Heavyweights of Italian football, Juventus and Napoli, renew their rivalry as they clash swords for the first time in the Serie A 2016-17 season on Saturday in Turin. Currently, four points separate the two sides in the table. While Juventus are on the top with 24 points from ten games, Napoli are on 20 points from ten games.
A lot was being made out after Argentine star striker Gonzalo Higuain moved to Juventus from rivals Napoli earlier this summer. Fans, coaches and also his teammates were furious and protested Higuain's transfer, calling him a traitor as well. Fortunately, the Napoli fans are banned from attending the match for security reasons and Higuain is spared of the enormous amount of boos he would have received from the away fans during the game.
While Higuain will be available for the match, Juventus will be without Paulo Dybala, who has an injury. Napoli, too, are without Arkadiusz Milik and Manolo Gabbiadini, while defender Raúl Albiol also remains a doubt.
Dino Zoff, one of Italy's greatest goalkeepers and also a Juventus legend, ha mentioned that a loss for Napoli from the game could take away all the confidence from them.
"I think Napoli will miss Arkadiusz Milik more than Juve will Paulo Dybala," Zoff told Il Mattino newspaper. "Tonight's game is more important for Napoli, as if they lose in Turin, then it'll be hard for them to get back on their feet. Juventus are the favourites, but I expect to see a hard-fought and entertaining match," he added.
The 74-year-old also revealed the way Napoli can stop Juventus star Higuain from scoring in the game on Saturday. "The way to stop Higuain is by anticipating his movements and cutting off the supply. It's imperative there are no lapses in concentration," Zoff said.
"The Napoli defenders already know him well, but that is only an advantage up to a certain point. We are talking about a champion who can score at any moment and in any way. He's not just any striker," he added.
Schedule
Juventus vs Napoli is scheduled to kick off at 7.45 pm BST (12.15 am IST [Sunday], 2.45 pm EST) on October 29.
Where to watch live
INDIA: TV: Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD. Live streaming: Sony Liv.
UK: TV: BT Sport 2. Live streaming: BT Sport Live.
USA: TV: beIN Sports, RAI International, fubo TV. Live streaming: beIN Sports Connect.
ITALY: TV: Sky Calcio 1, Sky Sport 1 HD Italia. Live streaming: Sky Go Italia.
