Samp cup test for Torino

By Paolo Menicucci

Torino Calcio are the only Serie B representative among the 16 teams in action this weekend in the third round of the Coppa Italia.

Fringe players
The competition is not as prestigious as knockout tournaments in other European countries and many teams are expected to blood young and fringe players, notably those with midweek UEFA Champions League fixtures. AS Roma coach Luigi Del Neri, whose side tackle AC Siena tonight and FC Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday, said: "We care about the Coppa Italia but it's fair that we'll rest players."

Top versus bottom
Torino are at home to UC Sampdoria tonight, while Serie A leaders Juventus FC visit the side propping up the 20-team division, winless Atalanta BC. Bianconeri coach Fabio Capello is preparing to hand the likes of Ciro Ferrara, Nicola Legrottaglie, Mark Iuliano, Alessio Tacchinardi and Olivier Kapo their chance, and expects them "to prove their worth". Capello added: "The Coppa is undoubtedly a level below the Scudetto and the Champions League but we still want to go as far as possible."

Duo rested
Andriy Shevchenko and Jon Dahl Tomasson's goalscoring exploits for their countries, Ukraine and Denmark, in midweek have earned them a rest when the Italian champions AC Milan travel to US Città di Palermo on Saturday, the same day that US Lecce entertain Udinese Calcio and ACF Fiorentina welcome Parma FC.

Vieri fit
Holders S.S. Lazio are at Cagliari Calcio on Sunday, when FC Internazionale Milano will strive to arrest a run of five consecutive Serie A draws against Bologna FC at the San Siro. Christian Vieri has returned to full fitness and should link up with former Bologna striker Julio Cruz in the Nerazzurri attack. The second legs are scheduled for 12 January.