Juventus vs Hellas Verona preview - Lichtsteiner focused on Verona
Posted Saturday, September 21, 2013 by PA
Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has stressed the importance of taking three points against Hellas Verona on Sunday.
The Turin giants are looking to end a disappointing week on a high note.
The Serie A champions salvaged a draw at Inter Milan last Saturday before being held to a 1-1 draw by FC Copenhagen in Tuesday night's Champions League opener in Denmark.
"It is always difficult at the start of a new competition," Lichtsteiner said. "We wanted to win but we failed to do so.
"We have to look ahead with optimism, knowing that if we play as we did in the second half against Copenhagen, we are on the right path.
"Now we must focus on getting three points against Verona."
Juve coach Antonio Conte is set to welcome back midfielder Claudio Marchisio, who could make his season debut against Verona having recovered from a knee injury.
Mirko Vucinic is set to partner Carlos Tevez up front.
Twenty five years have passed since Verona last took a point from Juve in Turin.
And Andrea Mandorlini's side will be hoping to end that hoodoo come Sunday at the Juventus Stadium.
"To play in a stadium like that one gives you a huge motivation," Verona goalkeeper Rafael said.
"We will go to Turin determined to do well."
Verona bounced back from their 3-0 defeat to Roma with a 2-0 triumph over Sassuolo last time out to record their second win of the campaign.
The promoted outfit have shown great balance at both ends of the pitch, scoring four times and conceding four goals in three games so far.
The visitors are still without defender Domenico Maietta and striker Luca Toni through injury.
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