Lecce vs Juventus Preview: Juve are back in the race - Aquilani
Posted Sunday, February 20, 2011 by PA
Alberto Aquilani believes back-to-back wins in the past two weeks is proof Juventus are back on track for a top-four Serie A finish.
The Turin giants recorded their first league win in four games when they overcame Cagliari 3-1.
They followed that win with an impressive 1-0 triumph over defending champions Inter Milan last weekend to claim consecutive victories for the first time since December.
Their good run of form has seen Luigi Del Neri's side move up to sixth spot - four points away from the Champions League play-off place.
Midfielder Aquilani believes confidence is now returning to his side ahead of a tricky away trip to Lecce on Sunday.
"We are in a good condition, ready for the final sprint," said Aquilani, who joined Juve this summer on loan from Liverpool.
"There is the regret of having given away many points in the month of January but we prefer to look ahead.
"Our aim is to qualify for the Champions League.
"I'm not thinking too far ahead.
"There are 13 games remaining and we have to take as many points as possible in order to finish in the top four."
Del Neri is likely to field the same starting XI that beat Inter.
Lecce coach Luigi De Canio will be forced to make changes to the team that lost 3-2 at Catania in the last round.
Gustavo, Ruben Olivera, Jeda and Guillermo Giacomazzi must all serve a one-match ban this weekend.
To complicate matters for De Canio, Serbian defender Nenad Tomovic will also miss the encounter with a muscular injury.
Lecce have collected just one win in their last six games and will be under pressure to get a result against the Turin giants knowing that a defeat could see them fall to the bottom three.
The Giallorossi hold the last position of safety, just two points clear of 18th-place Brescia.
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