 Mario Gomez remains hopeful of Fiorentina’s chances against Juventus in the Coppa Italia second leg on Tuesday. The Viola picked up an impressive 2-1 win at the Juventus Stadium to give themselves the slight advantage before welcoming the Bianconeri to the Stadio Artemio Franchi. ”I think there’s a 50 per cent chance we can go through,” Gomez told Rai Sport. ”Juventus are stronger than us but we showed in the first leg in Turin that we can defeat them. ”When we play with that sort of desire and concentration on winning we can do it again. ”It will definitely be a tough match because Juventus will also be up for the fight and ready to win.”

Beppe Marotta confirms Daniele Rugani will be part of Juventus' squad next season Apr 5, 2015 Daniele Rugani has done very little wrong this season, his first in Serie A. Whether it's the fact he hasn't been shown a yellow card at all in his 29 starts or that he's seemingly assimilated perfectly to Serie A at the age of 20, the young center back has continued to do nothing but impress us week in and week out. It has led a lot of people to believe that Rugani will be back with Juventus, the club he essentially grew up, as early as the beginning of next season. And guess what? It's more than something that just makes sense. As Beppe Marotta confirmed before Juventus' 2-0 win over Empoli on Saturday, Rugani will be a Juve player when next season gets underway. "Empoli are a reference point for youth in Italian football and have always churned out some very interesting players. Among these is Rugani, who we have bought and will be part of the Juventus squad next season." (Source: Football Italia) Based on his personal past, Rugani would far from object to have Juventus in his future — no matter who else comes calling with eyes agaze with any kind of potential transfer interest. "Wenger wanted me? It's gratifying to know that such a great Coach was interested. But honestly I'm glad to have been redeemed by Juventus, I've been a Juventino since childhood and I hope to stay in Turin for 10 years." (Source: Football Italia) Just 10 years, kid? I'd be cool with 12 or 15, but that's just me nit-picking the whole situation at this point. With the way he has developed and adapted to life in Italy's top flight, there's no doubt Rugani has put himself in position to be both a key cog in both Juventus' and the Italian national team's defense for years to come. The defenders ahead of him for both club and country aren't getting any younger, which means exactly what you think it means. Who knows exactly at this point what kind of role Rugani will have within the Juventus squad next season. But what we do know is that he will be in Turin next season and clearly prepared to make the jump into Italy's best team. That's just what happens when you're a 20-year-old kid and play consistently excellent in your first Serie A season.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Preview: Fiorentina vs. Juventus Apr 5, 2014 Juventus will attempt to salvage their treble hopes on Tuesday when they visit Fiorentina for the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final. The runaway Serie A leaders trail 2-1 from March's first leg, in which they lost for the first time at home this season, but may have a certain Italian World Cup winner back to aid their chances of overturning that deficit. Fiorentina Fiorentina have put themselves in a strong position courtesy of their 2-1 success at the Juventus Stadium last month, in which Chelsea loanee Mohamed Salah scored both goals. His signing would be made worthwhile simply if they can hold onto this advantage, and they may take a defensive approach as Juve need to score at least twice to progress. Sitting back and hitting the opposition on the break worked perfectly for Vincenzo Montella's side as they did a job on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League earlier this term. The pacey Salah is the perfect counter-attacking weapon, and the Egyptian winger has seven goals in eight games since arriving from Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window. The latest of those came in Saturday's 2-0 win over Sampdoria, as he quickly added to Alessandro Diamanti's 61st-minute goal to secure the Florence outfit three points which took them fourth in the Serie A table. Third-placed Lazio occupy the final Champions League qualifying spot and are five points ahead of Fiorentina. Overhauling them and reaching the final of the Coppa Italia would represent an excellent campaign for Montella's men. Recent form (all competitions): L D W W D W Juventus The Old Lady remain in the hunt for what would be a magnificent treble this season, having reached the Coppa Italia semi-finals and Champions League quarter-finals while maintaining their dominance in Serie A. They only led the domestic standings by three points prior to the mid-season break, but a spate of Roma draws has allowed them to go 14 points clear at the top of the table with only nine games remaining. Juve have fully capitalised on the capital outfit's constant slip-ups, rarely letting their form dip. They have recorded five successive victories across all competitions since they were angered by their first-leg loss to Fiorentina. The most recent of those wins came on Saturday in the form of a comfortable 2-0 success at home to Empoli. Carlos Tevez opened the scoring with his 25th of the season