Juventus play a tricky away fixture to Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam tonight in the Europa league and their coach Alberto Zaccheroni will be wary of the threat this former European powerhouse can pose to his side.
Tonight’s game will be a contrast of sorts for both these 2 sides. Juventus come into this match with memories of their humiliating 4-1 loss to Bayern Munich in Turin that effectively knocked them out of the Champions league while their hosts Ajax qualified for the last 32 of Europe’s second tier club competition by virtue of finishing 2nd behind Belgian club Anderlecht in Group A.
It is a shame that these 2 European giants have to compete in a competition that am sad to say does not carry a lot of appeal as the Champions league. Considering the history of these 2 clubs, one would expect them to feature alongside Europe’s finest in the champions league not with the “juniors in the small leagues.”
Juventus got their 1st victory under new coach Alberto Zaccheroni on Sunday when they beat Genoa 3-2 in the Serie A and he will want to prove that it was not a fluke. Their is no doubt that the Amsterdam Arena is a fortress for Ajax. 3 of their last home games have produced have seen the club win by huge goal margins and Juve will not be taking any chances.
Juventus are expected to start veteran Del Piero, with Diego and Amauri sealing their three-pronged attack. Felipe Melo, Claudio Marchisio and Momo Sissoko will be in midfield while chiellini, Grosso, Grygera and Legrottaglie will be in defense. Juventus will definitely be looking for a positive result. A win will be welcomed however, we must not rule out Ajax.
Martin Jol has decided to play a 4-3-3 attacking formation with his key players Luis Suarez and De jong marshaling their attack. I will restrain myself from making any predictions but i have this strong feeling that tells me this game will end in a 3-1 victory in favour of Juventus.
Photo credit: Stanhefan
