AFP/Rome
Leaders Juventus visit third-placed Napoli tomorrow without suspended striker Carlos Tevez but “relaxed”, according to coach Antonio Conte, ahead of a clash which could further underline his side’s virtual invincibility in Serie A.
A 2-1 win over Parma on Wednesday thanks to a Tevez brace was Juve’s 15th consecutive win at home and restored their 14-point lead over Roma to bring a third consecutive title even closer to Turin.
Tevez was cautioned during the win, meaning he will miss the trip to the San Paolo due to a one-match suspension.
But with several strikers at his disposal including Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella, Conte was not too concerned.
“Carlos isn’t available but someone will take his place,” the Juve handler said. “We are feeling relaxed, especially after a win over an excellent Parma side.”
For South American fans of Serie A, Tevez’s absence is regrettable as it would have pitted the Argentinian against compatriot Gonzalo Higuain.
Unlike Tevez, Higuain has virtually cemented his place in Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina side for the World Cup although Tevez, who has never been called up since Sabella was appointed, was defiant.
“It’s not up to me to pick up the phone and convince him. If I don’t get picked, I’ll go to the seaside with my family,” Tevez said.
Nevertheless, Sunday’s clash is still likely to produce fireworks, according to Marcello Lippi, who has preceded Conte and Rafael Benitez as coach of both clubs.
“Considering the way both coaches will approach the game I’m sure sparks will fly,” Lippi told the Ultimecalcionapoli.it website.
“Juventus have shown they are virtually unbeatable... but it will be an open game and the result could go either way.”
Juve’s only league defeat this season came in October when Fiorentina fought back from a two-goal deficit to stun the champions 4-2 in Florence.
Since then, Conte’s side has dropped points only twice, during draws away to Lazio and Verona.
Despite sitting six points behind Roma, who also have a game in hand, Napoli believe they can fight their way into contention for runner-up spot and the second automatic Champions League qualifying place.
Today
Bologna v Atalanta (1700 GMT), Milan v Chievo (1945)
Tomorrow
Sassuolo v Roma (1130), Verona v Genoa, Lazio v Parma, Sampdoria v Fiorentina, Torino v Cagliari (all 1400), Napoli v Juventus (1945)
Monday
Udinese v Catania (1800), Livorno v Inter (2000)