before Roberto Pereyra made sure of the points late on. Victory came at a cost for Massimiliano Allegri, though, as Arturo Vidal limped off. The Juve manager will be praying that the Chilean is not badly injured as Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio are already midfield absentees. While the Turin outfit have dominated Italian football in recent years and are well on their way to a fourth successive title, the Coppa Italia has proved illusive and it has remarkably been 20 seasons since their last triumph in the competition. Former Derby County and Middlesbrough striker Fabrizio Ravanelli was one of the scorers as Juve beat Parma for the trophy in 1994-95. Allegri will endear himself to the Juventus faithful, some of whom still need convincing, by ending the drought, but they have a task on their hands. Recent form (all competitions): L W W W W W Team News Juventus's injury crisis in midfield could be solved by the return of Andrea Pirlo, who has not played in six weeks because of a calf strain. The 35-year-old playmaker is rated as 50-50 and Allegri may be tempted into trying on his fitness. Paolo De Ceglie, Martin Caceres, Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah join the trio of likely midfield absentees, and so Pereyra could be rewarded for his scoring cameo as a substitute with a start at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Alvaro Morata, also used from the bench against Empoli, may get the nod ahead of Spanish compatriot Fernando Llorente as Tevez's strike partner, while Giorgio Chiellini should be recalled at the expense of Angelo Ogbonna in defence. The hosts have lost three first-team regulars since the first leg, with Josip Ilicic, Manuel Pasqual and Stefan Savic all picking up injuries, so Montella is unlikely to deter too far from the side which bested Sampdoria. Diamanti's strike should see him preferred on the wing to Joaquin, but Matias Fernandez and Nenad Tomovic could be recalled in place of Alberto Aquilani and Manchester City loanee Micah Richards. Alberto Gilardino may be included among the substitutes. Fiorentina possible starting lineup: Neto; Rodriguez, Basanta, Tomovic, Alonso; Badelj, Fernandez, Valero; Salah, Diamanti; Gomez Juventus possible starting lineup: Buffon; Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Tevez, Morata Head To Head Fiorentina's recent home record against the Old Lady makes this cup semi-final even more unpredictable. It really has been a mixed bag, from a 4-2 victory last season to a 5-0 drubbing in the 2011-12 campaign. They have not lost either of their encounters this term, and a repeat of December's goalless stalemate will do just nicely for Montella's men as they hope to set up a showdown against either Napoli or Lazio. We say: Fiorentina 1-1 Juventus This one could go all the way to extra time and penalties, but if there is to be an aggregate victor in normal time then it might just be Fiorentina. Their threat on the counter will cause Juve problems and, if they can make it to the break without conceding, a spot in the final might just be theirs.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina-Juve SF '50-50' Apr 5, 2014 Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè maintains the Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus is still “50-50.” The Viola earned a shock 2-1 victory in Turin for the first leg, while the decider is at the Stadio Franchi on Tuesday. “It’s a very difficult game and we start with a 50-50 chance of qualification,” Pradè told reporters. “Juve are an extremely strong side and we must forget the first leg result to put in a great performance on the night.” Away goals do count in the Coppa Italia, so the Tuscans would still go through even with a 1-0 home defeat. Fiorentina moved into fourth place in Serie A thanks to their 2-0 win over Sampdoria, sealed by Alessandro Diamanti and Mohamed Salah goals. “We knew Salah was strong, but nobody expected him to have such an immediate impact on the team. “It was difficult to play on that waterlogged pitch, but we are happy and can relax over Easter. We have many more tough games ahead of us and must stay concentrated. “The lads and Coach Vincenzo Montella have done so well to take it one game at a time. There has been a real shift in the mentality since our defeat to Parma.” Pradè also commented on Alberto Aquilani, who could well remain in Florence. “He is a player we’ve rediscovered and we’re discussing a contract renewal.”

Spurs eye Llorente and Ogbonna Apr 5, 2015 Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in both Fernando Llorente and his Juventus teammate Angelo Ogbonna. The Premier League club was already rumoured to be after the Spaniard, and La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport confirmed this weekend that the player may be on his way out at the end of the season. The 30-year-old centre-forward has scored seven goals in 32 official games for Juve this term. Tuttosport further links Spurs to Ogbonna, reporting that the 26-year-old defender would not look down on a move to England. While his first choice is believed to be the Bianconeri, he may choose to pack his bags should the club prioritise the development of Daniele Rugani, who has already been signed from Empoli. Ogbonna has made 17 Serie A appearances this season, but was pushed back to the bench by Andrea Barzagli’s return to fitness.