Juventus vs Bologna - Barzagli wants Juventus to maintain pre-break momentum

Posted Saturday, January 07, 2017 by PA

Defender Andrea Barzagli is confident Juventus can pick up where they left off in Serie A as they host Bologna this weekend looking to extend their three-match winning run in the league.

The defending champions suffered a penalties defeat to AC Milan in the Italian Super Cup final in their last match before the winter break and are hoping to bounce back as they return to league action on Sunday.

Barzagli, who was an unused substitute against Milan last time out, returns to the starting line-up following a shoulder injury and is hoping to banish thoughts of that loss as Juve look to build on their lead at the top of the table.

The 35-year-old Italy international told www.juventus.com: "My shoulder has mended up quickly and I'm in good shape now, but the most important thing was to make a full recovery.

"In football you're always looking forwards, which is what we're doing, even if there remains a sour taste after missing out on the opportunity to win silverware.

"I'm not of the opinion that defeats are ever a good thing and it's important never to fall into the bad habit of losing. We need to remember that Juventus must always be aiming for victory."

Barzagli remains confident Juve will be ready to take on 15th-placed Bologna after a fortnight off.

He added: "The first game back after the holidays is never easy both from a physical standpoint, as you've stopped training for a week, but the main challenge is a mental one, regaining full focus and recapturing that winning mentality that's part and parcel of playing for this club.

"We've worked very hard this week in Vinovo and prepared in the best possible way for taking on Bologna on Sunday.

"We're well aware that Bologna are a tough side to play against. We've done our homework on them and we'll need to be on our toes."

New signing Tomas Rincon is eyeing his debut for the Bianconeri after completing a three-and-a-half-year deal from Genoa earlier this week, while goalkeeper Neto is set to start with Gianluigi Buffon unlikely to be even named in the matchday squad having only just returned to training following a bout of flu.

The visitors head to Juventus Stadium on the back a comfortable 3-0 victory at Pescara in their last game on December 18.

Manager Roberto Donadoni will make some late decisions on his starting XI ahead of the clash in Turin but hopes they can cause the hosts some problems.

He told www.bolognafc.it: "The team still isn't decided. There are still a few doubts over players who weren't at their top in the past couple days so I'll decide after the final training session where we add the finishing touches.

"I hope we put in a performance and then the result will depend on individual episodes. We can't just worry about conceding, but must also look to cause problems for Juve."