Juventus out to avoid repeat

By Paolo Menicucci

Top meets bottom in Serie A on Sunday as leaders Juventus FC travel to Bergamo to take on Atalanta BC.

Cup upset
After 20 games the Bianconeri have 47 points, five more than their closest challengers, AC Milan, while Atalanta have just eleven. Still, the Bianconeri have good reason not to underestimate opponents who eliminated them from the Coppa Italia earlier this month.

Thuram warning
"It won't be an easy game for us," said defender Lilian Thuram, who will be making his 100th league appearance for Juventus. "Atalanta know they can beat us because they've done it already in the Coppa Italia."

Midfield changes
Juventus will not be helped by the absence of three of their regular midfield players. Pavel Nedved is injured, Manuele Blasi suspended, and Emerson very doubtful after picking up a knock last weekend. Alessio Tacchinardi, Stephen Appiah and Ruben Olivera are ready to deputise.

Nesta suspended
Milan face an easier task, on paper at least, at home to a Bologna FC side missing six injured first-teamers. Alessandro Nesta is banned for the Rossoneri while Filippo Inzaghi is absent again after breaking a bone in his right hand during his first appearance in two months against Udinese Calcio in midweek.

Livorno defeat
Milan lost at AS Livorno Calcio last Sunday and coach Carlo Ancelotti warned: "Bologna have taken eleven points from their last five games. They are in good form but we cannot waste any more points after losing to Livorno."

Palermo possibility
Fourth-placed FC Internazionale Milano's unbeaten run now stands at 31 matches but US Città di Palermo meet Roberto Mancini's men at the Antonio Barbera stadium knowing victory would take them level with their opponents on 32 points. Inter are still without injured striker Adriano.

Eyes on Europe
UC Sampdoria and AS Roma are also eyeing European qualification. The Blucerchiati are just one point behind Inter and host AC Siena, while Roma are two points behind and take on FC Messina Peloro. Elsewhere on Sunday, US Lecce and S.S. Lazio make trips to Brescia Calcio and Reggina Calcio respectively, while Dino Zoff has his first Serie A outing as ACF Fiorentina coach at Cagliari Calcio.

Donadoni seeks hat-trick
On Saturday, finally, Roberto Donadoni will seek a third straight win since being appointed as Livorno coach when his side visit AC Chievo Verona, while third-placed Udinese travel to Parma FC.