Catania vs Juventus

Catania face a stern test at home in week 18 as they will be hosting the red hot Juventus at the Angelo Massimino. The side managed by Baldini are coming off of a disappointing loss away to the lowly Reggina, while Juventus are on an 8 match unbeaten run which includes 4 wins in their last 5 matches with 1 draw. During those 5 matches they have outscored opposing clubs by 11-2.

At this time Catania are in 10^th place of the Serie A table with 21 points on the year. They are just behind 9^th place Sampdoria on goal difference and 2 points up on 11^th place Genoa. In week 17 they were beaten away to Reggina by a score of 3-1 at the Oreste Granillo. The biggest injury concern this week is fullback Sabato who is dealing with a left leg injury and has been ruled out. There are also two suspended players in Baiocco and Sardo. Baldini is looking to Izco to spell Baiocco in midfield while Silvestri will start in place of Sardo. A positive development is the fact that Jorge Martinez is back at 100% fitness and slated to start in a 3 man attack along with Spinesi and Mascara. Catania have been fairly consistent at home this season with 5 wins and 1 draw in 8 contests.

Juventus are on a roll as the prepare to visit Catania. They have not lost a match in over 2 months with their last one of 2007 ending in a 2-0 victory over Siena at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. Claudio Ranieri has his side playing focused and determined football and this has them in 3^rd place of Serie A with 35 points, 1 behind 2^nd place Roma and 6 ahead of Udinese. On the injury front the right flank continues to be the weakest link with both Mauro German Camoranesi and Jonathan Zebina slated to miss yet another match. Look for Nocerino to take Camoranesi’s spot while the right fullback position is up for grabs with Salihamidzic and Grygera vying for the spot. The positive development this week is that David Trezeguet has been cleared to play after having been a question mark early. He currently leads the Serie A in scoring with 13 goals.

While on paper Juventus appear to be far superior, Catania are a pesky little outfit and could cause them problems. Still, the bianconeri have a lot of firepower upfront. Unless Polito has a big match in goal it could be a long day for Catania.

Prediction: Juventus (1-2)