Juventus vs Bologna preview - Consistency is key for Del Piero

Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero admits his side desperately need to find consistency if the Bianconeri are to secure European qualification this season.

The Turin giants lost 2-0 at Lecce last Sunday to fall out of the Europa League places, and they face a crucial clash with Bologna.

Consistency has been Juve's main problem this campaign.

Having lost at Udinese and Palermo, Juve bounced back with victories at Cagliari and against Inter Milan.

However, their hopes of clinching a third straight victory for the first time this season were tarnished at the Via del Mare stadium last weekend.

"It's useless to underline how important the game against Bologna is for us," Del Piero said. "Especially, in view of last weekend's defeat at Lecce.

"Our focus is completely placed on returning to victory and finding consistency.

"We have been thinking of this game since 16:48 of last Sunday."

The Turin giants are seventh in Serie A, seven points behind Lazio who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Juventus coach Luigi Del Neri will not be able to call on Gianluigi Buffon, with the goalkeeper serving a one-match ban on Saturday.

Marco Storari will replace Buffon in goal while Alessandro Matri is expected to partner Luca Toni in attack.

Bologna travel to Turin in 12th position in the standings, nine points clear of the drop zone.

The Rossoblu lost 1-0 to Roma on Wednesday to concede their first defeat at the Renato Dall' Ara stadium this year.

Bologna coach Alberto Malesani has urged his players to put that setback behind them and concentrate on taking a positive result this weekend.

"We need to forget about this defeat and concentrate on our next game which will be another test for us," Malesani said.

"Juve will be looking to make amends in front of their home fans and we will have to be at our very best if we are to surprise them."

The visitors will be bolstered by the return of Evangelos Moras, Daniele Portanova, Diego Perez and Henry Gimenez from suspension.