The Seria A season is moving into its final stages. More than ever clubs are made to depend on the depth of their squads. Juventus, Inter and Roma are among the teams affected by injuries and suspensions.
Serie A champions Juventus play Chievo on Saturday. The Italian giants will feel the pressure of second place Roma who have moved just six points behind the leaders. Moise Kean and Marko Pjaca are on the list of longer term injuries. Strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandžukić are doubtful to start the game. Chievo will not be able to use players Gamberini and Rigoni.
@OfficialAllegri: “@PauDybala_JR could play as a centre-forward tomorrow in #JuveChievo.” pic.twitter.com/Z5rHM3Tx5v
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 7, 2017
@OfficialAllegri: “@DaniAlvesD2 is an important player for us. His injury slowed down his progress but he’s back on the up.” #JuveChievo pic.twitter.com/CsVYj6J2Ne
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 7, 2017
Empoli meet last place Pescara in a tough relegation derby. Alberto Gilardino and Davide Vitturini are still away from being fully fit to start for Pescara. Empoli will feel the absence of Uros Cosic out due knee injury.
The other game on Saturday sees Atalanta face Sassuolo. Atalanta has perform beyond expectations this season and sits in a comfortable fifth place. They will hope to secure a place in next year’s European football without Boukari Dramé and Stefano Mazzini, who is back in training but doubtful to start. On the other hand, Sassuolo hope to move further away from the relegation places. They will be without Marcello Gazzola and Francesco Magnanelli. Davide Biondini‘s absence has not yet been confirmed.
On Sunday last year’s runners-up Roma travel to Bologna. Notable absences include Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Florenzi for Roma. Bologna will hope to weather the storm without Adam Masina, Luca Rizzo and Fabrizio Brignani. With only eight games remaining Roma are hopeful they can end Juventus’ dominance in Italy.
The week’s derby will be no doubt the meeting between Lazio and Napoli. It’s a battle for third place with Lazio currently four points behind Napoli. Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi will have an almost complete roster to choose from. Stefan de Vrij is the only player doubtful to start due to a muscle injury. Napoli will hope to make the best of a clean bill of health in earning a place in next year’s Champions League
The Milan sides are in danger of completing another disappointing season. Milan host Palermo, while Inter travel to Crotone. The two teams occupy seventh and sixth place. Their fans will worry their teams are to finish another season without winning a place for themselves in next season’s European competitions.