Serie A top scorer David Trezeguet is looking forward to facing champions Inter as promoted Juventus host the Nerazzurri in the most mouth-watering clash of the season so far on Sunday evening in Turin.
The France forward struck a hat-trick in the midweek defeat of Empoli to reach 150 goals in his Bianconeri career – and keep third-placed Juve four points behind leaders Inter going into the Stadio Olimpico showdown.
"It is a game we've been waiting over a year for," said the 30-year old. "Obviously we want to do well for our fans, the championship and ourselves."
Trezeguet, who decided to stay with La Vecchia Signora when they were demoted to Serie B in 2006, has ten goals in as many games this season. Meanwhile, Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left the Turin club after relegation, has scored seven times in nine matches.
The Swede has become so important to coach Roberto Mancini that he was rested for Wednesday's win against Genoa being just one booking away from suspension. "He is a great striker, a great player and a great man," added Trezeguet.
Not that Ibrahimovic, 26, is Inter's only threat. Hernan Crespo is in form, David Suazo scored his first goal for the team in the Genoa victory, and 'super sub' Julio Cruz has four Serie A strikes to his name this term.
The Argentinian is ready to add more against Juventus. "Since I have been with Inter, I have known that the game against Juventus is even more important than the derby with AC Milan," he said.
While Juve will go into the Derby d’Italia with an unfamiliar underdogs tag, the passion and intensity of this great rivalry, and home advantage could inspire a superhuman effort.
The team news shows contrasting fortunes for these sides. Inter are without the injured Marco Materazzi, Dejan Stankovic, Patrick Vieira and Francesco Toldo although goalkeeper Julio Cesar should be back after overcoming a back injury.
Meanwhile, Juventus recover winger Mauro Camoranesi after a thigh injury, and defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Nicola Legrottaglie from suspension.
"They will play with great pride because they have been waiting a long time for this match," added Cruz. "However, Juventus are among our most dangerous rivals for the Scudetto and we want to beat them."
Source: UEFA
No comments:
Post a Comment