The 'Old Lady' beckons

14/12/08

Juventus vs Milan
Stadio Olimpico
'The real deby d'italia' Ranieri

The race for the scudetto showdown has began and two title heavy weights will be battling it out on the field tomorrow night as Juventus will take on Milan at the Stadio Olimpico ahead of an injury crisis for both teams.

Claudio Ranieri has been struggling with injuries since the beginning of the season, however the Tinkerman has managed to pull his team together to start producing results. With Buffon having already been out for several months Manninger has had to step up to the plate but another blow struck the team as Mauro Camoranesi is still unable to play following his dislocated shoulder. While suspension for Nicola Legrottaglie has also left a gap to fill.

Sissoko has made it to the squad but he is still battling to shake off the flu, while Salihamidzic and Zanetti have both recovered.

The injury crisis that has hit the Via Turati outfit has come in full force as Gattuso will be out for the rest of the season, however, the midfielder would have been suspended for the game, while Bonera has also been ruled out for three weeks following a right groin strain.

The major worry for the Milanisti was whether or not their beloved Kaka' would make it into the squad after picking up a muscle strain in training last week. The Brazilian however has been included in the squad but his condition is still unclear just like Falmini's.

In the post match interview yesterday it was said that Flamini was the only player guaranteed to start as he has been left a huge void to fill; that of Gattuso's. But latest reports state that the Frenchman might be in doubt after picking up an ankle injury in the final training session. Ambrosini, Ronaldinho, Pirlo and Seedorf have all recovered for tomorrow night.

It is worrying times for the rossoneri as they look to close the gap on Inter while pulling away from Juventus, however, it certainly won't be an easy task for Carlo Ancelotti.

Juventus are simply bursting with confidence after qualifying for the final 16 of the Champions League while they have also discovered form in Serie A ; quite the opposite to Milan. Lack lustre performances has seen Milan loose points on the scudetto race and a win is vital for both teams in hope of staying close to Inter.

It is one of the most anticipated games of the season and the diavoli and la vecchia signora will no doubt put up a good show.